TikTok is responsible for a lot of things. Making retro games go viral. Fantastic edits of your favorite TV show characters. "Influencing" you into buying a product that has been (sometimes) wrongfully romanticized. The last bit is very true, as I often see videos of content creators sharing their favorite tech that, as a tech journalist and reviewer, I don't agree with.

Recently, we've seen this with the Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark III which first came out in 2019 but has since exploded on TikTok and received cult-like status. The demand for decade-old cameras that are near-impossible to buy new has skyrocketed since, and it has claimed another victim: the Canon PowerShot Elph 360 HS A / IXUS 285 HS A. In fact, this camera originally came out in 2016 but ever since Kendall Jenner was spotted using it, it became so popular that Canon decided to re-release it in 2025 with an "A" at the end of its name.

Well, I'm here to "de-influence" you, which is another TikTok trend where people talk you out of buying either overpriced or overhyped products. Look, the PowerShot Elph 360 HS A / IXUS 285 HS A is a good camera — I've even taken some of my best pics on a compact on it so far — but is it worth nearly $400 when there are so many other value-for-money options available? Let's find out.

What's good about it?

The Canon PowerShot Elph 360 HS A (as it's known in the U.S.) or the IXUS 285 HS A (as it's known in other parts of the world) features a 20.2MP 1/2.3-inch CMOS sensor and it can record FHD/30fps video. It's extremely easy to use thanks to its well-placed buttons and straightforward menu system, and it packs a few creative modes which make it a versatile snapper. One of its biggest selling points is its 12x optical zoom which lets you zoom in to subjects without losing much image quality and sharpness to digital processing.

I've tested many compact cameras and not all of them boast sharp image quality — but the PowerShot Elph 360 HS A does. You can see a few sample photos in the gallery above, and these are some of the best photos I've taken on a compact camera yet. Canon's color science has always been excellent and it has rarely given me much to complain about. As you can see in the gallery, the reds are popping while the greens are vivid. There's a good amount of contrast in the images too and the images look neither too dark nor too bright.

One of my favorite features is the Hybrid Auto mode which records a short video clip when you press the shutter button, so it shows the lead-up to the image. You can see what this looks like in the video above. This is a great feature to have for those who like to share behind-the-scenes footage on their social media accounts, or even those who just like capturing candid moments. It's like a live photo on a smartphone but better.

Okay, sounds great, so what's wrong?

There are... a few things up with the Canon PowerShot Elph 360 HS A. It isn't the strongest camera when it comes to battery life, as it's CIPA-rated for just 180 shots. This means that if you're taking the camera to a day-long festival, for instance, it won't necessarily last a full day of capturing stills or recording video. In my testing, the camera lasted me just over 190 photos, which isn't great.

That isn't even my biggest issue with the camera, though. The PowerShot Elph 360 HS A is fitted a USB-B port for data transfer, which means it doesn't feature in-camera charging. To charge the camera, you need to remove the battery pack and insert it into the included external charger — which uses a proprietary cable, so it isn't like you can use a USB-C cable to charge it either. My issue with this is that the camera originally came out in 2016, and for that time period, the USB-B port was fine, but for 2026? It's a no-go.

Then you've got the lackluster build quality. It feels plasticky and fragile, especially the sliding cover that protects the battery pack and the microSD card. It honestly feels like it could snap into two if you used just a bit of excessive force. Oh, and speaking of, Canon has replaced the SD card on the 2016 version with a microSD card. It isn't a massive drawback, but SD cards are simply faster and are better for heat dissipation.

What are my options?

All of this for a camera that costs $379 / £379 is simply not good enough, in my opinion. But there are other options out there, and you've come to the right place if you want a compact camera that's powerful and doesn't break the bank.

More from Tom's Guide

• Kendall Jenner and Dua Lipa made this 10-year-old Canon compact go viral so I tested it to find out if it’s worth the hype — here’s how it went
• Seven years later, the Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark III is still TikTok’s favorite compact camera — here’s how it holds up in 2026
• I took 200 photos on the Leica Leitzphone and the Google Pixel 10 Pro XL to see which is better — and it’s not even close

Listen, I love my iPhone 17 Pro, and have very few complaints about its camera. It does everything I need a smartphone camera to do… which is to take copious photos of my dogs and the occasional picture of my wife and/or family. For more serious photography, I have my Fujifilm X-E4 and Fujifilm X-T5.

Not everyone is as lucky as me in owning a mirrorless camera, though, which is why iPhone lenses are a thing. The best iPhone lenses provide a moderately affordable way to boost your smartphone’s capabilities — by adding a better macro lens, for example, or a more characterful lens for video or portraiture.

There are loads of smartphone lenses out there: from anamorphic video lenses through to fisheyes and macros, and on to super telephotos, like the Sandmarc 10x super tele lens I’ve been delving into this week.

This lens has a 10x magnification, which is equivalent to 200mm on a full frame camera. That’s longer than the optical reach of my iPhone 17 Pro’s 8x lens, although the built-in lens can digitally zoom to 10x (and far beyond) to match framing.

The Sandmarc 10x costs a whopping $329, so I wanted to see how it fared against the iPhone’s built-in lens. Is it worth the spend? And are iPhone lenses worth it at all, for that matter? Read on to find out.

Sharpness (or lack thereof)

I’m gonna get a major issue with the Sandmarc out of the way first: this lens is not sharp. In fact, it’s anything but. Much of that is to do with the optics themselves. When you use a smartphone lens, you’re placing glass in front of an already finely-tuned and calibrated optic (your phone's built-in lens) — it’s almost never going to come out sharper than the standard lens without the additional glass.

When people ask me whether iPhone lenses are worth it, I ask them about purpose. If you want sharp, don’t put anything in front of your iPhone’s lenses. If you want to add something your iPhone can’t do, and especially if you want characterful results… that’s different.

For instance, anamorphic iPhone lenses (like ShiftCam's lenses) give a softer, cinematic look with beautiful lens flares and in ultra widescreen, which the iPhone can’t do on its own. Macro lenses, well, do better macro photography than the built-in lens. Below are some shots taken on Sandmarc and Moment macro lenses, and they produce results that you simply can't achieve with the iPhone's hardware.

External telephoto lenses can give a softer look, nicer blur and better bokeh for portraits, which the iPhone's lens can’t. Unfortunately, the trade off for getting those characteristics with an external lens is usually decreased image quality.

All this is to say that the Sandmarc 10x ain’t sharp, and suffers from a lot of ostensibly undesirable lens characteristics, which is normal with these kinds of optics.

As you can see in the bird images at the top of this section, the Sandmarc tele's sharpness falls off dramatically around the center and the subject is blurred from the lack of stabilization. It also demonstrates significant lateral chromatic aberration, visible as yellow banding around high contrast areas (see the swan images below). Again, this is all pretty normal for iPhone lenses — your iPhone’s glass was never meant to have extra glass stuck in front of it.

Stabilization (or lack thereof)

At 200mm full frame equivalent, the 10x lens is super telephoto, which is a little problematic. Longer focal lengths magnify micro-blur, resulting in more visible camera shake affecting the sharpness of your image. Your iPhone’s built-in lens uses optical image stabilization to reduce blur, but it can’t do that for an enormous lens that’s simply stuck on the front and not connected electronically to the phone camera in any way.

The Sandmarc is also heavy, so your hand is going to be more shaky, exacerbating the blurring issue. As you can see in the images above, the iPhone photos are simply much sharper, with more detail visible in the face of the statue and stained glass windows.

You can solve the issue in part by using one of the best iPhone tripods to keep things steady. I’d recommend the Joby Compact Tripod — it's basically a smaller, lighter version of a full-size mirrorless camera tripod, allowing you to keep your phone properly stable while also giving you lots of height adjustment.

It’s also important to use a good case that holds the lens firmly. I use the SmallRig Mobile Video Cage, which is awesome — it lets you swap out lens cover plates between bayonet and threaded lens mounts (the two main types) making it universal fit, and comes with an outer rig for attaching cold shoe accessories.

Don't waste your money on proprietary cases from individual lens manufacturers when you could buy an excellent universal alternative for the same (or less) money!

Bags of character

The upshot to all this (and there is one) is that the artefacting and generally imperfect nature of using iPhone lenses results in “character” — i.e., not every image has to be razor sharp, and it’s kinda fun when that isn’t the case.

If you just accept the imperfections and get creative with them, a seemingly poor lens can be a lot of fun. I mean, that’s one of the reasons why many photographers choose to fit older vintage lenses to their modern cameras.

With the Sandmarc 10x tele, like I said earlier, sharpness drops off very quickly around the center, so you need to put your subject in the middle. Once you do that, you can use the sharpness drop-off as a frame — extra blur to help isolate your subject.

The blur itself is quite nice, too. It’s tight and a little swirly at times, which lends an artistic, painter-y style that I really like. Although, hilariously, it mostly appears on the right hand side of the image for some reason. By contrast, the iPhone’e tele lens at 10x just looks a little bland. There’s no tight blur in the background, making the scene feel flat.

Admittedly, I’d like a bit more bokeh from the Sandmarc 10x — light sources are a little more artistic than the standard iPhone lens, but not by much. However, I don’t care about the other artefacts. A little chromatic aberration is fine, and the Sandmarc swan photo still looks way nicer than the iPhone photo.

Improved color and contrast

One thing I love about certain external lenses (the Sandmarc 10x included) is how much they improve the color and contrast of images. The iPhone’s built-in tele lens is sharper, yes, but it’s so boring. There’s much less contrast, resulting in a washed-out, flatter, often gray look.

In comparison, look at the color difference when using the Sandmarc 10x lens in the image gallery above. Reds and oranges really pop, making the Sandmarc photo look much more vibrant. The same is true in the swan images above, where the bird’s orange bill really stands out in the center of the photo. Compare that to the iPhone photo, where the swan’s bill looks literally gray.

Additionally, there’s just much more contrast with the Sandmarc lens, which combined with the better background blur results in a more three-dimensional image. Again, in the bird images above, the added contrast in the water really brings out the ripples and stops the photos looking flat like the iPhone snap.

So are external iPhone lenses worth buying?

I alluded to this already above, and it all comes down to one question: what do you want? If you want a lens to be sharper than your phone’s built-in camera, you’re out of luck almost entirely with external smartphone lenses. The sharpest iPhone lens I’ve tested is Sandmarc’s 58mm 2x tele lens, but even that is still only on par with the iPhone 1x lens at similar framing, and it still had some issues with chromatic aberration. You’re putting glass made by a small manufacturer in front of glass calibrated by one of the biggest tech firms in the world — that's never going to give you dramatically sharper results.

But while the Sandmarc 10x and other iPhone lenses may not be a quality upgrade, they are certainly a character upgrade. If you want to have fun with your phone camera without spending thousands on a big camera, additional smartphone lenses can help with that. And, importantly, certain smartphone lenses will allow you to achieve effects or styles that simply aren't possible with your phone's default hardware otherwise — particularly anamorphic and macro lenses.

I personally much prefer the look and feel of the images taken using the Sandmarc 10x tele lens to those taken with the iPhone’s built-in tele lens. Not everything has to be about sharpness, and sometimes imperfection has its charms. Would I recommend spending $329 on this particular lens, though? I'm not so sure.

More from Tom's Guide

• ShiftCam iPhone lenses review: the most characterful iPhone lenses around
• Best mirrorless cameras in 2026
• I just bought this 5-year-old Fujifilm and it proves newer isn't always better

Ah, TikTok. A social media platform with hundreds of thousands of videos pertaining to anything and everything on the planet. You've got your classic "brainrot" memes like 6-7, and existential videos discussing the meaning of life all in one app. I won't lie, I love scrolling through TikTok and laughing at the silly things people post on there — or crying at videos of puffer fish, and polar bears struggling to survive as the snow around them melts, with Twenty One Pilots' "Drag Path" playing in the background.

Aside from humorous and inspirational content, TikTok is also responsible for popularizing products we thought would fade into oblivion as the years went by. Retro cameras are very popular on TikTok, with Gen Z going gaga over the likes of the Kodak Charmera and the Camp Snap CS-8. And you'll never guess what TikTokers' favorite compact camera is — it's the Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark III. Yes, the one that came out all the way back in 2019.

But why is the PowerShot G7 X Mark III still so popular, seven years after its launch? That's the question on everyone's mind — well, on mine, at least. Looks like I might finally have the answer to that, now that I've spent a week testing this camera. If you're wondering whether it's worth the hype in 2026, here's what I've learnt, and here's everything you need to know.

A quick rundown

• What is it? The Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark III is the third iteration of Canon's popular compact camera, and it packs a 20.1MP CMOS sensor, and is capable of recording 4K/30p video. You get a 4.2x optical zoom to get stuck into the detail, and the camera is easily portable, thanks to its small size, making it great for travel snaps.
• Who is it for? TikTokers, apparently. I jest! The PowerShot G7 X Mark III is for anyone who wants a compact camera, really, and doesn't want to spend more money on a mirrorless camera or DSLR.
• How much does it cost? It's on the pricey side of things. The PowerShot G7 X Mark III retails for $879 / £1,035, or you can buy the 30th Anniversary Graphite Edition for $1,299 / £859.
• Is it available to buy? Well, it depends. In many places, such as the U.S., the PowerShot G7 X Mark III is either on backorder or out of stock, and you can blame the camera's TikTok popularity for that. The 30th Anniversary Edition is available but limited, so I'd recommend grabbing it ASAP.

