2022 Buyer’s Guide: 15 Best Point and Shoot Film Camera

Point and shoot film cameras are an excellent choice for those who want an easy-to-use camera that is handheld but still produces beautiful results. This year has seen several updated models with many new features and options.

If you’re looking for the best point and shoot film camera for your needs, this guide will help you navigate all the choices so you can find one perfect for your wallet and preferences.

What is a Point and Shoot Film Camera?

The name says it all – point and shoot. These cameras are very simple, easy to use, and compact. They are great for beginners and casual photographers who want to get the most out of their picture-taking experience without having to tinker with the settings.

Points-and-shoots typically have a very limited number of features, and they don’t allow you to tinker with settings like aperture or shutter speed. However, many people find that a point and shoot film camera is just right for them.

Why You Should Pick Point and Shoot Film Camera

1. Auto Functions

With point and shoot film cameras, there is no need for a manual or directions to get great shots or understand features like shutter speed, aperture value, or focus lock as digital cameras.

They automatically do it for you. You just focus where you want that subject in the frame, and they will adjust the shutter speed and aperture accordingly to get the perfect shot every time.

2. Affordability

kodak point and shoot camera

Photo by Parth Shah on Unsplash

Point and shoot film cameras are one of the easiest ways to get into the photography world without breaking the bank. The reason is clear, these cameras are simple and don’t have as many features as a DSLR (which, as we all know, can be costly).

3. No Other Gears Needed

Point to shoot film cameras are all you need to take great shots. You don’t need any other gear like an external flash, a tripod, or extra lenses.

4. Perfect for Beginners

The ease of use of a point and shoot film camera makes it a perfect choice for those just getting started with taking pictures. Point and shoot cameras have simplified settings that produce beautiful results almost every time without fail.

5. Quiet Operation

Point and shoot film cameras are very quiet and silent when it comes to operation. They don’t create any annoying clicking noises. This is ideal if you want a quiet, stealthy mode to take candid shots.

6. Portability

Portability and convenience are other features that make a point and shoot film camera a great option. Many of these cameras have small bodies and are very lightweight. This makes them easy to carry on trips or to take along for the day.

Point and Shoot Film Camera vs. DSLR Camera

1. Experience Level

Point and shoot film cameras require no experience, and users can take pictures without knowing much about the technical aspects of photography. However, the DSLR has many different settings and functions that require more experience.

three automatic cameras placed on the deak

Photo by Keenan Hastings on Unsplash

2. Manual Settings

Point and shoot film cameras have mostly automatic settings and aren’t so advanced when it comes to changing settings. It is either you have one option for everything or not at all. A DSLR gives you more flexibility to change settings such as ISO, white balance, and aperture.

3. Size of Lens

DSLR cameras have larger lenses than point and shoot film cameras. This is due to the much higher resolution of a DSLR camera, and you want to get the most from it.

4. Interchangeable Lenses

There is more versatility in using interchangeable lenses on a DSLR compared to point and shoot cameras. This means that you can use different kinds of lenses to take different types of photos.

5. Cost

DSLR cameras have a high price. This is because they have a lot of settings and functions, which makes them more sophisticated than point and shoot film cameras.

6. Portability

Point and shoot film cameras are more portable than DSLRs because they are compact,

lightweight, and have simple designs. However, DSLRs have a larger build, complex designs, and bigger lenses, which makes them a bit bulky for portability.

15 Best Point and Shoot Film Camera

Olympus Mju II

Specifications

  • Lens: 35mm

  • Elements: 4 elements in 4 groups

  • Aperture: f/2.8

  • Minimum focusing distance: 0.35m

  • Exposure control: Automatic

  • Focus: Autofocus

  • Dimensions: 11 x 6 x 3.5 inches

  • Weight: 15.3 ounces

Pros

  • It is waterproof and hence usable in wet weather

  • It has a self-timer that is useful when taking self-portraits

  • Built-in flash useful in low-light conditions

  • Red-eye reduction

Cons

  • It is not zoomable

Contax T2

Specifications

  • Lens: 35mm

  • Elements: 5 elements, four groups

  • Aperture: f/2.8

  • Minimum focusing distance: 0.7m

  • Exposure control: Automatic

  • Focus: Autofocus

  • Dimensions: 12 x 6 x 5 inches

  • Weight: 13.6 ounces

Pros

  • Anti-red eye option available

  • It has a muscular titanium body build that makes it durable.

