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6 Best Retro Cameras Reviewed in 2023 (Retro-Style Looks)

Last updated: November 20, 2023 - 13 min read
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If you love retro cameras, you’ll be happy to know that many modern cameras still adopt a retro style. In this article, we review the top seven retro-style cameras on the market. What we’re looking for is technical excellence in a vintage-inspired package.

Our top pick is the Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV. It has stunning looks, excellent performance, and is very reasonably priced.

Our Top 3 Choices for The Best Retro Camera
Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV
Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV
Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV
Leica Q2
Leica Q2
Leica Q2
Fujifilm X-Pro3
Fujifilm X-Pro3
Fujifilm X-Pro3

 

What Is the Best Retro Camera?

Before we look at our recommendations for digital cameras with a vintage look, here’s a summary of our suggestions.

Best Retro Camera
Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV
Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV
Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV
  • 20.3 MP Live MOS sensor
  • 5-axis image stabilization
  • 4K video recording capabilities
  • Silent shooting for discreet photography
  • Articulating LCD monitor for versatile shooting
Best Quality Camera
Leica Q2
Leica Q2
Leica Q2
  • 47 MP full frame sensor
  • 28mm fixed f/1.7 Summilux lens
  • Weather-sealed magnesium body
  • 4K Video and 4K Photo Mode
  • 3" LCD touchscreen display
Most Discreet Camera
Fujifilm X-Pro3
Fujifilm X-Pro3
Fujifilm X-Pro3
  • Durable titanium construction
  • High-resolution 26.1MP X-Trans CMOS 4 Sensor
  • Advanced hybrid viewfinder with optical and electronic capabilities
  • Fast autofocus and wide ISO range of 160-12,800
  • Comprehensive film simulation modes
Best Design
Nikon Z fc
Nikon Z fc
Nikon Z fc
  • 16.2 MP full frame CMOS sensor
  • 4K Ultra HD video recording
  • 273-point hybrid autofocus system
  • Up to 12 fps continuous shooting
  • Integrated Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity
Best Fixed Lens Camera
Fujifilm X100V
Fujifilm X100V
Fujifilm X100V
  • Compact and lightweight design
  • 26.1 MP APS-C sensor
  • Fixed Fujinon 23mm f/2 lens
  • Fully featured hybrid viewfinder
  • 4K/30p video recording
Best APS-C Camera
Fujifilm X-T5
Fujifilm X-T5
Fujifilm X-T5
  • 24.2MP APS-C X-Trans CMOS 4 sensor
  • 6.2K/30p video recording and F-Log Gamma
  • Weather-sealed magnesium alloy body
  • 0.75x 3,690k-dot OLED
  • Pixel-shift High Res mode

6 Best Retro Cameras

Let’s look at those cameras in more detail, starting with our top pick.

1. Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV

Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV
Released
Released
2020
Sensor Format
Sensor Format
Micro Four ThirdsMicro Four Thirds
Lens Mount
Lens Mount
Micro 4/3
Megapixels
Megapixels
20 MP
Autofocus Points
Autofocus Points
121
Maximum ISO (Native)
Maximum ISO (Native)
6,400
Frame Rate
Frame Rate
15 fps
In-body Stabilization
In-body Stabilization
Yes
Video
Video
Yes
Key Features
Key Features
In-body stabilization and 4K video
Best For
Best For
Learning the craft of photography with style

The Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV looks like a “proper” old-fashioned camera. With its brushed metal and leatherette body, it really looks the part. Chunky knurled dials add to the retro vibe.

But it’s not all about the looks. And those same dials make controlling the camera easy. And they lead to an understanding of how the various elements of exposure work together.

This is one of the reasons the OM-D E-M10 Mark IV is ideal for a beginner to intermediate user. It’s easy to use, affordable, and a perfect camera to learn photography with. And it is loaded with fantastic features that will get beginners excited. And those same features will keep experienced photographers interested.

This mirrorless camera gives you a decent sensor size of 20 MP. Like Olympus’s professional models, it delivers outstanding image quality. For instance, you’ll see the difference if you’re moving up from a smartphone camera. Even the most demanding photographers should be impressed by the output.

The OM-D E-M10 Mark IV is not just a capable stills camera. It’s a decent performer with video, too. You might be surprised to find 4K video at 30 fps (frames per second) at this price. But it’s there, and it delivers smooth, clear footage.

Your video and stills work will benefit from the impressive five-axis image stabilization. It’s a great help in low light. The 121 autofocus (AF) points help it achieve accurate photo and video results. It even tracks the subject’s movements in the frame.

There’s a 180-degree rotating screen. This makes selfies and vlogging a breeze. A 15 fps burst mode is really useful for action photography. Built-in shooting modes and art filters allow you more creativity. And built-in Wi-Fi makes transferring images easy.