What are the Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark III's specs like?

Explaining the TikTok phenomenon

When I picked up the Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark III for the first time, I wondered, "Why does TikTok love this camera, specifically?" After all, there are many other competent compact cameras out there. You've got the Pentax WG-1000 and the Kodak PIXPRO C1 — both great, both much cheaper than the PowerShot G7 X Mark III. But then I realized, there's no point in trying to find much logic here as with most trends on TikTok, that's all they are: trends. This video alone has nearly 400,000 likes!

But the PowerShot G7 X Mark III has reached legendary status, given how popular it is seven years since it was first introduced. It's like a cult classic movie nowadays. If there's one thing Gen Z and Gen Alpha love, it's the sweet spot that lies somewhere between professional quality and nostalgic, lo-fi aesthetics. And that's really what the PowerShot G7 X Mark III is catering to: its 20.1MP sensor is enough to capture good images while teetering on the image quality being just lo-fi enough.

Professional, high-end bodies can often reveal too much detail, such as the many pores in your face, and make everything look like a production. The PowerShot G7 X Mark III, then, strikes a balance between good-quality images and video and the candid vibe, and instead feels like a cool, chill, low-key camera. As a millennial who is mostly confounded by Gen Z-isms, that's what I'm guessing they want (but feel free to disagree with me in the comments).

A joy to handle

As is the nature of compact cameras, the Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark III feels wonderful to handle. Its buttons and dials are thoughtfully laid out, and everything is signposted clearly, so even if you aren't familiar with cameras, you should have no trouble getting to grips with it. I'm guessing the ease of use is one of the reasons why this camera is loved by TikTokers. I've always liked Canon's menu system as well, as it's detailed but easy to understand, with most settings being fairly self-explanatory.

The PowerShot G7 X Mark III is an excellent choice for those who want to photograph their travels, as it measures 4.13 x 2.4 x 1.63 inches and weighs 10.7oz, so it doesn't take up much space in your pocket or handbag, and it doesn't weigh you down either.

Another advantage of owning the PowerShot G7 X Mark III (or any compact camera) is that you can take it with you to music festivals and concerts. In the U.K., where I'm based, concert-goers aren't allowed to bring cameras with interchangeable lenses into venues, but that rule doesn't apply to the PowerShot G7 X Mark III as it features a fixed lens. I've personally seen many people with this camera (or similar) at gigs I've been to, so it's a safe choice for live music lovers.

One button to rule them all

Somewhere along the line during my testing period, I think I cracked the code re: why the Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark III is so popular amongst "influencers" and TikTokers. The answer lies in its Q/Set button, located next to the monitor. This button gives you access to Color Profiles, Background Blur Degree, Brightness, Contrast, Saturation, and color tones, all of which pop up on the screen, and the changes are displayed in real-time.

I think this is a fantastic addition to the camera, and will surely appeal to many users. Since you can adjust the brightness and contrast, and apply filters while shooting, you can tailor the shot to look exactly the way you want it to. After that, it's a simple matter of using the camera's built-in WiFi and Bluetooth to transfer the images to your phone, and share them straight to social media — no need for post-production or hours spent color grading (unless you aren't bound by time, of course).

One-touch real-time editing is a boon for social media, where it's a race to see who breaks the news first, or who reveals a new product first. I myself had a lot of fun playing around with it during testing. I do wish, though, that you could save your own custom color profiles to the camera, akin to saving custom film recipes on my Fujifilm X-T50.

The image quality surprised me

The Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark III packs a 1-inch Stacked CMOS sensor, capable of capturing 20.1MP images. That's not a lot of megapixels, so you don't have much room for making extreme crops, but it's enough for sharing your photos on Instagram, Facebook (though I'm not sure how many Gen Zers use it) and TikTok. Alongside this, you get a 4.2x optical zoom (which means you can zoom in without the quality being negatively impacted), and an 8.4x digital zoom.

Optically zooming in is great, but once you push past it and venture into "ZoomPlus" territory, image quality suffers, as the camera begins to digitally crop rather than optically magnifying the scene. But it's still good to have for those who want to get stuck in the detail. In addition to shooting stills, the PowerShot G7X Mark III records 4K/30fps video, which is more than enough resolution for social media sharing.

Having tested many Canon cameras in my time, one thing I've always loved is Canon's color science. Colors are reproduced faithfully and appear true to life — what you see with your eyes is what the camera will replicate (with 99% accuracy, I'd say). This applies to the PowerShot G7 X Mark III as well, and you can see a few sample images in the gallery above.

In the first shot, I love the popping oranges and neon colors, which add life to an otherwise dull scene (it was an overcast day in Bath, U.K., as most days are). In the second photo of the flowers, I upped the saturation in-camera via the Q/Set button, and I adore the vivid greens which add depth and character to the white flowers.

I also have to give credit to the PowerShot G7 X Mark III's contrast-detection autofocus system. I've seen users talking about it being frustrating to use on online forums like Reddit, but I didn't have any issues with it. The camera does a respectable job of tracking and keeping locked onto faces/subjects you've tapped on via the touchscreen.

You can see sample images in the gallery above. I found the camera was fairly quick to lock onto the swans as well as my partner. This autofocus system isn't as advanced as Canon's Dual Pixel CMOS AF/AF II which you find on cameras like the Canon EOS R50 V, but you usually get that in the brand's DSLRs and mirrorless cameras, not compacts.

I won't lie, the PowerShot G7 X Mark III's image quality actually surprised me. The photos I've taken are packed full of detail, especially the ones of the swans. For instance, in the first shot, you can clearly make out the individual feathers and kinks in the swan's coat. Even its webbed feet are highly detailed, and you can see water droplets on them too.

Is it the best option in 2026? Well...

Though the Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark III is a good camera that takes very lovely photos, I don't think it's the best way of spending your hard-earned money — unless you already own it, of course. But buying it secondhand or pre-loved? I'd consider other options. Seven years is a long time, and technology has come a long way since then.

Canon's own PowerShot line has developed a fair bit, with cameras like the Canon PowerShot V1 ($899) boasting amazing autofocus and 4K/60fps recording capabilities. Budget options, like the Canon PowerShot V10 ($429), are fairly competent too. Then you've got competition from other brands like Sony and Fujifilm, with the Sony ZV-1F ($499) and the Fujifilm X-M5 ($799) providing affordable vlogging solutions. Heck, for a price lower than the PowerShot G7 X Mark III, the Fuji X-M5 features interchangeable lenses, making it more versatile.

For serious content creation, all of the aforementioned cameras are arguably better than the PowerShot G7 X Mark III. I'd even add the Canon EOS R50 V ($699) to that list. And yet, the PowerShot G7 X Mark III reigns supreme. In fact, it's so popular that most places have it on backorder. Sound familiar? It's what happened with the Fujifilm X100VI ($1,599) when it exploded on TikTok.

My best guess is that TikTok content creators aren't looking for the most pixels. After all, you don't need 4K/60fps footage as TikTok downsizes it anyway. They probably want a compact camera that requires minimum effort to make something look great, and that's fair enough — that one-touch in-camera editing is a blessing.

As a professional reviews writer and someone whose job it is to scrutinize tech to figure out whether it's worth the money, I struggle to understand why the PowerShot G7 X Mark III is as popular as it is. But as a photographer and consumer, I can kinda see why: it's easy to use, it's very compact, it takes nice photos, and it can record 4K/30p video. It really depends on the lens you view the situation through.

What do you think? Is there any other tech that's popular but you don't understand why and would like me to check out? Let me know in the comments below!

More from Tom's Guide

• Best cameras in 2026
• 'Always be prepared for anything’: here are my 7 expert tips for amazing wildlife photography
• This camera’s ‘killer feature’ finally solved my biggest frustration with film photography — and I'd recommend it over a high-end vintage camera any day

Film photography is great fun. I love it and so do many of my friends. It seems like almost everyone has either a disposable or a reusable film camera in their pockets nowadays. Once an almost-forgotten art form, film photography has experienced a well-deserved resurgence in recent years, and we're all the better for it.

I have used and tested many film cameras in my time. Not all of them are perfect, but that's the fun of film photography, isn't it? There's a charm in its imperfection as you can't see the photos until you get your roll developed. But I also recognize that film rolls can be expensive, and you don't want to waste your money taking out-of-focus, blurry photos. The solution? Getting a camera that never fails to focus, like the Lomography Lomo MC-A 35mm.

The Lomo MC-A 35mm is one of the only modern film cameras that features autofocus. Now, don't come at me with, "Autofocus on a film camera? Film is all about manual focusing!" please. You can swap between the two as and when you like, but having autofocus is an undeniably killer feature, and something inexperienced photographers will definitely value. So, if you're on the hunt for a competent film camera, let me show you why the Lomo MC-A 35mm is my top pick.

Say goodbye to blurry photos

The Lomography Lomo MC-A 35mm features LiDAR-powered autofocus, and it can be enabled when you switch on the camera. You can choose from autofocus and manual focus when powering on the camera. If this is the first time you're getting a film camera, I'd recommend spending some time experimenting with the manual focus as it can be very rewarding when you get an in-focus shot.

But for when you can't be bothered with manual focusing, you've got fairly reliable autofocus that, in my testing, never once let me down. I found it quick to focus on to my friends and even buildings, and I captured the best photos I've taken on a film camera yet.

Combine the Lomo MC-A 35mm's autofocus with its sharp lens and you've got a winning combination. You get plenty of manual control over the camera's shooting settings too, as you can manually adjust the shutter speed, ISO and aperture. This not only gives you more creative freedom but it helps you hone your photography skills too.

As I said, I love the photos I've taken with the Lomo MC-A 35mm, and you can see a few examples in the gallery above. The images feature bright and vivid colors, and they're packed with detail too. Humans photograph particularly well with the Lomo MC-A 35mm, in my opinion, as the photos of my friends as well as my partner have turned out great.

Handles as beautifully as the photos it takes

When it comes to the build quality of Lomography cameras, it can be best described as hit-or-miss. I've tested many of the brand's instant cameras and more often than not, I've found the build plasticky and fragile. Imagine my surprise when I unboxed the Lomography Lomo MC-A 35mm and found out that it's actually built really well. I'd even venture to say that it's Lomography's best-built camera yet.

The Lomo MC-A 35mm's metal body feels substantial to hold, and it's got a good weight to it. It actually feels like you're using one of the best mirrorless cameras, to be honest. The camera weighs 11.2oz and measures 4.9 x 2.7 x 1.6 inches, so it's pocketable and can be carried around easily, making it fantastic for travel snaps. The right-hand side of the camera sports a slightly protruding, textured grip which enables you to easily use it with one hand.

All of the buttons and dials on the Lomo MC-A 35mm are well-placed within easy reach too, and this makes the camera a sheer joy to use. And you know what I love most? The film advance lever has a buttery smooth and satisfying motion that makes advancing film not just easy, but fun too.

The "live, laugh, love" of cameras

Have you ever been to someone's house and they have a cushion cover with a platitude printed on it? Or vinyl decals or neon lights hung in their living room? You know what I'm talking about. "Live, laugh, love" is the most popular of the lot, and you've also got "God bless this mess" and "It's wine o'clock somewhere," as well as "Not all who wander are lost."

Well, I present to you: "Everyone is equal before the lens and behind it." I can't take credit for that because that's what's printed on the Lomography Lomo MC-A 35mm's top plate, in cursive writing. The camera comes with a photobook too, with more platitudes, and stickers with quotes like, "We will frame first, frame second" and "The tactile and the imperfect are our heroes" printed on them.

This is why I call the Lomo MC-A 35mm the "live, laugh, love" of cameras. It's a little tacky to me, personally, but some people might like it. I suppose it's a nice touch as it gives the camera some personality, and makes for a great icebreaker or talking point.

Despite the cliché quotes, the Lomo MC-A 35mm is a wonderful camera. Its autofocus is nothing short of powerful and quick, and it makes taking lovely photos just that much easier. Its sharp lens captures vivid colors and shades, making the Lomo MC-A 35mm the only film camera you'll need. It makes film photography more accessible to the general masses.

More from Tom's Guide

• I just tested the Lomography Lomo MC-A 35mm — and I live, laugh, love this camera
• Best cameras in 2026
• I swapped digital cameras for film photography for 2 weeks and the Pentax 17 blew me away — here's why

Photography is a great pastime to pick up, and you can take it to the next level by making it your profession too — it's certainly my own favorite hobby. I review the best mirrorless cameras at Tom's Guide, and whenever I'm testing a camera, I always take photos of birds and animals. Wildlife photography is my niche, and I absolutely love it.

