With the rebirth of cargo pants, butterfly clips, and the Backstreet Boys, it seems some of us are living like it's 1999. 

Adding to the nostalgia, point-and-shoot film cameras are making a comeback. From Zendaya to Kendall Jenner, celebs are seen capturing moments with retro cameras and sharing them all over TikTok, contributing to the growing trend.

We welcome the trend and picked five point-and-shoot film cameras to buy now. But first, why might you want one? 

Why Go Analog? The Appeal of Film in 2024

Using a film camera has vintage aesthetics, of course, but it’s also a way to reconnect with the tactile and tangible. Remember life before screens in our face 24/7?

For those raised in the digital era, current Gen Z trends reflect a curiosity for what it was like living in simpler times. Just as some embrace “dumb phones” with limited functionality, they’re drawn to other forms of technology that offer a break from constant connectivity and digital overload.

We could all stand to disconnect. Time to go retro.

Beyond simple nostalgia, point-and-shoot film cameras have several compelling advantages over digital:

Authentic Aesthetic

Film cameras have a distinct aesthetic that is difficult to replicate with digital cameras. The graininess, dynamic range, and color rendition of film create a unique, nostalgic look in direct opposition to the almost-too-real digitized iPhone images. Film embraces imperfection and adds an organic touch.

Tangibility and Mindfulness

You can take multiple digital images and sort out the best ones later. Shooting with film requires more thought and care, as each shot counts. This encourages photographers to slow down, consider the composition, and truly be present in the moment. 

Simplicity

With fewer controls and settings than digital cameras, point-and-shoot film cameras allow photographers to focus on the moment rather than fiddling with settings—a refreshing contrast to feature-packed smartphones.

Ease of Entry

They’re compact and portable, making them convenient to carry anywhere. The automatic settings provide a perfect way to get a feel for shooting film without figuring out the more complicated aspects, so anyone can give it a try.

5 Point-and-Shoot Film Cameras to Buy Now

The majority of point-and-shoot film cameras were produced decades ago and went out of production as digital photography became dominant. You'll find used and refurbished models on eBay, Amazon, and secondhand photography retailers. Also, check out your local thrift store—you never know what you'll find.

The cameras we have selected here cater to various situations (everyday to underwater) and price ranges ($30 to over $2,000 - all prices listed are USD).

Kodak M35

• Price: $30 - $40
• Why it’s great: A modern take on the classic, this is one of the few newly produced point-and-shoot film cameras, making it an easy entry point for beginners. Its affordability makes the film experience accessible and easy to try without a significant investment. It features a 31mm f/10 fixed-focus lens and a built-in flash and is available in various colors. Plus, you don't have to hunt down vintage cameras—order it from Amazon and have it delivered.

Canon Sure Shot A1

• Price: $100 - $200 
• Why it’s great: It’s waterproof! It can be used up to 16 feet underwater, perfect for capturing epic memories of your beach vacation or snorkeling adventure. Its durable, sturdy construction makes it the ideal travel companion for adventure photography. It has a built-in flash and fully automatic shooting mode with a 32mm f/3.5 lens.

Olympus Mju-II (Stylus Epic)

• Price: $300 - $500 
• Why it’s great: Its sharp 35mm f/2.8 lens delivers crisp, high-contrast images. It’s simple to use, compact in size, and weatherproof (but not waterproof), making it the perfect travel companion. Features include autofocus, automatic exposure, and built-in flash with red-eye reduction. The design is sleek and minimalist, practical yet stylish.

Yashica T4

• Price: $600 - $1200
• Why it’s great: It is well known for its Carl Zeiss Tessar 35mm f/3.5 lens for high-quality, sharp images. The most unique feature is the waist-level “Super Scope” viewfinder for shooting at creative angles. This makes it easier to capture candid street scenes without raising the camera to your eye, ensuring more natural shots, and for experimenting with angles. Some say it is the less luxurious option to the Contax T2.

Contax T2

• Price: $1,500 - $2,500 
• Why it’s great: This is the premium point-and-shoot film camera, with a Carl Zeiss Sonnar 38mm f/2.8 lens for outstanding image quality and a titanium body for durability. Its automated functions are able to be adjusted manually if you want to experiment. Currently in the hands of many celebs, it's in high demand, which is reflected in the price. If you can afford it, it's worth it.  

Step Back in Time

The resurgence of point-and-shoot film cameras gives us that warm fuzzy nostalgia for pre-smartphone days. It places value on the authentic and imperfect in a world where we’re surrounded by digital perfection. It requires us to be present to capture a moment instead of snapping multiple images to cull later.

Whether you’re a total novice, adventurer, or professional photographer, there’s a point-and-shoot film camera that’s just right for you. Ready to go retro? Pop one in your pocket and never miss a moment.