Seems like every day something old has the buzzword, “retro” attached to it, and becomes a hugely popular item. While this might not be the case with some of the best retro cameras, many camera manufacturers have listened to their customers and put their newest technology in some retro-designed cases.
We love all things tech and when we see some incredible cameras get the retro treatment, we can’t help but share it with you. So, join us and check out the best retro cameras in 2022.
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10+ Best Retro Cameras in 2022
- Fujifilm X Pro 3 — The best retro camera overall in 2022 (Editor’s Choice)
- Olympus PEN E-PL6 — The best budget retro camera
- Olympus OMD EM10 Mk II — The best value retro camera
- Fujifilm X-T3 — The best professional retro camera
- Fujifilm X100F — The best hybrid retro camera
- Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX100 — The best autofocus retro camera
- Leica M10-D — The best splash-resistant retro camera
- Canon PowerShot G9 X Mark II — The best connectivity retro camera
- Pentax Silver KP — The best compact retro camera
- Nikon Z fc — The best mirrorless retro camera
What is the Best Retro Camera in 2022?
There are a lot of different options out there for anyone in the market for a great retro camera in 2022. While we all have our favorites, to us, the best option is the X Pro 3 from Fujifilm. If you’re interested in some of our other top choices, check out our comparison table below.
What is a Retro Camera exactly?
Contemporary photographic technology continues to evolve at a rapid rate. There are several cameras in the market with large sensors and better processing powers in comparison to much earlier models. The design and style of the cameras are similar to each other.
Many photographers look for cameras that appear different and distinct, and this is where retro cameras come in. Retro-style cameras return the user to a place of nostalgia and celebrate the past, and it is a rising trend that attracts those looking for a more classic camera look.
Two important features are important in a retro-styled camera: its appearance and its controls. Many Fujifilm cameras use manual controls but they skip the retro styling part of it.
10+ Best Retro Cameras in 2022
1. Fujifilm X Pro 3 (Editor’s Choice)
The best retro camera overall in 2022
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Product Dimensions: 2.4 x 7.9 x 4.9 inches | Item Weight: 2.40 lbs | Batteries: 1 Lithium-Ion battery required | Optical Sensor Resolution: 26 MP | Sensor: CMOS 4 sensor | Processor: X-Processor 4 | Video capture resolution: 2160 P
The Fujifilm X-Pro 3’s design makes it so you focus your eyes on the subject, but allows easy access to the controls. This is the ultimate design available for analog camera operation.
Your expectations turn into reality with this camera. The titanium structure of the camera instigates the senses, the unique viewfinder provokes discovery and creativity, and you can interact with the world with the help of the camera.
The hidden Liquid Crystal Display helps you with a more conventional shooting style. You may open the screen of this camera to check the images between shooting sessions.
Fujifilm gave this retro camera a body of magnesium and gave its top cover and the base plate weather-resistant titanium, which is half the density of stainless steel and is seven times more durable.
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Apart from the classic black, this retro camera is available in silver and charcoal colors. This camera utilizes cold plasma technology for a scratch-resistant finish.
It has the cutting-edge technology of 16 digital film simulation modes. This enables the photographers to achieve stunning results directly from the camera. The X-Pro 3 has two new exciting additions to the collection: the classic and the monochromatic colors.
This camera is for people who like to live the moment. It has a 62M-dot tilting LCD touchscreen, and when you close it, you can see the mini-display that shows the essential settings that remove the distraction of full screen while shooting. With your eyes and mind in front of the camera, you can focus on the subject and also connect with your art.
| Pros | Cons |
| ➕ USB-C charging with the camera. | ➖ The optical viewfinder is difficult to learn how to use. |
| ➕ AutoFocus works great for more professional work. | ➖ Expensive. |
| ➕ Beautiful fuji-film and color rendition. | |
| ➕ Good battery life. |
Latest Price on Amazon:
- Advanced Hybrid multi viewfinder: optical Viewfinder (ovf) uses a 0. 5x magnification and parallax-correcting frame lines to provide an uninterrupted and true-to-life view of what’s in front of you....
- X-trans CMOS 4 sensor and X-Processor 4 combination. This exceptional 26. 1MP sensor uses a back-illuminated design to maximize quality and dynamic range, while its unique color filter array controls...
- X-Pro3’s timeless body design features a top and base plate constructed from titanium, which, despite being little more than half the density of stainless steel, is seven-times more durable. In...
- 16 digital Film Simulation modes. This cutting-edge technology allows photographers to achieve stunning results straight out of camera and X-Pro3 introduces two exciting new additions to the...