There are many reasons why I love wildlife over other genres of photography. I adore animals, and observing them in their natural habitat brings me joy. I find it very fulfilling, and it gives me a sense of purpose. It also means that I have an excuse to stop playing video games and literally go touch some grass.

I've reviewed and used many cameras in my time and having spent many hours amongst animals and in nature, I've learnt a thing or two. If you're looking to dip your toes into the world of wildlife photography, you've come to the right place. I'll share my best seven tips for wildlife photography here, and if you have any of your own tips, feel free to share them in the comments below!

1. Pick the right gear

The number one thing you need to do is pick the right camera and lens. There are many options out there so it can be overwhelming, but there are a few features you should consider when buying your kit. I've recently been testing the OM System OM-1 Mark II, which is a Micro Four Thirds camera, and is great for wildlife photography, especially if you're an enthusiast.

One of its key selling points is that the OM-1 Mark II is extremely easy to use, thanks to its straightforward control scheme, well-signposted dials and buttons, and an easy-to-read menu system. What makes it fantastic for wildlife is its 120fps sequential shooting capabilities, and the high-res electronic viewfinder (EVF) which is bright and detailed, and blackout-free too. This means that there are no black screens between shots, so you can keep tracking your subject without any disruption.

The OM-1 Mark II's autofocus system and subject detection are ridiculously good too, as the camera quickly locks onto birds and animals, no matter the size. In fact, when I was testing the camera, it was able to find birds obscured by branches and leaves, and the autofocus worked better than my own eyes! Subject detection also includes humans and vehicles, making this a versatile camera.

You also get up to 8.5-stops of in-body image stabilization (IBIS) so you can shoot at slower shutter speeds, even handheld. The camera is fully weather-sealed too, carrying an IP53 rating, so it's protected against dust and ruin, and can be used in freezing temperatures down to -14°F / -10°C. Pair this camera with a 150-600mm lens so that you can take photos of wildlife from afar and without disturbing them.

2. Research the location

Before you head out, it's good to do a bit of research. There are plenty of resources online, so research the animals and birds that are local to your area — you don't have to venture far from home to find wildlife. Animal and bird populations and species vary from area to area. I highly advise finding out which wildlife resides wherever you decide to go.

Knowing the wildlife in that area will also give you a good starting point. It's better than diving into the deep end without having any prior knowledge. This way, you'll know where to start. It's also a great idea to join groups on, say, Facebook and Reddit, where locals talk about wildlife.

3. Learn animal behavior

It's important to learn animal and bird behavior. I don't mean that you need to be ecology expert, but you should know how wildlife behaves. A kingfisher won't necessarily act like a barn owl, for instance. Google (or an AI chatbot) is your best friend here, so don't be afraid to put in your questions, regardless of how simple or complex they may sound to you.

Birds have different calls, and some animals travel in herds or packs. Some of them come out only at dusk or dawn. Just like humans, animals and birds have unique personalities, so do your research.

4. Pack appropriate clothing

Now that you've done your research on the location and animal behavior, it's time to head out! This is the most fun part, as you get to see the animals and birds in action. I, personally, really enjoy finding wildlife, and I'm sure you will to — there's something very rewarding about following a trail of footprints or hooves and finally coming across the animal you've been tracking.

But hold your horses. Before you head out, pack appropriate clothing as you should always be prepared for anything. For example, if it's looking even a little cloudy outside (as it often does in the U.K. where I live), pack a raincoat or a waterproof jacket, and wear waterproof shoes. There's nothing worse than being outside miles from home and getting caught unawares.

I'd also recommend carrying some snacks and drinks for yourself in a backpack, especially if you're heading into the woods or an area where there may not be a grocery store nearby. Patience wears thin when you're hungry or thirsty, and wildlife photography is a waiting game, so it's best to be prepared. I always have a bar of chocolate for an instant energy boost in my pocket.

5. Talk to those around you

One thing I've noticed when I'm out and about with a camera and telephoto lens, strangers will often ask me if I've photographed anything good. I think it's important to engage with these people. A lot of times, strangers have kindly shared their knowledge of the local wildlife with me. Someone told me they saw a woodpecker a mile away, and one of them even pointed out a kingfisher to me.

Talking to locals and people at the scene can be extremely useful. Some might even share their own photography tips, or tips for spotting certain wildlife.

6. Be patient

Like I said, wildlife photography is a waiting game, and requires a bit of luck. You won't always spot an owl in the area where someone said they saw one a while ago, so be patient. Patience is a virtue and it really pays off. Observe animals, wait around, keep an ear out for birdsong or movement.

Remember: these are wild animals and birds whose behavior can sometimes be unpredictable. You might not always get the shot you want, and that's okay. There have been many instances where I've barely taken any photos when I've been out, and I've still thoroughly enjoyed being outside. Sometimes, after I've taken a bird's photo, I'll often just sit or stand there and watch them. Listening to birdsong isn't a bad way to start or end your day.

7. Respect the birds and animals

Last but not least, it's crucial that you respect the animals and birds. Again, these are wild creatures, and you shouldn't expect them to act like they're your pets. Give them their space, and watch them from a distance. Do not try to approach them too close, and don't try to pet them.

I also strongly advise against feeding or baiting them to get them to behave in a particular way. You shouldn't disrupt their natural way of being just because you want to get a photo.

And there you have it! These are my seven tips for wildlife photography, and these have all come about as a result of me having spent many hours testing cameras. To recap:

• Pick the right gear
• Research the location
• Learn animal behavior
• Pack appropriate clothing
• Talk to people around you
• Be patient
• Respect the birds and animals

If you'd like to know more, I'm always available to answer questions, and you can either email me via the button below or message me on my Instagram, and I will try my best to answer.

Or if you want to share any wildlife photos you've captured and just want to talk about our shared love of animals, I'm open!

More from Tom's Guide

• 'It breaks the laws of physics’: the OM System OM-1 Mark II is now my favorite wildlife camera, and its 120fps burst isn’t even the best part
• ‘Few wildlife cameras come close to this’: why the OM System OM-1 Mark II is perfect for photographing birds in flight and other animals
• Want to take up photography in 2026? These are the 5 beginner cameras I recommend

Lens manufacturer Viltrox has a new lens adapter for Sony E-mount, which hopes to bring AF to your vintage manual focus PL-E Cine lenses.

The NexusFocus F1 will give content creators using Sony mirrorless cameras the ability to use older, vintage Cine lenses in their work. This will give creators much more creative freedom with the look and feel of their video without sacrificing the mod-con of autofocus. In short, using vintage cine lenses no longer needs to be confined to the pros.

According to Viltrox, "The NexusFocus F1 is a compact, lightweight adapter that fits unobtrusively in between the lens and the camera body."

The new adapter utilizes Sony’s powerful phase-detection system and AI subject recognition, according to Viltrox. It leverages the power and processing speed of the camera's advanced AF and processor to work the lens motors for aperture, focus, and zoom, "thus revitalizing manual lenses with powerful autofocus capabilities."

Sure, MF is fun and highly accurate in the hands of a skilled camera operator. But by using the camera's AF, this adapter will deliver "precise, repeatable focus performance." Essentially, it's easier to hit focus and repeatedly do so across takes.

The NexusFocus F1 won't use LiDAR-based distance estimation to determine focus, either, which is common with other adapters, and which Viltrox says can cause parallax-related focusing inaccuracies.

Viltrox's intention with this adapter is to give specific owners of vintage Cine lenses more creative freedom. These lenses are often employed by larger productions, but may be a little too complex and slow for smaller-time projects: solo shooters, small crews and even enthusiasts. "Freed from the constraints of manual focusing... creators can enjoy cinematic-level imaging, with effortless control and precision," says Viltrox.

App-based lens calibration

AF obviously needs to be calibrated based on lenses — a difficult job with old vintage lenses. Theoretically, that shouldn't be an issue with the NexusFocus F1.

"The Viltrox NexusFocus mobile app allows for effortless setup, with a wide range of lens calibration profiles ready-to-go," says Viltrox. "The system automatically detects calibration status on startup."

Again, this should make it much easier for owners of PL-E Cine lenses to simply pick up a lens, strap it to their Sony camera with the adapter and get shooting.

Availability and outlook

Currently, the NexusFocus F1 is in Kickstarter, with lens kits starting at $699 for the earliest pledgers, rising to $1,099 for the last early adopter kit. So we can reasonably expect the adapter to cost in the $1,000 region once it drops fully.

Obviously, it's important to be wary of Kickstarter products, but with Viltrox, you're in pretty safe hands. This is a major lens manufacturer that releases lenses constantly (which begs the question: why does it need to use Kickstarter?)

Currently, this adapter is only for Sony E-mount, which makes sense. Sony's AF is regarded by many as the best in the business, and given this adapter leverages the camera's AF so heavily, that's kinda what it needs.

The E-mount is also heavily used by content creators, especially amateurs, semi-pros and enthusiasts, making this the widest market.

Still, it'd be lovely to see this adapter coming to other mounts, like the L mount for Lumix full frame shooters. I'd also personally love to see something similar for other APS-C mounts, too. I love the look of vintage cine lenses, so it'd be cool to maybe one day strap a vintage Super 35 lens to my Fuji and see what the results look like!

More from Tom's Guide

• 'It’s an instant camera that lets you time travel from the 1930s to the 2020s’: I spent two hours with the Fujifilm Instax mini Evo Cinema, here’s what I think of it
• The best cameras you can buy
• I just bought this 5-year-old Fujifilm camera and it proves newer isn’t always better

On 12 January, Yodobashi Camera released its list of top 10 best-selling compact digital cameras in Japan. This list has been compiled on the basis of sales data from its online shop and 24 Yodobashi Camera stores nationwide during 16-31 December, 2025. And there are a few surprises there — so much so that I wouldn't have guessed this camera would have topped the rankings.

Before we dive into that, let's look at some of the cameras in the top 10. The Sony RX1R III comes in at #9, followed by Fujifilm's unicorn, the X100VI, at #8 — both quite expensive cameras! But there's a trend you'll notice as you go from the bottom to the top: the top-half of the list is dominated by cheaper compacts, such as the Fujifilm X half (#6), the Panasonic Lumix TZ99 (#4), and the Sony ZV-1 II (#2).

That coveted #1 spot? It's occupied by the cheapest compact camera on the list, one that costs less than $100, and one I've reviewed and loved. It's the Kodak PIXPRO C1, a cheap and cheerful camera that takes surprisingly good photos with its 13MP 1/3-inch BSI CMOS sensor. If you're wondering whether you should buy it, you've come to the right place. Let me help make that decision easier for you.

Here are the top 10 best-selling compact digital cameras in Japan, according to Yodobashi:

1. Kodak PIXPRO C1: $99 / £78
2. Sony ZV-1 II: $1,048 / £769
3. Canon PowerShot SX740 HS: $748 / £610
4. Panasonic Lumix TZ99: $662 / £549
5. Canon IXY 650 M / PowerShot Elph360 HS A / IXUS 285 HS A: $509 / £409
6. Fujifilm X half: $849 / £699
7. Ricoh GR IV: $1,599 / £1,199
8. Fujifilm X100VI: $1,799 / £1,599
9. Sony RX1R III: $5,098 / £3,699
10. Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark III: $1,489 / £1,035

Take it anywhere with you

As someone who has used and tested her fair share of cameras over the years, including the PIXPRO C1, I think the reason the Kodak is so popular is simple: it's a no-frills approach to photography. It doesn't matter what your photography skill level is, or if you're familiar with the technical side of it. Anyone can use the PIXPRO C1, and that's thanks to its stripped-back control scheme, easy-to-read menu system, and automatic shutter speed and ISO adjustment. All you need to do is point and shoot.

The PIXPRO C1's compact form factor has also helped it secure the #1 spot. The camera measures 4.05 x 2.36 x 0.79 inches and weighs 4.05oz, so it's easy to carry around in your bag, jacket's pocket, or even in your jeans' front pocket. Because the camera is so light, you barely feel it too. All of this makes the PIXPRO C1 is a great travel companion when you don't have much room left in your luggage.

Adding to the PIXPRO C1's charm is its 180° flip-up screen, designed for selfies. As someone who doesn't necessarily like taking selfies, I was surprised at just how much I enjoyed using it when I was testing the camera.

Lo-fi photos for the social media era

I won't sugarcoat this: the Kodak PIXPRO C1 isn't meant for serious, pro-level photography. It's a cheap compact camera that's easy to carry on a night out with friends, or while traveling. Fitted with a 13MP 1/3-inch BSI CMOS sensor, the PIXPRO C1 captures lo-fi images, similar in quality to the ones you often see on Instagram and TikTok these days.

As you can see in the gallery above, the images have a vintage aesthetic to them. The quality reminds me of the photos in albums my mom used to lovingly compile when I was growing up. It's that sense of nostalgia, I believe, companies like Kodak are capitalizing on. No wonder the PIXPRO C1 is the best-selling compact camera in Japan right now.

Kodak is banking on that same sense of nostalgia packed into compact cameras with its Kodak Charmera — another compact I absolutely adore. And it isn't the only one doing it. We've seen it with the Camp Snap, and even the new Fujifilm Instax mini Evo Cinema. It'll be interesting to see where these cameras rank eventually — and if the Charmera ever makes it on to that list.

