5 Cool Retro-Looking Digital Cameras to Check Out

Who says you can’t look cool while taking photos? Just because we live in a digital age doesn’t mean that our technology has to reflect that as well. There is so much cool retro and vintage-looking gear out there that will remind you of the times when only film was available and cameras such as rangefinders reigned supreme.

If you really want something nice-looking that is suited for getting the job done, check out these five cool retro-looking digital cameras.

Fujifilm X100S

This company grabbed many photographers’ attention with the compact X100S. It is a 16 megapixel camera with a new X-Trans CMOS II APS-C size sensor with a fixed 35mm f/2 to f/16 lens. Even though it looks like your typical rangefinder camera, it actually has a hybrid viewfinder and can switch between electronic and optical.

The X100S is not only solidly built but has impressive features for an advanced compact camera.  There are features such as split image focusing, motion panorama, multiple exposures, histogram, and RAW shooting, as well as Fuji’s many film simulation modes.

There is also the option to purchase Fuji’s brown leather case to up the retro vibe.

Pentax MX-1

This camera is a very affordable option if you want a retro-looking camera with advanced options but without the hefty pricetag. The Pentax MX-1 comes with a f/1.8 to f/3.5 4x zoom lens, which is the equivalent focal range of 28-112mm. It comes in either a black and silver design or all black with top and bottom brass covers. Although it has manual and semi-manual controls, it doesn’t have a viewfinder. It’s still great for street shooting since its LCD screen works well under most lighting conditions.

Other features include full HD video, lens distortion correction, adjustable dynamic range settings, super macro focusing, and a built-in flash.

Olympus E-M5 Mark II

Though this camera is considered kind of expensive ($1,100 retail for the camera body only), it does offer some unique features no other camera does. It offers touch screen controls and an LCD screen that not only flips out the back, but has the ability to rotate 360 degrees. Another unique feature that this camera offers is what is called a High-Res Shot. This mode gives you a 40 megapixel image instead of the standard 16 on the camera’s sensor. When you enable this mode, the sensor moves in small increments which captures eight different shots and combines them into a large file.

Leica M

Ask most professional photographers and they’ll recognize this iconic brand name and its ties to many famous photographers, including Henri Cartier-Bresson who is considered the father of photojournalism.

This stylish camera features a 24 megapixel full frame sensor, and it has the look and feel of a rangefinder. The Leica M is known as the first camera to offer live view focusing and the ability to capture high definition video. Other features include a microphone adapter set, multifunction grip, and an adapter for mounting Leica R lenses.

Digital Bolex D16

Want something unique? Then join the likes of Andy Warhol and Steven Spielberg who used the Bolex to create their first films. This cinema camera has the capability to shoot in RAW (Adobe Cinema DNG) and 2K format.  It offers various resolution sizes including 720 x 480, 1280 x 720 and 2336 x 1752. Made with a Kodak CCD 16mm sensor, the Bolex features dual CF card slots, USB 3.0, Audio XLR and mini-HDMI.

Have we missed out any other retro-looking digital cameras? Do let us know in the comments below.