- Every aspect of x-pro3 has been designed for photographers who like to live in the moment, but none more So than its hidden 1. 62M-dot tilting LCD Touchscreen. When closed, All that can be viewed is a...
2. Olympus PEN E-PL6
The best budget retro camera
Product Dimensions: 4.37 x 1.5 x 2.52 inches | Item Weight: 11.5 ounces | Batteries: 1 Lithium-Ion battery required | Optical Sensor Resolution: 16.0 MP | Sensor: CMOS | Processor: TruePic VI | Video capture resolution: 1080 P
Olympus Pen is unique because it is a half-frame camera, which makes it easier for you to fit 72 snaps in a single frame.
It is a 35mm camera whose design resembles a camera that was on the market from 1959 until 1980.
The Olympus PEN E-PL6 is a perfect camera that has superior image quality with a stupendous performance. This camera helps you shoot images with stunning details and beautiful colors thanks to the sizable 16 MP MOS sensor and the image processing engine. The Auto Focus illuminator captures crisp and clear shots in low-light conditions.
You can unleash your creativity with this retro camera. You can take full control of your settings with features such as My Set and a customizable self-timer. My Set can be used to store the frequently used settings in the camera. And the customizable self-timer can be used to set timings between takes. You can also apply new monochrome Art Filters Effects or edit the RAW images from the camera’s screen.
| Pros | Cons |
| ➕ Good performance | ➖ Continuous AF accuracy is erratic |
| ➕ Excellent image quality | ➖ No 4K video |
| ➕ Tilting touch-screen display | |
| ➕ Customizable buttons |
Latest Price on Amazon:
- 16 Mega Pixel Live MOS sensor
- 3-Axis In Body image stabilization
- Interval shooting mode plus Time Lapse movie
- ISO range from 100 to 25,600
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3. Olympus OMD EM10 Mk II
The best value retro camera
Product Dimensions: 4.7 x 3.6 x 3.3 inches | Item Weight: 1.10 lbs | Batteries: 1 Lithium-Ion battery required | Optical Sensor Resolution: 16 MP | Sensor: Four Thirds (17.3 x 13 mm ) sized CMOS sensor | Processor: TruePic VII | Video capture resolution: 1080 P
Whether you are a beginner or want to take shots of your everyday life or a photography lover who wants to enhance your creativity, the Olympus OM-D is a fantastic choice that delivers a compact profile with intuitive controls.
It also has an advanced 5-axis image stabilization system that aims for perfection for every shot. In addition, it comes with a top-notch viewfinder and Wi-Fi connection for transferring your photos.
Olympus built the E-M10 Mark II with magnesium alloy. While it is solid and durable., it lacks the weatherproof sealing of other cameras in this range.
The Olympus OMD EM10 Mark II is a perfect mid-range camera. It provides you with decent image quality, interchangeable lenses, and many shooting options. It gives you great control, making it perfect for those seeking to make photography their profession. The compact makes, the great AF, built-in stabilization, and great processing make it an ideal choice to pick it up and start getting results.
This retro camera is an amazing one that is enjoyable to use and delivers great results in most situations.
| Pros | Cons |
| ➕ Image quality is amazing | ➖ Focusing on low light is a challenge |
| ➕ Easy to use after initial set-up | ➖ LCD screen is a bit annoying |
| ➕ Retro-style camera with all functions | ➖ Below-average movie mode |
| ➕ Compact and lightweight | ➖ Autofocus isn’t ideal for moving subjects. |
Latest Price on Amazon:
- Built-in 5 axis image stabilization for sharper images
- 2.3 million dot OLED electronic viewfinder with 0.62X magnification
- Silent mode (disables all shutter sounds)
- 8.5 frames per second burst shooting
- Focusing points/Focusing points selection mode 81 area multiple AF (Contrast detection AF), 37 area multiple AF (Phase difference detection AF); All target, group target area (3x3 area), single target...
4. Fujifilm X-T3
The best professional retro camera
Product Dimensions: 2.3 x 5.2 x 3.7 inches | Item Weight: 1.2 lbs | Batteries: 1 Lithium-Ion battery required | Optical Sensor Resolution: 26.1 MP | Sensor: X-Trans CMOS 4 | Processor: X-Processor 4 | Video Capture Resolution: 2160p
The Fujifilm X-T3 is one of the finest mirrorless cameras on the market. It is a retro-looking weatherproof design camera with a magnesium alloy body that offers the feel of an analog film camera.