Is it worth the money?

Whether you should buy the Kodak PIXPRO C1 depends on your photography needs. If you're a semi-pro or professional photographer and want a stripped-back camera to use in your downtime, it's worth consideration. If you're an amateur and just want an easy-to-use point-and-shoot camera for casual photography, definitely.

I personally love the PIXPRO C1, and I strongly believe that you need two cameras in your backpack. The PIXPRO C1 makes it very easy to capture memories without having to manually adjust any settings, such as shutter speed, ISO and aperture.

Its retro image quality solidifies that this camera is more about fun than specs, and the PIXPRO C1 is very deserving of the #1 spot on Yodobashi Camera's list of top 10 best-selling compact digital cameras in Japan.

More from Tom's Guide

• I’ve been testing the Kodak PIXPRO C1 — and it's ideal for those who don't mind imperfection
• You always need two cameras in your backpack (and one of them should cost under $100) — here’s why
• ‘A $30 camera meant for fun, not serious photography’: Kodak Charmera review

Forrest Gump once said, "My mama always said, 'Life is like a box of chocolates; you never know what you're gonna get." Well, if Forrest Gump's mother was here today, she'd probably say the same thing about the Kodak Charmera.

The Charmera is the storied brand's latest camera, and it's unlike any of its previous compacts in the PIXPRO lineup. You see, it's a keychain camera, which means you can clip it onto your keys or your bag and be on your way. It's cheap at just $30, it's playful, it's very charming, and you never know what color you're going to get until you open the box.

By no means is the Charmera going to win you any serious photography awards — for that, turn to one of the best cameras. But what it will win you is the admiration of your peers, and laughs from your friends when you whip it out of your pocket and take a photo of them on a messy night out. It's amazing, really, and as a 90s kid, it's hard to resist the Charmera's charms.

It all started a long, long time ago

The story of the Kodak Charmera goes all the way back to the 1990s. Well, the camera wasn't built all the way back then but without a shadow of a doubt, it's inspired by the 90s. The 90s were a long time ago — I would know, I was born then. While technology was nothing like it is today, I still had a downright fantastic childhood, and a lot of it had to do with the toys and collectibles available to us.

Collectibles were all the rage. McDonald's Happy Meals were uber popular. Bags of Cheetos would include Tazos which were small plastic collectible tokens with characters from Looney Tunes printed on them. My brother, cousins and I would buy Cheetos with our pocket money, and it was a delight. Collectibles are a thing today, too, and we see them in the form of, say, the 'Chase' variants of Funko Pop bobbleheads.

Kodak is banking on that nostalgia with the Charmera. When you buy the Charmera — for just $29 / £30 at Amazon by the way — you don't know which color you're going to get. There are six possibilities (and a secret seventh see-through one), so you can actually collect them all, if you want. Now you see why I started this article with that Forrest Gump quote. The Charmera really is the Happy Meal of cameras!

Taking it anywhere and everywhere

Alongside being the cheapest, the Kodak Charmera is the most portable camera I've ever tested. It measures and weighs just 0.96 x 0.78 inches and 1.05oz so you barely feel it in your pocket — perfect for when you're traveling light or going on a night out with friends. As a keychain camera, the Charmera is fitted with a keychain loop which enables it to clip on to your bag, keys, or even the zip of your jacket (as I did while testing).

Because the Charmera can be taken anywhere and everywhere (and you wouldn't want to leave the house without it, trust me), it's a great companion for when you don't want to risk taking an expensive mirrorless camera to a bar. Spilled drinks and cameras don't mix.

I also have to give credit to the Charmera for being a fantastic icebreaker. When I was testing it, I took it to a pub where we were meeting some of my partner's friends and acquaintances I hadn't met before. I'm an introvert and sometimes I struggle to hit it off with strangers.

I had the Charmera clipped on to my jacket's zip and everyone could see it and was fascinated by it. That got them asking me questions about the camera which kickstarted conversations that then snowballed. A few of them then tried the Charmera for themselves and were instantly charmed by it, just like I was — and just like you will be too.

Kodak Charmera: Sample gallery

The Kodak Charmera is an easily lovable little camera, but does it take good photos? After all, it's a camera at the end of the day! Well, I can best describe the photos it takes as "half decent." The Charmera is fitted with a 1/4-inch CMOS sensor that captures 1.6MP stills and 1080p/30fps video. Due to the small sensor size, low-light performance and dynamic range aren't great, and photos turn out pixelated.

But that's the point. The Charmera isn't a camera for serious photography — it costs $30, it can't be. The photos it captures have a lo-fi, retro aesthetic that has had the likes of TikTok and Instagram drooling for the last couple of years.

Retro-looking cameras — like the Charmera, the Camp Snap, and even the brand new Fujifilm Instax mini Evo Cinema — are very popular amongst Gen Z right now, and Kodak recognizes this, and I can't blame it for wanting to capitalize on that thirst for nostalgia. One thing I know for sure is that the Charmera is one camera I'm going to keep going back to.

More from Tom's Guide

• ‘A $30 camera meant for fun, not serious photography’: Kodak Charmera review
• I finally got my hands on the $30 camera that TikTok and Instagram are obsessed with: my first impressions of the Kodak Charmera
• 'It’s an instant camera that lets you time travel from the 1930s to the 2020s’: I spent two hours with the Fujifilm Instax mini Evo Cinema, here’s what I think of it

I review the best instant cameras here at Tom's Guide, and recently, I've been feeling like the evolution has plateaued. Most of them look and feel the same, and there isn't much of a difference in image quality either. So when Fujifilm announced the new Fujifilm Instax mini Evo Cinema this morning, it goes without saying that I was beyond excited to get my hands on it.

As part of Fuji's lineup of hybrid instant cameras, the Instax mini Evo Cinema is a 3-in-1 camera and printer, and for the first time, it can record 600 x 800 or 1080 x 1440 video. It's unlike any other I've seen as it looks like a Super 8 but is, in fact, an instant camera. Fujifilm invited me to the House of Photography in London, U.K., to try the camera for a couple of hours, and I have to say, I'm impressed already — and I think it's a strong contender for the best instant camera in 2026 (even though it's early days).

I'm yet to put the camera through its paces before publishing my full review, and that will happen in the near future, but my first impressions are very positive. This could be the instant camera for photography and video enthusiasts, and I know for a fact that Gen Z — with its love of compact cameras and retro tech — is going to adore the Instax mini Evo Cinema.

A quick rundown

• What is it? The Fujifilm Instax mini Evo Cinema is a 3-in-1 hybrid instant camera that can shoot stills and print them, record video that can be accessed via a QR code printed on film, and you can print directly from your smartphone too. Video can be recorded with audio as well, and there's a brand new 'Eras Dial' (or a Gen Dial) which lets you time travel from the 1930s to the 2020s by applying era-appropriate film effects to your photos and videos. It forms the third (and video-centric) arm of Instax's Evi lineup, joining its Instax mini Evo and the Instax Wide Evo stablemates.
• Who is it for? Anyone who wants a hybrid instant camera that can record videos and shoot (and print) instant photos with over 100 effect combinations should consider the Fujifilm Instax mini Evo Cinema. Gen Z is going to eat this up.
• How much does it cost? Quite a bit! The Fujifilm Instax mini Evo Cinema dethrones the Fujifilm Instax Wide Evo as Fuji's most expensive instant camera yet, costing $409 / £329 once it launches.
• When is it available to buy? Fujifilm hasn't yet confirmed the exact shipping date, but you can pre-order the Instax mini Evo Cinema at B&H Photo in the U.S. and London Camera Exchange in the U.K. with stock expected in late January.

Upgrade-worthy? Oh yes!

If you already own a Fujifilm Instax mini Evo (like I do) or a Fujifilm Instax Wide Evo, you might be wondering whether it's worth upgrading to the Fujifilm Instax mini Evo Cinema. After all, it costs a whopping $409 / £329! But the Instax mini Evo Cinema isn't like its stablemates. Yes, it can do everything they can, but there's the added benefit of being able to shoot 15-second long videos with audio.

The Instax mini Evo Cinema can shoot 600 x 800 or 1080 x 1440 (in 2020 era only) videos and print them in the form of a QR code on Instax mini film. This QR code can then be scanned with a smartphone, and you can view the clip from anywhere in the world (as it's automatically uploaded to the cloud when the camera is connected to your phone). Sound familiar? That's because it's the exact same thing the Fujifilm Instax mini LiPlay+ does for audio clips.

And it works like a charm. I recorded a few videos during my hands-on time in London, and the new Instax mini Evo app was quick to transfer the clips to my phone and upload them to the cloud. Video quality is great too, regardless of the filter and grain effect you've applied, which brings me to my next point...

Time traveling in style

Like I said, the Fujifilm Instax mini Evo Cinema can do everything its predecessors can, including adding effects and filters, so you still get 100+ effect combinations. But there's a new dial on the Instax mini Evo Cinema, and that's the Gen Dial, or the 'Eras Dial' as Instax kept calling it at the press event I attended. The 'Eras Dial" sounds catchier, in my opinion.

This dial, located on the left-hand side of the camera along with all other controls, lets you choose between 10 decade styles, ranging from grainy, black and white 1930s footage, YouTube-style 2010s, all the way through to vibrant, rich 2020s imagery. As a Fujifilm representative said today, "It's an instant camera that lets you time travel from the 1930s to the 2020s."

This is my favorite feature on the Instax mini Evo Cinema. I love playing with the different effects and filters on my Instax mini Evo, so I had a lot of fun trying the different style. 1930s footage resembles Fuji's Acros film simulation, and it looks fantastic. The Instax mini Evo Cinema lets you adjust the contrast too, and add varying levels of noise/grain with the Degree Control dial located around the lens on the front.

There's a zoom toggle on the left-hand side too, so you can zoom in and out while shooting, as you can see in the video above.

Before printing your video on Instax mini film, you can choose the exact frame you want to be printed via the camera itself, and you can print as many copies as you like — which is the point of Fuji's hybrid instant cameras. The shareability aspect makes the Instax mini Evo Cinema extremely fun, and you don't need to download the app to access the video via the QR code, making it more accessible.

Speaking of printing, the print lever on the Instax mini Evo Cinema is extremely fun. Again, located on the left-hand side, it's a tab that pulls out and turns, adding to the immersion. It's similar but a little different from the Instax Wide Evo's print crank (similar to the ones you find on film cameras to load and unload a film roll). I did find it a little finicky during my hands-on time as, at times, it took a couple turns to get the camera printing. It's a novel idea, and I can't wait to test it out properly.

Another thing I like is that the Instax mini Evo Cinema comes with a viewfinder attachment which easily clips on to cover the 1.54-inch hi-res LCD monitor. You can then look directly at the screen when you're out and about shooting. This attachment magnifies the image displayed on the screen and I found that it makes easier to shoot in bright conditions or direct sunlight when you can't view the monitor properly.

The perfect blend of retro and modern tech?

Retro tech is all the rage today, and we've seen that with many compact cameras making a comeback and new cameras being inspired by years past, such as the Camp Snap CS-8 and the Kodak Charmera. The Fujifilm Instax mini Evo Cinema is no different. It clearly looks like a Super 8 video camera, and it's directly inspired by a Fuji camera from the 1960s (and the 1960s era replicates the Super 8 quality).

But it's a camera made in 2026, so it's very modern, packing the same imaging tech you'll find in its stablemates. In my opinion, it's the perfect blend of nostalgia and modernity. It looks premium and is built far better than the likes of the plasticky Camp Snap CS-8. The Instax mini Evo Cinema has also got a price to match modern cameras. At $409 / £329, it's far more expensive than the aforementioned CS-8.

Is it worth the premium? It packs more tech and many, many features, yes, but I can't say for certain as I haven't tested all of its features yet, and that will happen when I get my review unit for in-depth testing. Fuji's banking on the nostalgia a camera like the Instax mini Evo Cinema can evoke, and this isn't something only the Japanese giant is hoping to capitalize on. We've seen it with Camp Snap and Kodak too. The resurgence of retro tech today is proof that there's a market for it, so the launch of the Instax mini Evo Cinema is definitely timely.

Fujifilm Instax mini Evo Cinema: Outlook

My first impressions of the Fujifilm Instax mini Evo Cinema have revealed a few things. First, it's a highly capable and versatile hybrid instant camera. The 5MP stills quality remains as good as on the Instax mini Evo and the Instax Wide Evo. The fact that you can record videos with audio and add a QR code to your print makes it the most versatile hybrid instant camera yet, and it's something no other brand — like Polaroid and Lomography — has done yet.

The Instax mini Evo Cinema is a joy to handle, and there's an additional, longer grip included in the box for more precise control. The dials and buttons themselves are laid out well, and anyone who picks up the camera will be able to get a hang of it quickly. The Gen Dial that lets you add filters from the 1930s through to 2020s is an awesome addition, and something I can't wait to test more when I review the camera.

