(Credit: René Ramos, Jim Fisher)
(Credit: René Ramos, Jim Fisher)Old digital cameras are all the rage, at least according to social media influencers. This trend isn't too surprising since old tech has a way of coming back into vogue—vinyl is popular amongst music fans, while DVDs appeal to movie aficionados jaded by the ever-rising cost of video streaming services. Many point-and-shoot cameras now enjoy the same retro-chic status, especially since they save you the hassle and cost of developing film.
At the same time, there are fewer new compact cameras on the market than in years past. Major players in the industry have abandoned the low end of the market, effectively ceding it to smartphones, so photographers are left to spend about as much as they would on an entry-level mirrorless camera. And there's still clear demand. For example, the class-leading Fujifilm X100V was on back order status for most of its time on the market, and the follow-up, the X100VI, has been on back order for the entirety of its first year of release. If you want one immediately you've not recourse but to pay above its $1,599.95 retail price.
So, what should you do if you can't find the camera you want for a good price, or in stores at all? Thankfully, there's a thriving market for used compact cameras from recent memory and yesteryear. We're here to walk you through all of your best options.
There Are Many Reasons to Go Retro
Some creators pick up an older camera to get a different (often more artistic) look than a smartphone, many of which use similar computational processing techniques to create snapshots that are technically fantastic, but boringly similar. There's a reason why articles that compare image quality between smartphones feature nearly identical photo samples.
For others, it's a pure nostalgia play. Artists in their teens and 20s are often drawn to the cameras they remember from their youth. And when they were growing up, parents were still using pocket digital cameras or SLRs for family events and vacations. There's something to be said about snapping a photo today that looks like the ones you saw in family albums, even if those albums were on Flickr and Facebook.
As mentioned, availability is another reason. Influencers have driven up demand for some models to the point that it's nearly impossible to get them. We already mentioned the high demand for the Fuji X100VI, but other lesser-known models have gone in and out of stock in recent memory. You might have a camera picked out only to discover that you're trying to buy in between retail restocks. The Canon G7 X Mark III is a good example here. It's still in Canon's lineup, but it tends to sell out every so often and you may have to wait for a few weeks for it to return to stock.
What to Know About Used Marketplaces
So, if you want a good, small camera that can arrive at your home in a few days and won't set you back too much financially, your best bet is to shop for a used compact. I've reviewed many of the cameras below and mixed in a few models you can find for fair prices on popular used marketplaces. I kept usability at the forefront here; you can still buy batteries and chargers for them, and they all use SD cards rather than esoteric media card formats like old CompactFlash or xD.
Availability is likely to be hit-or-miss for some models. That's just part of the deal when you buy old tech. Where appropriate, I've listed several like-minded cameras or those in a series.
As for where to buy, look first to camera retailers. Start with the large national shops such as Adorama and B&H, as well as used specialists like GearFocus, KEH, and MPB. And if you have a favorite local shop, check and see if they have a used department. Amazon and eBay are slightly less compelling options. Both offer plenty of used gear (including cameras you won't find elsewhere), but you never know what you're going to get.
As mentioned, our recommendations below are just a starting point. If your favorite vintage compact isn't here, be sure to chime in—after all, hundreds of quality, small cameras came out during their heyday. And if you have questions on a specific model, feel free to leave a comment or reach out directly.