This camera is best for videographers and action photographers because it provides you with high-speed performance, capable imaging, and multimedia flexibility. It revolves around a new image sensor and processor. It provides you with high-resolution stills and delivers 4K video performance.
It has an autofocus system that delivers a quick and accurate performance. The sensor is a 26.1MP APS-C-format X-Trans CMOS 4, that has a back-light illumination design to promote image quality throughout the sensitivity range.
It has an expansive 2.16m point phase-detection autofocus system that enables a quick and precise AF performance with subject tracking. The X-processor 4 complements the imaging and the focusing, with additional support from the internal 4K60p 10-bit video recording.
| Pros | Cons |
| ➕ 20FPS full resolution shooting | ➖ No IBIS |
| ➕ 4K Video | ➖ Sensitive touch screen |
| ➕ Dust and splash protection | |
| ➕ Both microphone and headphone jacks |
Latest Price on Amazon:
- 26.1MP APS-C X-Trans BSI CMOS 4 Sensor; X-Processor 4 with Quad CPU; UHD 4K60 Video; F-Log Gamma & 10-Bit Out;2.16m-Point Phase-Detection Autofocus
- 0.75x 3.69m-Dot OLED Viewfinder; 3.0'' 1.04m-Dot Tilting LCD Touchscreen; Extended ISO 80-51200, 30 fps Shooting; Bluetooth and Wi-Fi
- Sports Finder Mode; Weather-Sealed Magnesium Alloy Body; BC-W126S Battery Charger Not Included
- NOTE: This set does not include a BC-W126S Battery Charger but includes a USB charging cable.
- Bundle Includes: FUJIFILM X-T3 Mirrorless Camera (Body Only, Black, USB Charging), Manufacturer Accessories, SanDisk 64GB Extreme SDXC Memory Card, Extended Life Replacement Battery, Sling Camera...
5. Fujifilm X100F
The best hybrid retro camera
Product Dimensions: 2 x 4.9 x 2.9 inches | Item Weight: 2.00 lbs | Batteries: 1 Lithium Metal battery required | Optical Sensor Resolution: 24.3 MP | Sensor: APS-C X-Trans CMOS III | Processor: X-Processor Pro | Video Capture Resolution: 1080p
The Fujifilm X100f is a premium compact digital camera. This camera comes with an advanced hybrid viewfinder that enables enhanced convenience. It maintains an elegant design and the same 23mmf2 focal length designed for everyday shooting.
This camera has a 24.3 MP X-Trans CMOS III sensor and a fast X-processor Pro-image processor and an improved 91-point AF system. It features an updated button layout with joystick autofocus control for easier AF point selection.
The Fujifilm X100F uses the new X-Processor Pro as its image processing engine. This helps it to develop the processing speed at the rate of four times faster than its previous models. The processor also supports high-speed data that helps in better response time. The refresh rate of this camera is at 60fps which helps the subjects to move smoothly with the EVF’s live view mode. The camera’s startup time is approximately 0.5 seconds.
The camera features the CMOS III sensor that Fujifilm created for the X series. The 24.3MP APS-C sensor of the camera aims at noise reduction despite the increase in pixel count. The phase-detection area now enables phase-detection AF which also allows the camera to function with greater speed and accuracy.
| Pros | Cons |
| ➕ Excellent RAW and JPEG image quality | ➖ Unstabilized lens |
| ➕ Hybrid viewfinder is excellent | ➖ Outdated 1080p video |
| ➕ Fast autofocus |
Latest Price on Amazon:
- 24.3MP X Trans CMOS III APS C sensor with no low pass filter and X Processor Pro
- 8 way focus lever plus the number of focusing points has been expanded from 49 in previous models to 91 (up to 325 points)
- Built in ISO dial, incorporated into the shutter speed dial and operating temperature is 0 degree Celsius to 40 degree Celsius (+32 degree Fahrenheit to +104 degree Fahrenheit); Operating Humidity: 10...
- AF mode(single / Zone / wide tracking). Hot shoe: Dedicated TTL Flash compatible. Exposure control: TTL 256 zone metering, Multi / Spot / Average / Center Weighted
- New np w126s lithium battery; Focus distance Approx. 10 centimeter Infinity / 3.9 Inches Infinity
6. Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX100
The best autofocus retro camera
Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 6.6 x 8.6 inches | Item Weight: 6 lbs| Batteries: 2 lithium-ion battery | Optical Sensor Resolution: 24 MP | Sensor: Four-Thirds CMOS sensor | Processor: Venus Engine | Video Capture Resolution: 2160p
The Panasonic LX100 delivers excellent photo and video quality. It has a great set of features and a class-leading performance.