First impressions aren't always everything, though, so it'll be interesting to see how the camera holds up when I conduct my usual battery of tests. For instance, I found the print button a little finicky during my hands-on time, so I'm looking forward to seeing if that issue persists. Keep an eye out for my full Fujifilm Instax mini Evo Cinema review!

The Fujifilm Instax mini Evo Cinema comes in black. Pre-orders are now open at B&H Photo in the U.S. and London Camera Exchange in the U.K. with stock expected in late January.

More from Tom's Guide

• I finally got my hands on the $30 camera that TikTok and Instagram are obsessed with: my first impressions of the Kodak Charmera
• 'It looks like a Super 8 but it’s a hybrid instant camera': the Fujifilm Instax mini Evo Cinema joins the party with a new 'Eras dial' and 'hundreds of effects'
• Best instant cameras in 2026

This morning, January 14, Fujifilm announced the latest addition to its lineup of hybrid instant cameras, the Fujifilm Instax mini Evo Cinema. The Instax mini Evo Cinema was first announced in Japan a week ago and it has now been officially been launched worldwide.

The Instax mini Evo Cinema joins the Instax mini Evo and the Instax Wide Evo to become just the third hybrid — and it's a weird one (in the best possible way). As is the nature of hybrid instant cameras, Fuji's latest lets users shoot photos and print directly from your smartphone, and unlike the other two, you can also record video clips up to 15 seconds long, choose a frame, and print on Instax film with a QR code that plays said video on a smartphone. Given this, it feels like a cross between the Instax Evo mini and the Instax mini LiPlay+ which lets you record audio clips in the form of QR codes.

Similar to the other two cameras in the Evo family, the Instax mini Evo Cinema gives users access to over 100 effect combinations via different dials on its body. A new addition is the Gen Dial, or the 'Eras Dial' which, in my opinion, sounds catchier. This dial basically lets you time travel from the 1930s to the 2020s, enabling you to apply era-appropriate film effects to your photos and videos.

"From the grainy, pale tones of the 1930s, to the vibrant colors of the 1980s, to the sharp, rich imagery of the 2020s, each era is designed to capture the look and feel of the imagery of that time," reads Fuji's press release. You can combine these effects with the Degree Control Dial to adjust color, contrast and noise level to create "up to 10 creative variations per era."

It hasn't gone unnoticed, and when I first heard of the Instax mini Evo Cinema, I immediately clocked that it looks like a Super 8 camera from years past — a design reminiscent of the Camp Snap CS-8. This is, of course, intentional, as Fuji hopes to offer "the best of both worlds" by blending the vintage look of 8mm video cameras with "the modern functionality of a hybrid image creation tool, integrating photo, video, and print in one unique package."

And it sure looks like a camera belonging to the mid-2020s era. It looks much more premium and well-built than the Camp Snap CS-8, as a quick reference point, and it features a 1.54-inch hi-res LCD monitor, an integrated selfie mirror as well as a self-timer, face recognition autofocus (something the previous Evos don't have), and more.

The Instax mini Evo Cinema dethrones the Instax Wide Evo as the most expensive Fujifilm instant camera yet, with a retail price of $409 / £329, so it's not for those on a tight budget. Also, I fear the Instax mini Evo Cinema walks on a tightrope by blurring the lines between instant prints, photos and video.

Does it make sense or is it just a gimmick? I spent some time with the Instax mini Evo Cinema at a hands-on event in London, U.K., so check out my first impressions!

The Fujifilm Instax mini Evo Cinema comes in black. Pre-orders are now open at B&H Photo in the U.S. and London Camera Exchange in the U.K. with stock expected in late January.

More from Tom's Guide

• I finally got my hands on the $30 camera that TikTok and Instagram are obsessed with: my first impressions of the Kodak Charmera
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I love photography. I've loved it since I was a child, and I love the cameras that make it possible to capture life's precious moments. But not every precious moment has to be a big event, such as a wedding or a 50th birthday. I believe a lot of life happens in those small, easily missable moments when you're laughing uncontrollably with your partner and realize just how stupidly in love you are, or when all you're doing is reading a book while your mom sits next to you, knitting.

It's those moments that, as a photographer, you'd feel privileged to capture. And sometimes, you don't need to have the best mirrorless camera at your disposal to snap it. Life's imperfect, and there's a certain charm in using a camera just as imperfect — the Kodak Charmera is exactly that.

It didn't take much for the Charmera to go viral online — this TikTok video alone has over 100,000 views. It's tiny, it's cute, and it appeals to millenials, Gen-Z and Gen Alpha who want a simple camera to take on a messy night out with friends. Oh, and it takes... bad photos, which fit the nostalgia social media has been desperately chasing for the last couple of years.

I've been trying to get my hands on the Charmera for a while now, and I finally got it a few days ago. I've since been testing it for my in-depth review, but I wanted to share my first impressions on it with you as soon as possible, so here they are.

Charm + Camera = Charmera

If you're curious about the etymology of the word 'Charmera,' you aren't alone. The Kodak Charmera is a one-of-a-kind name, and its the photography giant's one-of-a-kind camera too. It's compact, yet it doesn't belong to the PIXPRO lineup of compact point-and-shoot cameras. So, where does 'Charmera' come from, exactly?

It's obviously a combination of the words 'charm' and 'camera,' and 'charm' has a double meaning here. Since the camera is fitted with a loop that can be clipped onto bags and keys, it could mean a phone strap charm, and it's also charming. Oh, and it's a camera. So a Charmera. To me, it's a catchy name, and I love saying it.

Have a look at just how small the Charmera looks compared to other cameras in the photo above. The Charmera measures and weighs barely anything at 2.28 x 0.96 x 0.78 inches and 1.05oz, which means you barely feel it when it's in your pocket or dangling from your bag.

But just because it's tiny doesn't mean it's a hassle to use. It feels comfortable to hold with just one hand, and all of its buttons are quick to register your commands — I think so, at least, with medium-sized hands.

Gotta catch 'em all

When I was growing up in India in the 90s and early 2000s, my brother, cousins and I would always buy bags of Cheetos when we were together, and each bag would have a Tazo. These were small plastic collectible tokens with characters from Looney Tunes printed on them. We wanted to collect them all, which meant we'd spend all our pocket money on Cheetos. There's something very nostalgic about that feeling, and the Kodak Charmera hopes to capitalize on it.

How? Well, the Charmera comes in six different colors, as you can see above, and you can only order a Blind Box which means you won't know what variant you're getting until you open the box.

There's also a secret, rare seventh model, a see-through one, which can randomly turn up in one of these boxes. It's rare, like the Chase variant of Funko Pop bobbleheads.

And why wouldn't you want to collect them all? The Charmera is priced very cheaply, with one camera costing $29 / £30 at Amazon.. You can get the whole set too, containing all six colors (and maybe the seventh), and that costs $179 / £180. This is nowhere near as expensive as other compact point-and-shoot cameras, which makes the game affordable and accessible.

Bad images? Who cares

I'll be honest, the Kodak Charmera isn't a technically good camera, as far as my first impressions go. It is fitted with a 1.6MP 1/4-inch CMOS sensor which means images are extremely low-res, especially when viewed on a screen bigger than the Charmera's 0.8-inch LCD — and most screens are bigger than that. The sensor size is too small to deliver decent low-light performance too.

But I don't believe 'good image quality' is the point here at all. The Charmera is designed for fun. Before I started testing it, one of my friends had one at our New Year's Eve gathering, and everyone was enamored by it; it became a big talking point. And that is the point.

It's a camera you can take anywhere with you — from your travels to boozy nights out with friends — without worrying about looking after it or ensuring a drink doesn't spill on it.

I took the Charmera around Bath, U.K. and took pictures of anything that took my fancy. Of course, I'll be taking more before I publish my full Kodak Charmera review but for now, you can see what the image quality looks like. Lo-fi, retro, right? My favorite of the ones I've taken so far is of the pigeons in flight (first flight). It looks low-key artsy.

Even though the Charmera doesn't feature a selfie mirror on the front, my colleague, Erin, still managed to take a selfie, and it's perhaps the best photo of the lot! You also get 12 different looks (seven filters, four frames) such as sepia, monochrome, and film reel, so you can experiment with those. You can see a couple examples in the gallery above.

The Charmera can capture 1080p video at 30fps too, which is fairly impressive for a camera of its stature. But again, because of the small sensor size, it doesn't look as hi-def as videos recorded on bigger cameras. Video recording is a handy feature for those who want to document their adventures with a vintage aesthetic to them. I'll be including videos when I publish my full Kodak Charmera review so keep an eye out.

Looking ahead...

Even though I've been using it for just a week, I'm already charmed by the Kodak Charmera. It's super cute and tiny, and it's extremely affordable. Designed for people who want an easy-to-use everyday camera that captures lo-fi photos, the Charmera is highly portable too.

My first impressions tell me that image quality isn't the best, but my first impressions also tell me that this isn't a camera designed for pro-level photography. It's for those who want to capture the imperfection of daily life, and at that, it excels (so far). Keep an eye out for my full Kodak Charmera review, of course, where I'll be discussing battery life, design and build, and image and video quality in detail!

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My friends are never surprised when I break out my Camp Snap camera. Whether we’re out for dinner, taking a stroll through town, or just out for a couple of drinks, I love snapping pictures so we can all have some memories.

The Camp Snap screen-free digital camera has a permanent place in my bag and comes with me literally everywhere. So when Camp Snap announced the new CS-Pro camera in September 2025, I was pretty excited. The new camera comes with major upgrades but also an increased price tag, so which one should you buy?

What’s the price tag?

Both cameras are under $100, but the new CS-Pro comes with a higher price tag, and increased capabilities along with it. The original Camp Snap screen-free camera is available for $69 on the Camp Snap website, and the brand new CS-Pro is available for $99 from the Camp Snap website.

Both cameras are still available for purchase, and I’d even argue that if you were so inclined, having both cameras is a good thing. Despite having the newer version, I think the original gives a totally retro vibe, whereas the CS-Pro replicates the needs digi-cam vibe that is more popular today.

Tech specs

What’s the difference?

As you can see, the CS-Pro brings some major upgrades in areas Camp Snap users have been asking for, including the sensor, which has double the resolution. Images now look crisper, and there is even an opportunity for some cropping without sacrificing too much image quality.

But my favorite upgrade is the flash. The original Camp Snap had an LED flash built into the camera, which, while effective, often left subjects looking like a deer in the headlights and had a tendency to wash me out.

The new CS-Pro houses a xenon flash, which better encapsulates the full spectrum of color, resulting in results that are more accurate to the real world. The result is better skin tone replication and people not looking shell-shocked by the camera flash.

The shutter lag has also been noticeably improved, but not entirely eliminated in the new model. When using the old model, there is an issue with missed shots due to the shutter delay, but on the new model, this only happens if taking shots in quick succession.

Filter dial

The filter dial provides a big change and a bit of whimsy to the Camp Snap. On the original model, if you wanted to switch over from color to black and white, you would need to plug the camera into your computer and swap the files using the Camp Snap website. But with the new model, you can do this with the flip of a switch.

There is a dial mounted to the top of the CS-Pro camera with four filter settings: STD, VTG1, VTG2 and B&W. This makes taking pictures a little more fun and instantly customizes the images. When using the original Camp Snap, I always edit the images in post, but I never need to with the CS-Pro.

Which one should you get?

I love having both of the cameras for different vibes, but if you’re going to buy one, it has to be the CS-Pro. This new camera is certainly better than the original iteration, but the original is still the best way to achieve the retro vibe of a 2000s-era digital camera.

The CS-Pro’s 16MP makes it a big win, but the xenon flash is what strongly yanked me over to the new version. Its upgraded flash is far better and makes it a more usable camera for a wider variety of situations.

I'd personally opt for the new model. The upgrades that come with the extra $30 are too good to pass up, and it's clear to me that Camp Snap has listened to its long time users to create a vastly improved camera.

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It has been over three weeks since I held the Leica M EV1 in my hands for the very first time. Before I got my review unit in, I'd read a lot of chatter on online forums, talking about how the M EV1 was a step in the wrong direction for the M-series lineup of optical rangefinders as it incorporates an electronic viewfinder (EVF) and focus assisting aids.

In the time since, I've spent days photographing a Christmas gathering with my friends and then another couple of weeks conducting my in-depth testing before publishing my full Leica M EV1 review. My conclusion? It isn't a step in the wrong direction. In fact, I believe Leica has chosen to go down the right path, and make the M-system more accessible, in a way.

But here's the kicker. Even if I had all the money in the world, I don't think I'd personally buy the M EV1. Why not, you ask? After all, it takes stunning photos, handles well, and enables pinpoint, precise focusing. Somehow, that alone doesn't convince me to drop nearly ten grand on it. If money were no object, I'd buy its Leica cousin instead.

A Q disguised as an M

The Leica M EV1 is a rugged-looking, powerful camera, capable of capturing stunning images. Featuring a hi-res OLED EVF and focus peaking while manually focusing, images taken are incredibly sharp and packed with detail. It borrows the EVF from its stablemate, the Leica Q3 43, and frankly speaking, I'd pick the latter over the M EV1 any day.

