7 of the coolest retro cameras of 2026 — from monochrome models to no-fuss film cameras

Way back in January, we wrote about how retro cameras were making an unexpected resurgence. Now we're nearing the end of the year, and that trend is showing no signs of slowing — and I've rounded up some of our favorite old-school styled cameras of 2026.'Retro' is a broad term, and these cameras span a wide spectrum too. Leica and Ricoh's dedicated black-and-white cameras are serious snappers optimized for monochrome photography, while the OM System PEN and Fujifilm X-T30 III have retro designs that'll beginner photographers will love. At the more frivolous end of the market we have Camp Snap's basic, screen-free point-and-shoot, and a fuss-free film camera from Kodak that managed to produce some charming, characterful shots in our tests. And no retro camera roundup would be complete without the viral Kodak Charmera — a dinky keychain snapper that our Cameras Editor hates to love.Scroll down to learn more about all of these retro wonders, and hit the View Details button for more info and links to our reviews. Retro snappers Kodak Snapic A1 Read more: I tested Kodak's cheap and pocketable film camera, and it's packed with retro-futuristic charmView on the Kodak website ProsClean, compact and stylish designDelivers characterful shots in good lightingUseful OLED panel on topConsNo exposure controlsWeak flash limits indoor capabilitiesExtra cost of film development and prints Fujifilm X-T30 III Read more: I tested the retro Fujifilm X-T30 III and tiny new zoom lens, and the kit is a great pick for beginner photographersView on the Fujifilm website ProsSharp stills and videoTidy retro designCan be stowed in jacket pocketConsModest upgrade of the X-T30 IIA bit priceyLoss of shooting mode dial Kodak Charmera Read more: The viral Kodak Charmera is the worst camera I’ve ever used – but it’s so bad and so retro, that I actually love itView on Kodak website ProsThumb-sizedRetro design, collector colorwaysIt's a fully working camera!A genuinely great gift ideaConsProbably the worst image quality I've seenTiny batteryThere's a risk it'll quickly become an unused gadget Leica Q3 Monochrom Read more: I tested the Leica Q3 Monochrom – it's a top digital camera for black-and-white photography puristsView on the Leica website ProsSame superb design and lens quality as the Q3The purest experience from a digital camera for black and white photography fansHigh-resolution full-frame sensorConsAs niche a digital camera as they comeLimited customization for its standard color profilesPricier than the Q3As with the Q3, stabilization is only okay, battery life is average, tilt screen is awkward Ricoh GR IV Monochrome Read more: I was ready to buy Ricoh’s incredibly niche black-and-white compact camera — but then I saw the price and it’s an absolute dealbreakerView on the Ricoh website Fujifilm Instax Evo Cinema Read more: I tested the retro Instax Mini Evo Cinema for two weeks — it’s awesome and terrible, but it still wins my heartView on the Instax website ProsMulti-media skillsUnique design and well-madeFun color mode dialConsSluggish operationPoor image qualityVideo clip length limitationsPricey Camp Snap CS-PRO Read more: Camp Snap’s upgraded screen-free retro compact camera hits the right notes, and I love how affordable it isView on the Camp Snap website ProsSuper-easy point-and-shoot operationFilter dial adds a few creative optionsVery lightweight, with stylish looksAffordable price tagConsFlash unit overexposes imagesCan't handle high-contrast lightingAll-plastic body doesn't feel robust OM System PEN Read more: I replaced my phone camera with the OM System PEN for a month — and discovered the beginner camera of the yearView on the OM System website ProsExcellent valueIn-body image stabilization and neat computational photography modesClassy designSplash-proof, as is the new kit lensConsBasic video featuresSome controls are fiddlyDesign less suitable for long lensesLower rated weather resistance than the OM-5 II