This is a premium compact camera that features a 4k video recording at 25/24fps that includes the ability to deliver high-quality images from the video. It has a high-speed AF that has a speed of 0.14 seconds.
The in-built viewfinder has a 2764-dot equivalent high resolution, a 3.0 LCD screen with a 921k dot resolution, and an ISO range of 100-25600. The camera also houses a high-speed burst shooting at 11 FPS with its mechanical shutter and features integrated Wi-Fi and NFC connectivity.
This digital camera gives a nod to the retro style with its Leica lens and an iconic rangefinder design. The silver model of this camera offers a great look with its robust contrasting grip.
| Pros | Cons |
| ➕ Photo and video quality awesome | ➖ Fixed LCD |
| ➕ Good performance | ➖ Lens requires a hood or covering |
| ➖ Slow start-up time. |
Latest Price on Amazon:
- BUNDLE INCLUDES: Panasonic LUMIX LX100 II 17MP Digital Camera, 32GB SD Card, Battery and External Charger Travel Pack, and DSLR Shoulder Gadget Bag
- SENSOR: The LUMIX LX100 II features a 17 MP [4:3 aspect] high-sensitivity multi-aspect four thirds MOS sensor. 4:3, 3:2, 16:9, 1:1 multi-aspect modes are taken from a 21.77 megapixel total count
- VIEWFINDER: An integrated LVF (Live View Finder) helps you concentrate on framing the scene. The LX100 II LVF is 0.38-inch with high 2,760k-dot-equivalent resolution and 0.7x high magnification (35mm...
- LENS: The Leica 24-75mm LEICA DC lens with POWER O.I.S. boasts f/1.7 brightness at the wide-angle end and f/2.8 at the telephoto end for natural-looking bokeh. The versatile focal range goes from 24mm...
7. Leica M10-D
The best splash-resistant retro camera
Product Dimensions: 5.47 x 1.5 x 3.15 inches | Item Weight: 1.46lbs | Batteries: Lithium-ion rechargeable | Optical Sensor Resolution: 47.3 MP | Sensor: Full-frame CMOS | Processor: Maestro II Image Processor | Video Capture Resolution: 2160 P
Leica M10 is a slim and fast camera that offers the best image quality with great connectivity for intuitive use. This retro camera sets new standards in terms of rangefinder photography and greater imaging.
Leica’s design of this camera focuses on 60 years of rangefinder photography from dedicated photographers worldwide, which makes it the most refined digital rangefinder on the market.
Leica extended the ISO setting range from 100 to 50,000 with its new sensor. It also brings improved noise reduction capabilities in exposures you capture at higher ISO values. The imaging performance of this camera is unbeatable even in restricted lighting conditions.
The ISO setting dial is set for better control. One of the most striking changes in the Leica M10 is the setting dial on the top plate. For the first time in digital camera history, the M10 allows you to preselect essential shooting parameters such as distance, aperture, exposure time, and ISO values without using the menu or switching on the camera.
With a leaner handling concept, the Leica M10 takes a step in the direction of perfection. All the components and technicalities of this retro camera concentrate on quality photography.
| Pros | Cons |
| ➕ 24MP full-frame sensor | ➖ No video |
| ➕ Dust and splash-resistant body | |
| ➕ Good optical viewfinder | |
| ➕ Legacy lens capabilities |
Latest Price on Amazon:
- 24MP Full-Frame CMOS Sensor
- Leica Maestro II Image Processor
- Optical 0.73x-Magnification Viewfinder
- 3.0" 1.04m-Dot LCD with Gorilla Glass
8. Canon PowerShot G9 X Mark II
The best connectivity retro camera
Product Dimensions: 3.86 x 2.28 x 1.22 inches | Item Weight: 0.45lbs | Batteries: lithium-ion battery | Optical Sensor Resolution: 20.1 MP | Sensor: CMOS | Processor: Digic 7 | Video Capture Resolution: 1080p
The Canon PowerShot G9 X Mark II is a compact camera with advanced imaging capabilities. The combination of the 20.1MP 1″ CMOS sensor and the DIGIC 7 image processor produces clean and high-quality images that makes it capable of working in difficult lighting conditions.
This retro camera provides you with a quick shooting performance of up to 8.2 FPS capable of working with moving subjects. It also supports a full HD 1080p video recording.
