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Compact cameras are trending in two distinct categories – pricey premium models and cheap point-and-shoots, with little in between. Naturally, it's the low-cost models selling big, but the likes of Amazon are flooded with models simply not worth your time. So which models do I recommend for retro digicam vibes?
The Kodak Charmera has sold by the bucket load, and I'm not surprised — it might be the worst quality camera I've used in years, but the 'blindbox' keychain camera is so bad and so retro that people love it!
Equally, the Chuzhao TLR-style digital camera is hamstrung by poor image quality, but maxes out on retro vibes with its waist-level screen and quirky video recording design.
If you want a tiny camera that your friends will love, the Instax Pal scores on charm, complete with an interactive app — it's as close to a Tamagotchi as cameras go. But if you'd like a few more features for your cheap camera, the Kodak PixPro C1 is a decent value pick, as is the screen-less Camp Snap CS Pro.
All these cameras fall under $100, some even way below $50. But if your budget stretches further, the ultimate retro digicam right now has to be the Fujifilm Instax Mini Evo Cinema — a 3-in-1 digital camera, video camera and instant camera with a super cool Super 8-style body and an Eras Dial for looks that span the last 100 years!
Whichever option you pick below, you can expect big vibes and retro quality, and a remedy for your ‘smartphone face’ fatigue.
I have worked as a tech journalist, photographer and videographer for over 15 years, and three years ago I took the reins as TechRadar's Cameras Editor. I've reviewed all the major camera gear during this time, including the best cheap cameras. I personally have the Kodak Charmera, Instax Pal and Camp Snap camera in my collection.
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