Don't get me wrong: the M EV1 is a joy to use, but it feels like halfway between an M-series and a Q-series camera. The M EV1 has the same base ISO of 64, as well as the same 60.3MP sensor and a slower Leica Maestro III processor — but the Q3 43 packs all that (plus Maestro IV) and so much more, so why not spend a little less and grab it instead?

You see, the Q3 43 is the more 'well-rounded' camera which is practically perfect for any kind of photographer. Intelligent Hybrid AF, a tilt-type monitor, a 15fps shutter for burst shooting, and C8K/30fps or C4K/60fps make it fit for any occasion. The thing you miss out on, of course, is Leica's top-drawer M-mount lenses, as you're stuck with a fixed 43mm lens instead. But the good news is that you can toggle the camera to manual focusing if you want, so you really get the best of both worlds.

The M EV1, on the other hand, is for a specific type of photographer: someone who wants a compact camera for slow and considered photography where you must take your time with focusing. Not that there's anything wrong with that, and I'd venture to say that it's the most approachable M-series camera yet, thanks to the EVF for easier focusing. But gun to my head and I had to pick one of the two? The Q3 43, easily.

Don't write it off though

Just because one thing is better than the other, it doesn't make the other thing inherently bad — and the Leica M EV1 is far from being considered a poor camera. I kicked off the new year just right with the M EV1 in my hands for review, and I'd be lying if I said I haven't enjoyed every single minute of testing it.

Perfectly endowed for architecture, portrait and studio photography where your primary subject is stationary or slow, the M EV1 enables pinpoint precise focusing. You can zero in on your subject, have them and only them in focus with everything else blurred, and capture a cinematic photo, as you can see in the gallery above.

One thing I adore about the M EV1 is its various color profiles, present also on the Q3 43. There are a few to play around with, but my favorite is Monochrome High Contrast which makes photos appear extremely dramatic with deeper blacks. Honestly, the more I test Leica cameras, the more I like the brand's black and white color profiles better than Fujifilm's Acros!

Of course, it highly depends on your photography needs to determine the better camera for you. The M EV1 is great for considered photography and for those who don't care much about class-leading specs, while the Q3 43 is ideal for... well, everyone, regardless of the kind of photographer they are.

The one thing both cameras have in common, though? They'll burn a hole in your pocket!

What about cheaper alternatives?

I won't beat about the bush here, and it's something we are all aware of: Leica makes expensive cameras. Very expensive cameras. I speak of the Leica Q3 43 as if I will actually end up buying one soon, but that's wishful thinking, and it might be true for a lot of people. Both the Q3 43 and the M EV1 cost an arm and a leg, much like other cameras bearing that red dot.

So are there any cheaper, more affordable alternatives to the Q3 43 and the M EV1? There are indeed! While not all of them can be considered 'budget' options, they're definitely more accessible.

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The Camp Snap CS-Pro is a suped-up, premium version of the original fan-favorite Camp Snap screen-free camera. I use the original model regularly, so I can say with certainty that Camp Snap has listened to its users and made upgrades with them in mind.

This new iteration offers a nostalgic element with a color filter dial featuring four filter choices, and the lightweight nature of the cameras makes this a really simple point-and-shoot to use. The much-improved battery life and affordability make this new model a no-brainer upgrade.

But despite all the improvements, this CS-Pro isn’t perfect. There is still an occasional lag in the shutter response (which was also a problem on the original), and the viewfinder is offset, making it a little difficult to perfectly frame photos.

But could this be the perfect hobby camera for you? You can find out why I think it’s one of the best cheap cameras by reading my full Camp Snap CS-Pro review.

Camp Snap CS-Pro review: Cheat sheet

• What is it? A screen-free 16MP digital camera
• Who is it for? Anyone who needs a hobby camera to capture memories with friends and family
• How much does it cost? The Camp Snap CS-Pro is available for $99 / £89 on the Camp Snap website
• What do we like? The color filters add some extra fun to the camera. It’s lightweight and easy to use as a point-and-shoot. It has a long battery life and is very affordable too
• What don’t we like? Shutter response is delayed at times (but improved from the original version of the camera). The viewfinder is offset, so it can be tricky to frame at times

Camp Snap CS-Pro review: Specs

Camp Snap CS-Pro review: Price & availability

The Camp Snap CS-Pro screen-free camera is available directly from the Camp Snap website. It’s available on the U.S. site for $99 and on the U.K. site for £89. This is quite the price hike from the original Camp Snap camera, which you can still purchase for $65 / £53.

Where the previous model is available in more than nine different colors, the CS-Pro only comes in an understated black color with silver accents on the top and bottom of the camera. This change makes the camera feel a little less fun, but a lot more premium.

There are also reusable film cameras with a similar look, like the Kodak Ultra F9, which costs $49. But the perk of using a Camp Snap instead is that you’ll never need to purchase replacement film, and it’s far easier to get your pictures back.

Camp Snap CS-Pro review: Design

The Camp Snap CS-Pro is certainly a step up in terms of looks from the original iteration of the Camp Snap camera. The new design is still incredibly simple, but takes on a more retro style. To me, it looks like a color filter camera, like something made by Fujifilm. There is a dial on top of the camera to turn the camera on and switch between color filters, but much like the rest of the camera, the dial is plastic and pretty flimsy, so I’m not sure about the longevity of the components.

It’s slightly larger than the original Camp Snap (4.5 x 2.4 x 0.9 inches), as the CS-Pro measures 5 x 3 x 1 inches; however, it can still fit into my pocket when I head out for a stroll. To me, this is the beauty of the Camp Snap camera — having something small that you can take with you quite literally anywhere is super convenient, and the best camera is the one you always want to have with you.

The small size also means it’s incredibly lightweight. The first time I picked up the camera, I felt like a cartoon character being duped into picking up something as light as a feather, whilst having 10 tons written on the front. The body is plastic, meaning the camera weighs in at just 5.12oz, although this is a little heavier than the original Camp Snap, which was 3.28oz. I didn’t notice any added weight in my pockets or bag with the new model, so I could take it with me literally everywhere.

But the plastic design has its drawbacks — it feels flimsy as hell. The camera has a black body with a metallic silver coating on the top and bottom of the camera. This became scuffed on my first outing with the camera, so while it looks good initially, the coating isn’t durable at all. You also can’t really prevent this wear and tear, as the case for the original camera that Camp Snap sells won’t fit on the new model, and it’s not compatible with the waterproof case either.

Of course, the main design point of this camera, though, is the lack of a screen. Much like film cameras, you can’t look at the images you’ve taken, but have to “develop” them by transferring the files to your phone or computer. All you have is a digital display on the back of the camera that displays the number of shots you’ve taken. This gives you the “screen-free experience that I love so much. It completely takes away the distraction of checking if your hair looked good in that shot or if you blinked — it keeps you in the moment.

There’s a socket for a tripod on the bottom of the camera, which is an addition that makes this new model feel a little more versatile. However, you can’t set a time, so someone will still need to take the picture. The underside of the camera also houses the USB-C port for transferring pictures and the built-in 4GB microSD. This will hold approximately 1,500 to 2,000 pictures, but when I transfer my images from the camera, I like to delete them from the SD card so I always have storage. This is easy to do and works really well for me.

Camp Snap CS-Pro review: Controls

The Camp Snap CS-Pro has a color filter dial on the top (much like my Fujifilm X-E5) just to the left of the shutter button. The camera features four distinct color filter settings: Standard, two vintage simulations, and Black and White. These are super easy use and quickly responsive.

By selecting a color filter on the camera, the camera turns on with a click, and the green lights on the back light up to indicate how much power is remaining in the camera.

Next to the dial is the shutter button, which does what it says on the tin. However, you can’t take shots in quick succession, and there is some lag between pressing the button and the camera actually capturing the image. And other times it just beeped at me as if screaming “STOP!” in its own beep-y language. That said, this lag actually isn’t as bad as what I experienced with the old version of Camp Snap.

There’s a toggle on the front of the camera to adjust the flash settings between on, auto, and off. This is very easy to use, but I actually preferred the old design with this control on the back of the camera.

Beyond this, the controls are pretty hard to access as you’ll need a screwdriver. There is a hatch on the bottom plate that houses the buttons to adjust the date stamp in the metadata of the camera. I suggest doing this right away, as otherwise, when you download the images, they’ll be all jumbled up in your camera roll.

Camp Snap CS-Pro review: Lens & viewfinder

The Camp Snap CS-Pro has a 2.56mm fixed lens (which gives a field of view equivalent to 22.5mm on a full frame camera), so it offers a pretty wide range of view, making it perfect for group photos, as you’ll be able to see later on. It has a filter thread too, which enables users to attach 37mm filters.

Camp Snap specifies that the camera has a fixed aperture of f/2.2. However, when I looked at the metadata of the images, the aperture was at f/1.8. You also don’t get any manual control over the shutter speed, which is variable from 1/1000s to 1/30s, and the ISO changes between 100 and 1,600 too.

There is a small viewfinder window at the top left of the camera, but this could be a step backwards from the previous Camp Snap design. On the old model, the viewfinder is right above the lens, but on the new model, it’s off to the left, to simulate the look of a rangefinder.

It’s a straight-through optical viewfinder, too. So what you’re seeing is the view from the left-hand side of the camera. All this means that photos aren’t framed the same as they appear in the little viewfinder box, but as I said, this isn’t a camera that’s going to win you any photography awards.

We have reached out to Camp Snap's representatives for clarification on the discrepancies in the aperture specs and the metadata retrieved from the camera. We have not heard back as of yet, but will update this article when we do.

Camp Snap CS-Pro review: Image quality

The Camp Snap CS-Pro houses a 16MP 1/3.06-inch CMOS sensor, which is a big step up from the original Camp Snap, which is only 8MP. There’s a noticeable difference in the quality of the cameras, and with only a $30 price difference, it’s a no-brainer to opt for the CS-Pro.

You probably won’t be taking any award-winning photos with the Camp Snap CS-Pro, but that's not what it’s for. It’s a great device for taking out on adventures with your friends to make memories, and that’s exactly what I did.

I took the camera to a social event and got some snaps of all my friends (who joined in testing and shot with the camera themselves), as you can see in the gallery below. This was the perfect opportunity for everyone to have a go at cycling through the effects. Everyone said how easy the camera was to use, and since we’d all used the original Camp Snap, everyone was happy that the lag time between shots was reduced.

There’s a major improvement in the quality of the camera’s flash from the previous model. The previous iteration of the Camp Snap had an LED flash, but this new Pro version has a Xenon flash, which uses the full spectrum of light to better resemble daylight. The result is flash photos that look more natural rather than making you look like a deer in the headlights.

The camera can struggle a little in low-light conditions, with the shutter speed only dropping to 1/30s, but it was still able to do a respectable job. And 1/30s was enough to minimize blurring in the images.

In fact, I didn’t really have any problems with the camera shaking and causing blurring, despite using it handheld at all times, and whilst moving around.

I was also blessed with some pretty photogenic snow in my hometown while testing the camera, and I wanted to see how it performed in sunlight. Snow is pretty reflective and can sometimes cause images to appear overexposed. But as you can see from the images below, this wasn’t an issue, and the camera corrected well in natural lighting. The only issue was when I took a picture of the actual sun, as you can see in the gallery below.

I was able to get some great shots of the winter wonderland outside my door, and I tested out all of the different color filters. The first image is taken using the standard setting and is the most true-to-life option on the camera, although some colors appear slightly dull. The second image is taken with VTG1 and gives a pink hue to the image.

The third image above is taken using VTG2, which adds more cyan tones to the image and brings out the yellows. Finally, the fourth image is taken with B&W, which is a great choice for any monochrome fans.

I also used the VTG2 setting to take this image or arches covered in fairy lights. The camera was also able to capture the warmth of the string lights in the image. The warm glow of the lights makes the image feel very dynamic.

There are no video capabilities on this camera, but Camp Snap offers the CS-8 ($139), which is a stripped-back, retro-style video camera.

Camp Snap CS-Pro review: Battery life

The Camp Snap CS-Pro has an impressive battery life because of the lack of an LCD screen. I took 172 snaps on the camera and still had all four bars of charge remaining, even though I took most of my images with the flash on. The rated battery life for this camera is 500 photos, but I think you can get a lot more from it. The camera is rechargeable via USB-C.

When using the previous model of the Camp Snap, I have to charge it almost every time I use it. So this improvement is one I welcome with open arms, as it used to annoy me when I’d be mid photo shoot with my friends and the camera would suddenly die. And this was worsened when using the flash, but the CS-Pro doesn’t have that problem.

Camp Snap CS-Pro review: Verdict

When it comes to cheap, fun cameras, this one takes the cake. While I wouldn’t recommend this camera to someone looking to get into serious photography, the Camp Snap CS-Pro produces great quality 16MP pictures to help you capture all your memories.

The four filter choices allow an extra element of experimentation compared with the original Camp Snap model. But much like the original, the CS-Pro remained a simple-to-use point-and-shoot option.