  • Compact and lightweight making it suitable for traveling

  • A sharp lens produces high-quality images

  • It has a self-timer that makes taking selfies easier

Cons

  • It is expensive

  • Its maximum aperture (f/2.8) only works under low light conditions

Yashica T4

Specifications

  • Lens: 35mm

  • Elements: 4 elements, three groups

  • Aperture: f/3.5

  • Minimum focusing distance: 30cm

  • Exposure control: Automatic

  • Focus: Autofocus

  • Dimensions: 45.87 x 25 x 10.63 inches

  • Weight: 6 ounces

Pros

  • Weatherproof hence suitable for any weather conditions

  • Automatic backlight correction

  • It’s designed to enable one-handed operation

Cons

  • It has a slow aperture.

Ricoh GR1V

Specifications

  • Lens: 28mm

  • Elements: 7 elements in 4 groups

  • Aperture: f/2.8

  • Minimum focusing distance: 0.35m

  • Exposure control: Automatic

  • Focus: Autofocus

  • Dimensions: 117 x 61 x 26.5 mm

  • Weight: 6.2 ounces

Pros

  • It has a fast start-up time (1.75 seconds)

  • Allows manual ISO setting

  • It has customizable focus modes

  • The timer comes in handy when taking selfies

  • You get date stamps on images

Cons

  • A bit noisy when starting up or using autofocus

Leica Minilux

Specifications

  • Lens: 40mm

  • Elements: 6 elements in 4 groups

  • Aperture:f/2.4

  • Minimum focusing distance: 0.7m

  • Exposure control: Automatic

  • Focus: Manual and autofocus

  • Dimensions: 4.9 x 1.5 x 2.7 inches

  • Weight: 4.9 ounces

Pros

  • The lens is protected from scratch by an automatic lens cap

  • Multi-coated lens to protect against flare

  • Dial at the top lets you customize several settings before you shoot

  • Its inbuilt flash works great in low-light conditions

Cons

  • Settings change back to default every time it is powered on.

  • The viewfinder is tough to use for people with glasses.

Nikon L35AF Camera

Specifications

  • Lens: 35mm

  • Elements: 5 elements in 4 groups

  • Aperture: f/2.8

  • Minimum focusing distance: 0.8m

  • Exposure control: Automatic

  • Focus: Autofocus

  • Dimensions: 6 x 4.5 x 2.2 inches

  • Weight: 14.4 ounces

Pros

  • It comes with an inbuilt light meter

  • Has a self-timer for self-portraits

  • Small and light hence perfect for travel photography

Cons

  • Adjusting the exposure is difficult as it involves

Olympus XA2

Specifications

  • Lens: 35mm

  • Elements: 4 elements in 3 groups

  • Aperture: f/3.5

  • Minimum focusing distance: 1.2m

  • Exposure control: Manual

  • Focus: Zone focus (3 zones)

  • Dimensions: 6.7 x 4.5 x 4.3 inches

  • Weight: 8 ounces

Pros

  • Its clamshell design helps protect the lens

  • Adjustable ISO lets you match different film requirements

  • It is affordable

Cons

  • Its shutter is sensitive and may take random photos when the clamshell is left open.