The imaging capabilities receive support from a versatile 3x optical zoom lens that covers a wide-angle to portrait-length 28-84mm focal length range. The slim camera also has a 2.0″ touchscreen LCD with intuitive control. This camera has a built-in WIFI with NFC and Bluetooth for wireless transfer of images. This feature also helps you remotely control the camera from the mobile device.
| Pros | Cons |
| ➕ Sharp lens | ➖ Expensive |
| ➕ Touch LCD screen | ➖ No electronic viewfinder |
| ➕ Built-in wireless Wi-Fi | ➖ Low battery life |
| ➕ Blue-tooth connectivity |
Latest Price on Amazon:
9. Pentax KP
The best compact retro camera
Product Dimensions: 5.2 x 3.98 x 2.99 inches | Item Weight: 1.55lbs | Batteries: lithium-ion battery | Optical Sensor Resolution: 24 MP | Sensor: APS-C 23.5 × 15.6 mm CMOS | Processor: PRIME IV | Video Capture Resolution: 1080p
The Pentax KP is a compact and portable DSLR camera. This retro camera has outstanding image capturing features that perform in the most challenging conditions. The camera comes in black or silver color
The camera is compact and strong. Pentax made this camera’s front, back, and bottom of lightweight magnesium alloy. Three hand-grips come with this camera for comfort. This is a dust, cold and water-resistant camera that can operate in any conditions.
The electronic shutter option of the Pentax KP enables high-speed shooting. It features three control dials: one on the front, top, and rear parts of the camera. The front-mounted dial gives the KP a unique look.
The Pentax KP is a slow camera to start that takes around 1.4 seconds to start up. In bright-lighting conditions, the KP’s autofocus system is fast and captures the target in less than five seconds, however, it does slow down in dim conditions.
The Pentax KP is slimmer than the other models. It has interchangeable hand grips that provide comfort to the user. It has all the capabilities that a Pentax owner would expect from dust and splashes, in-body stabilization, and a solid body.
| Pros | Cons |
| ➕ Image stabilization | Low battery life |
| ➕ Tilting LCD | ➖ Old video features |
| ➕ Weather-coated design | ➖ Compromised grip due to height. |
| ➕ Good handgrip system | ➖ Not always simple to turn the dials. |
Latest Price on Amazon:
- 24.3 effective Megapixel APS C AA filter less CMOS sensor with Iso 819200 and pixel shift resolution
- 5 Axis shake reduction system
- Pixel shift resolution technology; Uses shake reduction to move the image sensor in single pixel increments, to capture 4 images that are combined into a single, Hi Res image
- A vertical tilt LCD monitor that facilitates high and low angle shooting
- Dustproof, weather resistant, -10 DegreeC built in Wi Fi
10. Nikon Z fc
The best mirrorless retro camera
Product Dimensions: 5.3 x 1.6 x 3.7 inches | Item Weight: 2.38 pounds | Batteries: Lithium-ion | Optical Sensor Resolution: 20.9 MP | Sensor: Digital | Processor: EXPEED 6 | Video Capture Resolution: 2160p
The Nikon Z fc is a retro camera that draws inspiration from the mirrorless model. The aluminum dial is comfortable to operate, the body of the camera looks beautiful, and you can display it as a showpiece model when not in use.
Not only is the style of this retro camera appealing, but it also gives you a stupendous performance with amazing image quality.
| Pros | Cons |
| ➕ Reasonably priced | ➖ Needs more native lenses |
| ➕ Sleek model | ➖ Uncomfortable ergonomics |
| ➕ Useful vari-angle touch screen | ➖ Slippery body shape. |
Latest Price on Amazon:
- Superb image quality: 20.9 MP DX CMOS sensor paired with EXPEED 6 processing engine
- Vlogger Ready: 4K UHD, Flip out Vari-angle LCD, full time AF with eye detection, built-in stereo microphone, external microphone jack, live stream and web conference compatible
- Heritage Design: Classic tactile design with analog controls for shutter speed, ISO and exposure compensation
- Send images to your phone: Always connected using the free Nikon SnapBridge app and a compatible smart device. Intuitive: Easy access to Auto Mode, quick settings and the Menu help guide.
- Lens Compatibility: Compatible with NIKKOR Z lenses as well as F Mount NIKKOR lenses using FTZ Mount Adapter (sold separately).
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10+ Best Retro Cameras in 2022
The camera market has plenty of digital retro cameras available, and most of them have features with stupendous performance. These cameras are compact in design and easy to handle. We have listed out the various retro cameras available. You can make the best choice for yourself and choose the best one for you.