The battery life is also vastly improved, and while using the camera over the course of a month to take 173 shots, I didn’t need to charge it once. My only qualm with the camera is the delayed shutter response (at times) and the offset viewfinder, which can make framing your photos a little trickier. The camera also feels pretty flimsy, but for under $100, I’m not sure I can complain too much about that.

With that said, this camera has become a permanent fixture in my bag, and I don’t see that changing any time soon.

I thought I'd come across just about every kind of thermal camera out there. From pocketable ones I keep on my keychain to give my phone instant night vision, to a roof mounted setup for my car to drive safely at night, thermal cameras come in all shapes and sizes — but this latest one allowed me to see intriguing stuff in the night sky.

The Mileseey Optics TNV10 Pro is a portable monocular thermal camera, which sets itself apart from all thermal cameras I’ve tested because of its ability to detect targets up to 1,500 yards away. That’s 4,500 feet of range or roughly 0.85 miles, which is a staggering amount of distance to cover.

Even though I initially used it to look at the nocturnal critters roaming around my property, I ended up seeing some really strange stuff in the night sky that I wouldn’t normally see with my own eyes.

Before I get to that, you should know that it works a lot like all the other thermal cameras I’ve tested — which gives me Predator-like vision with the way it discerns heat signatures. Warmer colors like yellow and red indicate hot spots, while cooler temperatures show up in different shades of blue.

Four buttons line the top of the monocular, which lets me turn it on/off, access its menu settings, perform a digital zoom up to 4x zoom, and one that switches between its different thermal settings. You can see the five different modes in the gallery above, which allows me to see airplanes overhead in the night sky much more clearly than my own eyes. Even though videos are recorded at a resolution of 400 x 300 pixels, it’s still way more detailed than other cameras.

Since I’m able to switch between the different thermal modes, certain ones do a much better job of drawing out heat signatures from the environment. Take for example the flock of geese that I could hear in the dead of the night. Without it, there’s no way I could see the triangular shaped formation with my eyes — but the Mileseey Optics TNV10 Pro’s excellent range isolates each goose.

In another clip I recorded, I can clearly make out the triangular formation of the geese. As I’m panning to my left, however, I can see a plane higher up in the atmosphere cruising by. That’s important because the movement of the geese appears slightly chaotic. That makes perfect sense to me, as one geese might be closer or farther away from another. After a few nights of seeing these formations, I felt confident about what I was seeing in the sky late at night.

The clip above was one of the first strange anomalies I captured with the Mileseey Optics TNV10 Pro. This elongated structure was moving very slowly in the sky, going through some clouds in the process. Against the darkness of the sky, the clouds show up somewhat warmer — but this structure was also clearly visible.

Another strange formation occurred on a different night, with this triangular structure appearing soon after a plane flew overhead. What made this formation alarming is that it descended from the sky at a rapid rate, while maintaining its shape way better than the geese flock from before.

And lastly, I caught this fast moving object in the sky that didn’t move like other planes I’ve seen. Not only was the heat signature very tiny and faint, which leads me to suspect it’s either really far away or a small bird, but I was thrown off more by its erratic movement. You can see how it moves very quickly in the sky, but I couldn’t see anything with my own eyes.

I can’t stress enough about how well this thermal camera works for targets that are far away. With other cameras, these heat signatures would either be faint or non-existent — but they come up clear with the Mileseey Optics TNV10 Pro. What’s even better is that it comes with 32GB of internal storage that’s more than plenty, while its battery life has proven to be long lasting. It’s also become one of my favorite accessories to use while I’m shooting astrophotography outside.

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The year's drawing to a close and many of us are starting to wind down to enjoy the holidays and well-deserved breaks. This is the time of the year when many of us start coming up with New Year's resolutions, whether they're related to hitting the gym more often, quitting a bad habit, or picking up a new hobby.

You know what's a great hobby that I, personally, vouch for? Photography. It's a wonderful hobby that involves learning new skills and technical knowledge, as well as going outdoors, spending time in the natural elements. Photography can be very rewarding too — take it from someone who has been doing it since she was a child. Nothing beats the feeling when you grab a shot of, say, a bird, that you've been vying for for a long time.

I love photography as a hobby and it's also part of my job as senior reviews writer here at Tom's Guide, which means I test the best cameras. If you want to take up photography as a hobby in 2026 but don't know which camera to get, I've got you covered.

Budget pick

Currently ranking as our top pick for best budget mirrorless camera, the Canon EOS R100 is a superb all-purpose camera. Whether you want to capture pet portraits, family group photos, or landscapes, this camera can do it all — and without burning a hole in your pocket too. It's the next step up from smartphone photography, thanks to its straightforward control scheme and compact and lightweight design.

Featuring a 24.1MP sensor, the EOS R100 captures lovely-looking stills which are perfect for sharing on social media. What makes this camera ideal for beginners is the 'Display Level' section of the menu which offers a Guided Menu display option, Interactive Mode guide, and a pop-up Feature guide. All of these help you find your way around the camera, and learn how to use different shooting modes. The EOS R100 teaches you photography, basically!

The EOS R100 is an interchangeable lens camera (ILC) which means you can swap its lenses. It's compatible with Canon's RF-S (APS-C) and RF (full frame) lenses, giving you the freedom to experiment with different focal lengths, apertures and more. For a beginner camera, this is a great feature to have, as you can always invest in more advanced lenses down the line.

For those who want to capture videos of their family, friends, pets and travels, the EOS R100 is up to the challenge as it can record 4K/25fps video too. It's the ultimate, beginner-friendly all-purpose camera, which is why I recommend it to every smartphone user looking to build on their photography skills.

Check out more sample images and videos in our Canon EOS R100 review.

Video work

If you want a camera specifically designed for videography, and one that doesn't break the bank, I've got a great recommendation for you: the Fujifilm X-M5. Similar to the Canon EOS R100, you can mount different lenses on to the X-M5, giving you more versatility and freedom. It's an excellent video and/or vlogging camera, thanks to its ability to record 6.2K/30fps footage. This resolution gives you some headroom to crop to 4K while maintaining a high resolution.

The X-M5 records 10-bit video, which means it’s capable of capturing a wide color gamut with a total of 1.07 billion individual hues. Fuji's color science is breathtaking so you know you're getting your money's worth. It's a versatile camera as it can shoot detailed, colorful 26.1MP stills too. Autofocus works well in both video and stills, as the camera is quick to lock onto animals and humans.

What makes the X-M5 an absolute steal (in addition to its solid video and photo capabilities) is its compact size, making it a lovely travel companion, and dedicated film simulation dial. Film simulations are, essentially, filters which you can apply to videos and photos, and there are many different ones to choose from. These help you produce usable footage without the need for post-production — something beginners will definitely appreciate.

For videography, the X-M5 boasts good audio performance too, thanks to a wind filter and three internal directional mics. You can choose to record surround sound, front or back priority, or front and back priority. The camera captures environmental, ambient sounds as well as human voices well, negating the need to buy an external mic right off the bat.

Check out more sample images and videos in my Fujifilm X-M5 review.

Vlogging on a budget

The best cameras can help elevate your content creation, and you don't necessarily need to spend thousands on one. If you're planning on picking up a camera specifically for vlogging (perhaps that's your New Year's resolution!), it's worth checking out the Sony ZV-1F, which currently ranks as our best cheap vlogging camera.

Sony's beginner-friendly vlogging camera is extremely compact and portable, and easy to use. Firstly, it takes nice photos with its 20.1MP sensor, and there are a few color profiles/filters for you to play around with. It shoots great 4K/30fps footage and can shoot in S-Log 3 to capture a wider dynamic range for more freedom in post-production.

The ZV-1F's prowess lies in its vlogging-specific features, which make it easy to create content. One of these is Product Showcase, where the ZV-1F automatically focuses on the subject close to the camera and blurs the background. This is a great tool for product reviews, for instance, where you want to put the object of your choice front and centre.

There are many other vlogging features to be enjoyed, such as the built-in three-capsule mic with a windscreen for clear audio, Background Defocus for quick transitions, and more. If there's one camera you need to kick off your vlogging career, it's none other than the ZV-1F.

Check out more sample images and videos in my Sony ZV-1F review.

Wildlife

My favorite non-human subjects to photograph are birds and animals. I love wildlife photography, so I'm always on the lookout for a camera that will help me achieve lovely shots. Thing is, proper wildlife cameras can be really expensive for many reasons, such as high-speed burst shooting, rapid autofocus, etc. Telephoto lenses designed to capture close-up shots of animals can easily cost you over ten grand.

But wildlife photography doesn't need to be an expensive hobby, and for that reason, I recommend the Nikon Coolpix P1100, a bridge camera featuring a 125x zoom with an effective optical focal range of 24-3000mm (and 6000mm with 4x digital zoom). Though its body is bulky (similar to DSLRs) and the ISO tops out at 6400 which means low-light performance isn't the best, this is still a fantastic camera to get for bird watching... and moon photography too!

The Coolpix P1100's biggest selling point is its long-reaching zoom, which helps you get up close and personal with animals without actually disturbing their peace. The modest 16MP sensor captures plenty of detail with great color reproduction. There's a dedicated Bird Watching mode which toggles the continuous 7fps drive, so you can keep the shutter button pressed and the camera will capture seven frames. This is handy for capturing birds (or animals) in motion/action.

The Coolpix P1100 handles well too, thanks to the chunky, ergonomic grip, as well as the well-placed controls. Speaking of, the Coolpix P1100 is very straightforward to control, so if you're a beginner, you should have no problem getting to grips with the camera's buttons and dials. If you don't want to spend thousands and thousands on a mirrorless camera and telephoto lens for wildlife photography, the Coolpix P1100 is the one to get.

Check out more sample images and videos in my Nikon Coolpix P1100 review.

Aerial

Photography doesn't need to be restricted to just staying on the ground, of course. If you're interested in aerial photography, it's worth investing in one of the best drones — and many doesn't cost thousands. For beginner pilots, the DJI Neo 2 is the ideal choice. The Neo 2 is extremely easy to fly, either via a smartphone, controller or even hands-free via the buttons on its body and Gesture Control.

It's packed with powerful imaging tech too. For stills, you get a 12MP sensor which captures detailed shots, especially in bright conditions, and for video, you get smooth, stable 4K/60fps footage. But what makes the Neo 2 a downright incredible mini drone is its omnidirectional obstacle avoidance, which means it can either brake in front of or bypass obstacles — an invaluable safety feature for all pilots.

The Neo 2 is a wonderful selfie drone too. It features an array of QuickShot Intelligent Flight modes, where the drone takes photos or videos before returning to its takeoff position. These include Follow, Circle, Rocket, SelfieShot, and more, and they're great for hands-free shooting either solo or with other people.

If you want a drone that's easy to fly, is fit for beginners, allows you to capture stunning aerial footage via manual control, and one that's built extremely well, the Neo 2 should be your port of call. It'll help you take your first steps into the vast world of drone videography and may even convince you to spend more on an advanced quadcopter in the future!

Check out more sample images and videos in my DJI Neo 2 review.

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• Best cameras in 2025
• This $1,100 camera beats out $10,000 super telephoto lenses for wildlife photography, and I've taken some of my best photos yet
• I ditched my Google Pixel 7 Pro for the new Fujifilm X-M5 — here's why I won't be going back

Taylor Swift and I have something in common. I never thought I'd write that sentence. She is a mega popstar while I am a journalist and tech reviewer. But recently, a photo surfaced of her using a funky-looking, retro camera at a Kansas City Chiefs game — and lots of people have been wondering what this device is.

It is, of course, the Camp Snap CS-8! For those of you who don't know, Camp Snap makes screen-free digital cameras which help you live in and enjoy the moment. They're like film cameras but digital, so you can only see your content once you're back at your desk. They're fantastic, and I believe everyone should get one.

The Camp Snap CS-8 is a wonderful video camera, inspired by vintage Super 8s (you'll see that in the design philosophy).

While I might not be a Taylor Swift fan, I can't deny that she's got taste, because the CS-8 is absolutely lovely, a big ol' serving of nostalgia, really. I've reviewed it, so take my word for it when I say you'll thoroughly enjoy filming your nights out and social gatherings on it. Here's why.

Tactile controls make it easy to use

I don't know the extent of Taylor Swift's technical photography knowledge — although, our sister site Digital Camera World did report that she uses an Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV for her Instagram snaps. A great camera, so she's doing something right, but it's got many more dials and offers much more manual control than the Camp Snap CS-8 does. This, in a way, makes the CS-8 the ideal camera for those who just want to point and shoot.

The CS-8 is extremely easy to use — in fact, I believe a child could use it too. To start recording, all you need to do is hold down the trigger with your index or middle finger and keep it held down until you're done filming. Swapping between color profiles and aspect ratios is simple too, via the dials, and you can zoom in and out with the "W" and "T" buttons.

All you need to do once you're familiar with the controls is look through the viewfinder, frame your subject, hold down the trigger, and presto! You've got film-like footage. Go plug the CS-8 into your laptop (or your smartphone) and download what you've captured. Easy as pie, really.