 Nikon 35Ti

Specifications

  • Lens: 35mm

  • Elements: 6 elements, four groups

  • Aperture: f/2.8

  • Minimum focusing distance: 0.4m

  • Exposure control: Automatic

  • Focus: Manual focus, Autofocus

  • Dimensions: 4.72 x 1.38 x 2.76 inches

  • Weight: 21.1 ounces

Pros

  • Adjustable aperture

  • Accurate light meter

  • Optional date printing

  • You can monitor the number of frames

Cons

  • Noisy autofocus

Contax T3

Specifications

  • Lens: 35mm

  • Elements: 6 elements in 4 groups

  • Aperture: f/2.8

  • Minimum focusing distance: 0.35m

  • Exposure control: Automatic

  • Focus: Manual focus

  • Dimensions: 9 x 9 x 9 inches

  • Weight: 2 pounds

Pros

  • Smaller than its predecessor

  • Fast focus

  • Automatic lens cap to protect the lens from damage

  • Auto red-eye reduction

Cons

  • It is expensive

Konica Big Mini F

Specifications

  • Lens: 35mm

  • Elements: 4 elements in 3 groups

  • Aperture: f/2.8

  • Minimum focusing distance: 0.35m

  • Exposure control: Automatic

  • Focus: Autofocus

  • Dimensions: 115 x 63 x 34.5 mm

  • Weight: 6.3 ounces

Pros

  • The aluminum shell is more durable and offers more protection

  • The timestamp can be turned on or off depending on your preference

  • Automatic exposure compensation

  • It has a fast and accurate autofocus

Cons

  • The shutter and power buttons are close to each other, making it easy to press the wrong button.

  • Flash is fully automatic hence might get in the way of low light or night photography.

Yashica T3

Specifications

  • Lens: 35mm

  • Elements: 4 elements in 4 groups

  • Aperture: f/2.8

  • Minimum focusing distance: 0.5m

  • Exposure control: Automatic

  • Focus: Autofocus

  • Dimensions: 128 x 67.5 x 52 mm

  • Weight: 9.7 ounces

Pros

  • It is affordable

  • It has a battery level indicator that shows you when it’s running on low power.

  • Features multiple modes to operate under different lighting conditions.

  • Fast flash recycle time

  • Silent power on

  • Quick auto-focus

Cons

  • Hard to find replacement pieces in case of damage

  • Not designed for single-handed operation

  • Heavier and larger than its predecessor

Olympus Stylus 150

Specifications

  • Lens: 35mm

  • Elements: 8 elements in 4 groups

  • Aperture: f/5.1

  • Minimum focusing distance: 0.6m

  • Exposure control: Automatic

  • Focus: Autofocus

  • Zoomable (4x)

  • Dimensions: 6 x 4 x 3 inches

  • Weight: 13.6 ounces

Pros

  • Fast recycling time

  • Red-eye reduction

  • Focus lock

  • All Weather

Cons

  • No longer in production; hence it might be hard to find spare parts in case of repair.

 Konica Big Mini

Specifications

  • Lens: 35cm

  • Elements: 4 elements in 4 groups

  • Aperture: f/2.8

  • Minimum focusing distance: 35cm

  • Exposure control: Automatic

  • Focus: Autofocus

  • Zoomable

  • Dimensions: 11.5 x 3.4 x 6 cm

  • Weight: 6.6 ounces

Pros

  • Faster and more accurate focusing.

  • High-quality build

  • Quiet operation

  • You can customize the exposure

Cons

  • Its shallow buttons make it difficult for some users to operate.

  • It is noisy when powered on

Konica Pop

Specifications

  • Lens: 36mm

  • Elements: 4 elements in 4 groups

  • Aperture: f/4

  • Minimum focusing distance: 2.8m

  • Exposure control: Automatic

  • Focus:

  • Dimensions: 116 x 70 x 47 mm

  • Weight: 9.8 ounces

Pros

  • You can customize the iso

  • Excellent build quality

  • Compact design

  • Come in various colors

Cons

  • Prone to light leaks

 Canon Sure Shot WP-1

Specifications

  • Lens: 32mm

  • Elements: 6 elements in 6 groups

  • Aperture: f/3.5

  • Minimum focusing distance: 0.45m

  • Exposure control: Automatic

  • Focus: Autofocus

  • Dimensions: 5.25 x 3.48 x 2.11

  • Weight: 10.5 ounces

Pros

  • It is waterproof and suitable for wet weather

  • It can work with a tripod mount

  • It has a self-timer for selfies

  • It comes with an Auto Date feature

  • It has a large viewfinder.

  • Its plastic build makes it super light and durable.

Cons

  • It’s fragile

  • It is large compared to other point and shoot cameras

Conclusion

Point and shoot film cameras have made photography more accessible to the average person. They are ideal for those wanting to get into photography as they are cheap and easy to use. They give you a good idea of what you would experience if you were to use a professional camera. The reviews above can help you make an informed decision when buying a point and shoot film camera.

If you like this article, please share it! Be sure to join our FB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/Katebackdrops/ to share your ideas! You can also receive free articles, updates as well as discounts information from https://www.katebackdrop.com/ and our FB Group.