Scroll social media today and it’s like we’ve all collectively decided to time-travel back to 2004. Suddenly, everyone’s posting those soft, grainy shots with a harsh flash and washed-out colors: the exact vibe of a clunky digital camera from back in the day. We’re all ditching our iPhone’s perfect shots for that nostalgic feel, and digicams are blowing up as the must-have accessory. But here’s the catch: actually trying to shop for one is a total nightmare. Since the popularization of digicams, second-hand prices have spiked and all of the new models basically look the same. If you’ve recently found yourself googling megapixels, SD cards, or comparing the prices to two cameras that look identical, consider yourself rescued: this guide will cut through the chaos to find the perfect camera for what you actually want and need.
One of the most well known cameras, but also one of the most overhyped digital cameras on the market has to be the Canon G7X. Yes, it takes incredible photos, captures beautiful colors, and produces some of the best beach sunset shots out there. But at its current retail price, I cannot say that it is worth it. If you have a big budget and are willing to pay €999.95 for a digital camera, I’d say go for it—it’s an amazing camera. But for most of us who aren’t looking to spend a thousand euros on a digital camera, there are some dupes that allow you to get the aesthetic of G7X photos without having to pay the G7X price.
The cameras I’ve seen used in a lot of social media posts and mentioned in several camera review Youtube videos are the Kodak PixPro Fz 45 and 55. There aren’t that many differences between these two models but the main distinction between them is the battery situation. The Fz 45 is the older model and runs on two AA batteries, whereas the newer Fz 55 model features a rechargeable lithium battery. The Kodak PixPro Fz 45 usually is sold for around €120 while the Kodak PixPro Fz 55 is typically €150, but prices vary depending on the seller. These cameras are available to purchase as Fnac, but cheaper prices can be found on ebay, wallapop, or other second hand stores. I’ve even seen a Kodak PixPro going for €42 on facebook marketplace once.
The Kodak PixPro is a great camera to substitute the overhyped—and overpriced—Canon G7X. With the right settings, it can capture stunning images and take gorgeous beach photos. Nevertheless, there are some downsides to the dupe, such as worse image quality due to the smaller sensor (½ inches compared to G7X’s 1 inch) and narrower lenses which means that the Kodak doesn’t perform too well in low light environments without the flash. Overall, the Kodak doesn’t capture as many details as the G7X, but it is still a really good option, especially if you’re interested in buying a simple point-and-shoot camera.
Here is a video explaining the differences between the G7X and the PixPro to inform your decision: Is the Kodak Pixpro FZ55 Actually a Canon G7x Dupe? – YouTube.
In general, I’d recommend the Canon G7X or the dupes of it (like the Kodak) for people who want a digital camera that produces very crisp, almost pristine looking photos. If you aren’t too interested in the vintage look but still want to feel aesthetic by pulling out your digicam at parties or at picnics at the beach, then those are the cameras for you!
The next point-and-shoot cameras that I’d recommend are any of the Canon IXUS cameras (especially the IXUS 105 and 500), the Samsung SH100, and the Pentax Optio S. All of these cameras work incredibly well for achieving a vintage, warmtone, dreamy, somewhat ethereal look. These cameras are both affordable and take nostalgic-looking photos. I actually have the Pentax Optio S camera and I love how the photos come out with a sort of yellow hue, making it feel as though the photo were taken on a warm sunny day. My older sister’s Canon IXUS also takes very dreamy looking photos, and I’ve heard that the Samsung SH100 is a great camera for its price point. The Samsung digicam is usually sold for €75 to €100, the Pentax Optio can be purchased for about €50, and the Canon IXUS is normally the more expensive of these three, costing around €200.
Finally, if you are searching for a camera that has a really grainy feel, I’d actually recommend looking into purchasing a film camera instead of a digital camera. Sure, there are some digital cameras that produce this grainy, retro vibe, and yes, film cameras are usually a bit more expensive than digicams, but if you’re thinking of getting into photography and want to achieve a vintage look, film cameras are the way to go. I personally believe that there is so much magic in taking a photo and then having to wait to see what it looks like once it is developed. It makes you value the 20 shots you have on one film roll and diligently select which moments to capture. I can’t say too much about film cameras since I’ve only ever used my mom’s old Canon EOS Rebel, but I’ve also heard that Fujifilm, Kodak, and Nikon make excellent film cameras as well.
Here are some photos I took on the Canon EOS Rebel film camera:
Disposable cameras are another option, but considering their wasteful nature and high environmental impact, I wouldn’t recommend purchasing these, particularly if you’re thinking of taking a lot of photos.
Ultimately, the type of camera you decide to purchase really depends on what you want to get out of that camera. Whether you’re chasing that early-2000s flash aesthetic or simply craving a way to slow down and capture life more intentionally, there’s no wrong choice: only the one that fits your vibe. So pick up the camera that excites you the most, charge it up, and start collecting those perfectly unpolished memories!