It’s a fantastic camera that matches knockout looks with technical excellence at a great price. Pair it with the equally beautiful ED 14-42 mm f/3.5-5.6 lens, and you have one of the best contemporary retro cameras available.

 

2. Leica Q2

Leica Q2
Released
Released
2019
Sensor Format
Sensor Format
Full FrameFull Frame
Lens Mount
Lens Mount
Fixed
Megapixels
Megapixels
47.3 MP
Autofocus Points
Autofocus Points
225
Maximum ISO (Native)
Maximum ISO (Native)
50,000
Frame Rate
Frame Rate
10 fps
In-body Stabilization
In-body Stabilization
No
Video
Video
Yes
Key Features
Key Features
Incredible sensor size and legendary Leica style and quality
Best For
Best For
Those who can afford the best

The Leica Q2 costs more than I have ever spent on a car. The price seems even more surprising when you look at the list of what it doesn’t have. It has a fixed focus, non-interchangeable lens. There’s more plastic than you’d expect on an expensive camera. And high ISO performance is not that good.

But Leica has set the standard for compact cameras. Several cameras in this review clearly want to look like a Leica. And Leica has a band of loyal followers.

The reason for that is the stunning photo quality a Leica camera produces. In the Q2, the 47.3 MP full-frame sensor achieves incredible image quality. Quality that you don’t usually find outside of professional-level full-frame mirrorless cameras.

The fixed focus 28mm f/1.7 lens lives up to Leica’s reputation for excellence. And the f/1.7 means you’ll have many shooting opportunities that a zoom-toting competitor with their f/4 or f/5.6 lens won’t. The AF performance is quick and reliable, too. It almost appears to anticipate your subject’s movement.

There’s no denying that the Q2 looks fantastic. It brings a clean and uncluttered feel to its vintage-inspired camera body.

Most people probably won’t notice that you’re shooting with a classic of its kind. But those in the know will quickly spot the red circle with the distinctive logo and understand. If you can afford it, this won’t disappoint.

 

3. Fujifilm X-Pro3

Fujifilm X-Pro3
Released
Released
2019
Sensor Format
Sensor Format
APS-CAPS-C
Lens Mount
Lens Mount
Fujifilm X
Megapixels
Megapixels
26 MP
Autofocus Points
Autofocus Points
117
Maximum ISO (Native)
Maximum ISO (Native)
12,800
Frame Rate
Frame Rate
11 fps
In-body Stabilization
In-body Stabilization
No
Video
Video
Yes
Key Features
Key Features
Hybrid EVF and cool little rear screen
Best For
Best For
Film shooters who don't want to look at the screen after every photo

The Fujifilm X-Pro3 mirrorless camera has an amusing little trick up its sleeve. Instead of the expected rear screen, you are confronted with a small screen. It looks like an old-style holder for the film box lid. This was how we knew what film we had in the camera back in the day.

The X-Pro3 will even display a film box-like image with ISO on it. It definitely makes it a modern camera with a vintage look and feel.

You can swap to a more conventional screen if you wish. Or use the excellent electronic viewfinder (EVF) instead. In fact, the EVF is so good that you might see the sense and humor of the X-Pro3’s design. The EVF shows you what the sensor sees and replays the photo you just took.

If you want to go old-school, you can even switch to an optical viewfinder. Even then, you can overlay certain aspects from the EVF to give a really useful hybrid viewfinder.

The body is beautifully finished in titanium and leatherette, either silk-finish black or natural. The latter is my favorite. The frame is magnesium, and the body is weather-sealed. A little rain shouldn’t interrupt your photographic adventures.

And those adventures should provide some fine images. The X-Pro3 is a very capable camera with excellent high ISO performance of up to 12,800 ISO.

Picture quality is sharp, although the autofocus is not the fastest at tracking objects. It’s not a camera for the dedicated sports enthusiast. But this solid, well-made Fujifilm camera is ideal if you want to shoot in style.

 

4. Nikon Z fc

Nikon Z fc
Released
Released
2021
Sensor Format
Sensor Format
APS-CAPS-C
Lens Mount
Lens Mount
Nikon Z
Megapixels
Megapixels
21 MP
Autofocus Points
Autofocus Points
209
Maximum ISO (Native)
Maximum ISO (Native)
51,200
Frame Rate
Frame Rate
11 fps
In-body Stabilization
In-body Stabilization
No
Video
Video
Yes
Key Features
Key Features
4K video and 11 fps shooting
Best For
Best For
Vlogging, street, and travel photography

As a photographer, one of the things I love about the Nikon Z fc is that it is a triumph of style and function. This vintage-inspired Nikon camera has carved aluminum dials that look amazing. Shutter speed, ISO, and exposure compensation are immediately visible and adjustable.

Perhaps the best example of blending old and new is the neat little LCD screen on the top. It’s nestled between the shutter speed dial, shutter button, and exposure compensation dial. And it simply gives a readout of the aperture. It’s perfect.

Even the excellent rear touchscreen folds away to present its discreet leatherette back cover. It looks good, and it protects the screen from knocks.

What looks like an old-fashioned pentaprism viewfinder is actually an OLED electronic viewfinder. It gives all those modern conveniences of real-time previews of actual exposure. Plus, it shows all the shooting information you need.

Image quality is assured by the Z fc’s 21 MP sensor and the full range of Nikon’s Z-mount lenses. The Nikon Z DX 16-50mm f/3.5-6.3 VR matches the body for style and makes a perfect go-everywhere lens.

 

5. Fujifilm X100V

Fujifilm X100V
Released
Released
2020
Sensor Format
Sensor Format
APS-CAPS-C
Lens Mount
Lens Mount
Fixed
Megapixels
Megapixels
26 MP
Autofocus Points
Autofocus Points
425
Maximum ISO (Native)
Maximum ISO (Native)
12,800
Frame Rate
Frame Rate
11 fps
In-body Stabilization
In-body Stabilization
No
Video
Video
Yes
Key Features
Key Features
Compact with a fast f/2 fixed lens
Best For
Best For
Street and travel photography

Another beautiful camera is the Fujifilm X100V. It’s a modern retro camera that uses leatherette and brushed metal to sublime effect. It is a favorite with street camera photographers, who love the f/2 23mm lens (equivalent to 35mm on a full-frame camera).

The controls are all easy to use, and like the Nikon Z fc, all the major elements of exposure are immediately visible. As a fixed lens camera, the aperture is set on the clearly marked lens ring.

This camera is neat and compact, inviting you to slip it into your bag and take it with you. It will outperform your smartphone and won’t weigh you down like a DSLR.

Image quality is excellent, and even wide open, the f/2 lens provides impressive sharpness. Many photographers will appreciate the built-in 4-stop ND filter.

They will also like the excellent dynamic range and ISO invariance. This helps recover detail in underexposed shots. The X100V copes well at ISOs up to about 4,000, but you will find noise at the maximum of 12,800.

Overall, this camera is very capable, with excellent retro looks and practicality. If you want to know more, check out our full review of the X100V.

 

6. Fujifilm X-T5

Fujifilm X-T5
Released
Released
2022
Sensor Format
Sensor Format
APS-CAPS-C
Lens Mount
Lens Mount
Fujifilm X
Megapixels
Megapixels
40 MP
Autofocus Points
Autofocus Points
425
Maximum ISO (Native)
Maximum ISO (Native)
12,800
Frame Rate
Frame Rate
15 fps
In-body Stabilization
In-body Stabilization
Yes
Video
Video
Yes
Key Features
Key Features
6.2K video and 160 MP high resolution stills
Best For
Best For
Anyone looking for a stylish APS-C workhorse

The Fujifilm X-T5 is the new old kid on the block. Released at the end of 2022, it shares many of the style notes of the X100V.

Film camera users will like the clear, beautifully crafted dials and knobs. The lens’s aperture ring complements these. The brushed metal and black faux leather also reflect the old-school style of this APS-C interchangeable lens camera.

Like the other cameras in this review, the X-T5 is no slouch when it comes to performance. It has a 40 MP sensor, which is impressive. But when the IS system is engaged, it can use pixel-shift technology to produce 160 MP High Res photos.

You need Fujifilm’s software to merge the images in post-processing. But the possibilities are truly impressive.

That same IS system gives you up to seven EV (exposure value) improvements. This can be a game changer in tricky low-light situations. Although, of course, it won’t stop your subject from moving! You can shoot up to 15 fps, even at maximum resolution, and a 6.2K/30p video.

This looks like it will be a very capable camera. And it does it with style. Photographers will appreciate the X-T5’s high-end features. These include two memory card slots and the tilting rear touchscreen.

Fujifilm X100V retro camera.
The popular Fujifilm X100V Photo by Dima Solomin (Unsplash)
 

Conclusion: The Best Retro Cameras

These retro-style cameras show that modern and high-tech don’t have to mean black plastic. They all show how vintage looks can be carefully married to excellent technology.

The Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV is our top-pick retro camera. It has superior image quality, advanced features, and a stylish design. It’s the perfect choice for both beginner and more experienced photographers.

Combining classic design and modern technology makes it a great choice for capturing beautiful images with a retro look. The OM-D E-M10 Mark IV is an excellent choice for a reliable, stylish, and powerful retro camera.

Our Top 3 Choices for The Best Retro Camera
Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV
Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV
Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV
Leica Q2
Leica Q2
Leica Q2
Fujifilm X-Pro3
Fujifilm X-Pro3
Fujifilm X-Pro3