Film-like quality that evokes nostalgia

One important thing to remember about the Camp Snap CS-8 is that this camera isn't about hi-res film quality. It's not about super smooth 4K video shot at 60fps. It's not about extremely stabilized footage. It's about imperfection. About capturing the moment you're in. And honestly? I love that it reminds me of the home videos my parents used to make of my brother and myself back in the 90s.

The CS-8 records 2.7K video at 30fps or 18fps, and there are four different aspect ratios to choose from: 4x3, 16x9, 1x1 and 9x16. There's also an array of color profiles you can apply to your footage, including Standard, Vintage 1, Vintage 2 and Black & White. The one I personally love most, though, is the Analog one, which is reminiscent of 8mm film and it shoots at 18fps.

I could wax poetic about the Analog color profile all day long. At first, I thought it was quite gimmicky — it adds fake scratches and heavy grain to the video. But the more I used it while testing the CS-8, the more I liked it, and it reminded me of home movies from the 90s. Many nostalgic tears were shed.

If you want to get creative with film-like footage and have access to any editing software, I have an idea for you. Shoot in monochrome and add intertitles in post-production to make your video feel like a silent movie from the 30s. I did this, as you can see in the video above, and I laughed the entire time I was editing the footage (sleep deprivation will do that to you... or maybe I am just that funny).

A few compromises must be made

It's important to note that the Camp Snap CS-8 isn't a perfect camera, as I've reiterated above. This is partly due to how cheap this camera is — turns out you don't need Taylor Swift levels of wealth to afford one. The CS-8 costs $149 / £149, so it's natural that this low price tag is accompanied by some drawbacks.

For starters, one thing I'm not a fan of is that the camera records the clicks of the trigger every time, and there's no way to toggle this on or off in the settings. Optics aren't the best either as, when you start zooming in, the quality quickly degrades, and the resulting zoomed-in video is very grainy. Oh, and the viewfinder isn't the most comfortable to use if you wear glasses (like I do).

But given that original Super 8s cost thousands of dollars, these feel like small sacrifices to make. The CS-8 is still a very capable camera and since its ethos is that of imperfect video capture, it delivers on that front. I wonder what exactly Swift was recording through the CS-8 — remains to be seen!

Looking to pick up photography as a hobby in 2026? Check out the 5 cameras I recommend for beginners.

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Hello, dear reader, happy holidays! It's the most wonderful time of the year, as streets are decorated and lit up, making it a fantastic time to take your camera out for a spin. If you know me or are familiar with my work as a senior reviews writer at Tom's Guide, you'll know that not only do I adore cameras, but I review them day in and day out. Since joining the team in April 2024, I've tested my fair share of instant, mirrorless and film cameras.

2024 was a great year for photography gear, but it can be argued that 2025 has been even better, something I didn't think was possible. Major releases from Sony, Canon, Fujifilm, Leica and so on, have proven that gear continues to evolve, making photography more accessible and better than it ever has been.

Do you know how many cameras I've tested this year? Just under 30. Because I test so many cameras, it's all-too-easy for me to forget the stunning photos I've taken as part of the process. I've become a better photographer this year, so as I did last year, I've rounded up the best photos I've taken. Welcome to my Photography Wrapped 2025.

Every camera I've tested this year

• Sony A1 II : $6,998 / £5,900 @ Amazon
• Sony ZV-1F : $599 / £499 @ Amazon
• Sony A7 V : $2,898 @ Adorama / £2,799 @ Clifton Cameras
• Canon EOS R5 Mark II : $4,399 / £3,321 @ Amazon
• Canon PowerShot V1 : $1,029 / £959 @ Amazon
• Canon EOS R50 V : $949 / £732 @ Amazon
• Fujifilm GFX100RF : $5,599 @ Adorama / £4,699 @ Clifton Cameras
• Fujifilm X half : $849 / £699 @ Amazon
• Fujifilm X-T30 III : $999 / £829 @ Amazon
• Panasonic Lumix GH7 : $1,999 / £1,599 @ Amazon
• Leica M11-D : $10,055 @ Adorama / £7,899 @ Clifton Cameras
• Leica Q3 43 : $7,380 @ Adorama / £5,890 @ Clifton Cameras
• Leica SL3 : $5,665 @ B&H / £4,489 @ Clifton Cameras
• Nikon Coolpix P1100 : $1,049 / £880 @ Amazon
• Sigma BF : $2,199 @ B&H / £1,969 @ WEX
• Novocolor Swiss+Go 35mm : £39 @ Amazon
• Camp Snap Screen-Free : $69 @ Walmart / £65 @ Oliver Bonas
• Camp Snap CS-8 : $149 / £152 @ Camp Snap
• Pentax 17 : $496 @ Best Buy / £489 @ Clifton Cameras
• Kodak Ektar H35 : $59 / £61 @ Amazon
• Kodak PIXPRO C1 : $119 / £79 @ Amazon
• Fujifilm Instax Wide Evo : $409 @ Best Buy / £319 @ WEX
• Fujifilm Instax mini 41 : $116 @ B&H / £94 @ Amazon
• Fujifilm Instax mini LiPlay+ : $199 @ Walmart / £189 @ Amazon
• Lomography Lomo’Instant Automat : $149 @ Amazon / £100 @ Selfridges
• Lomography Diana Instant Square
• Lomography Lomo'Instant Wide Glass
• Hori Piranha Plant Cam : $39 @ Walmart / £39 @ Amazon

My best shots on digital cameras

I absolutely adore animals and birds, so I love photographing wildlife whenever I can — and this year, there was no better camera to do that with than the Sony A1 II. It didn't take long for the A1 II to become one of my favorite cameras, and that's thanks to its plethora of pro-level specs packed into a body that handles sublimely.

A 50.1MP sensor means you can crop right in, 8.5-stops of IBIS ensure you can shoot at slow shutter speeds, and the high-res 9.4-million-dot viewfinder with a maximum 240fps refresh rate means you never miss the action. Its ridiculously fast autofocus system and 30fps blackout-free burst shooting make it the best mirrorless camera for any high-speed photography.

Speaking of high-speed cameras, I also tested the Canon EOS R5 Mark II this year, and I was amazed at just how easy this pro-shooter was to use straight out of the box. It shares a few characteristics with the aforementioned A1 II: 30fps burst shooting, 8.5-stops of IBIS, intelligent autofocus, and more.

But its stacked 45MP sensor (whose stacked nature enables speedier readouts to minimize rolling shutter distortions) and in-camera 180MP upscaling make it a formidable full frame camera — and the best that came out in 2025. Whether it's sports, wildlife, portrait, studio or landscape photography, the EOS R5 Mark II is up to the challenge.

2025 was also the year I finally got the hype behind Leica cameras, having tested my fair share here at Tom's Guide. The Leica M11-D was one of the most challenging cameras I'd tested, due to its lack of autofocus and rangefinder nature, and I believe it made me a better photographer. Pinpoint precision while focusing enables you to get stuck in the detail, while the 60MP sensor captures images that are bursting with life.

Other Leicas I tested this year were the Leica Q3 43 and the Leica SL3, both formidable mirrorless snappers. The former is all about pin-sharp precision, and the camera utilizes Leica's most advanced autofocus system, as well as a 60.3MP sensor that makes any mundane scene look beautiful. The SL3, on the other hand, is the meeting point of power and luxury, boasting 5-stops of IBIS and 8K/30fps video capabilities too.

But if I could afford it, which Leica would I buy? It has to be the Q3 43 — simply because it's compact and looks sleek! Let me know in the comments at the end about which one you'd buy.

When the year started, I attended the Photography & Video Show in London, U.K., and I had the chance to go hands-on with some fantastic cameras — and the Sigma BF was one of them. I was so excited to get the camera in for review, and it did not disappoint. Carved out of a single aluminum ingot, the BF oozes luxury and minimalism.

But don't write it off as just a statement piece. It captures lovely 24.6MP images and can even record 6K/30P video! The BF is a joy to use, and that's down to its minimalist interface and straightforward controls. It was one of my top 10 cameras of 2025, hands down.

This year wasn't all about mirrorless cameras, of course. I got to try a bridge camera, which bridge the gap between compact cameras and DSLRs, and are primarily designed for astro- and wildlife photography. I am the Nikon Coolpix P1100's target audience, and I thoroughly enjoyed utilizing its dedicated Bird Watching mode to capture swans, pigeons and robins.

Why did I love it so much? Because the camera's 4.3-539mm focal length equated to 24-3000mm on a full frame camera through a whopping 125x optical zoom, which allows you to zoom right in and capture detailed photos of animals without disturbing them. It's wonderful, really.

Although I didn't review it this year, I did buy myself a Fujifilm X-T50, and it's one of the best decisions I've ever made. I've always loved the X-T50 and its powerful 40.2MP sensor, beautiful color science, film simulation recipes, and reliable autofocus, all packed into a very compact body.

But I didn't realize just how much I loved it until I took it with me to Iceland. I could wax poetic about the X-T50 all day, but I'll let you scroll through the images and let my photos do the talking for me.

My best shots on film cameras

Although I predominantly shoot on digital/mirrorless cameras, I love a good film camera too, such as the Novocolor Swiss+Go 35mm, and I often test them for work. I tested many this year, and each had something unique to offer. But the one thing that remained consistent throughout was that lovely, retro-style, vintage aesthetic that makes film photos appear timeless.

I also tested half-frame film cameras, such as the Kodak Ektar H35 and the Pentax 17, and I love these nifty devices. They essentially double the shot count by printing two photos on one frame. Film cameras are never about perfect; they're more about living in the moment as you can't see the photos you've taken until you get them developed.

My best shots on instant cameras

In a similar vein to how film cameras are about living in the moment, so are instant cameras. Alongside testing mirrorless and film ones, I test instant ones too. I'm a 90s kid who grew up with photo albums and getting images printed, so I love physical prints — and instant cameras are perfect for that. The photos are rarely perfect, but it's hard to beat the sense of nostalgia they carry.

2025 has been a superb year for my photography and I don't doubt 2026 will be the same — or better, even. I can't wait to get my hands on more mirrorless, instant and film cameras, and capture more photos of birds and portraits of my beautiful partner and family.

And there you have it. Thanks for tuning into my Photography Wrapped. I wish you all restful holidays, and I'll see you next year.

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• Best cheap cameras in 2025
• I reviewed every drone that came out in 2025: these are the best photos and videos I’ve taken

It’s a great time of year to be capturing moments and memories. With the best camera phones capable of taking better pictures than ever, you can be sure to get some good shots. However, if you want to elevate your holiday images from good to great, there are a few simple steps you can follow.

Many of the top smartphones have native camera apps that take most of the guesswork of getting tricky things like exposures and other settings right. Still, there are some simple things you can do in the form of straightforward steps that should help you get even better shots during the festive period and beyond.

Step 1: Think about lighting

When it comes to family photos on big occasions, try to get into the habit of taking the pictures earlier in the day to make the most of natural daylight. Photograph in the brightest part of the house, and do your best to avoid harsh, unnatural overhead lighting, too.

Don’t be tempted to use flash, which will likely wash out colors and create a harsh-looking atmosphere, a far cry from the cosy-warm look you’ll probably want to achieve.

While we’re on the subject of family photos, what about if you want to be in a group picture yourself? The obvious answer is to use the selfie camera — but in lower light situations you’ll often end up with lower-quality shots. Instead, to work with the better main camera, use the phone’s in-built timer and place it on a stable surface (a tripod if you’ve got one, but a table will do). Just be sure to line everyone up before dashing into the shot yourself.

Anyone with a Pixel 9 or later can take advantage of the AI-powered Add Me feature. With Add Me, you can take a group photo followed by a second shot that uses AR guides on the Pixel screen to show you where to stand. Software then stitches those photos together into one seamless group shot.

If you’re photographing a scene with Christmas lights and you can’t quite get exposures right, try tapping around on your phone’s screen – you should find that the exposure changes depending on the light source directly underneath where you’ve tapped. You can also try adding or removing exposure compensation —usually achieved by tapping, then swiping up and down on your phone screen; you also may find exposure compensation hidden in settings on some camera phones.

Step 2: Consider your angles and backgrounds

Paying proper attention to the composition of your photo is the best way to improve it, no matter the quality of your device.

Try to shoot food “face on” for an appetizing angle, or try a classic “flat lay” (overhead) shot if you’ve got lots of details that look good from above, such as a spread of Christmas cookies.

Photographing children or pets? A quick and easy tip here is to simply get down to their level. You’ll create a far more engaging portrait of both people or animals if you don’t dwarf them by shooting from above.

For those once-a-year family group shots, try to get everybody at a different/staggered height for a dynamic look. Don’t just place everybody in an awkward line-up — have some sitting, some standing, use sofa arms and so on.

The background of your shot can also make or break your image. Spend an extra second sweeping your eye around the frame to make sure there’s nothing sticking out of anybody’s head or a messy room beyond the subject.

Bonus points, too, if you can contextualize your pic — twinkly lights in the background, a Christmas tree, some wrapped presents. So long as they’re purposefully included, rather than random clutter, you’ll be on to a winner.

Step 3: Know your modes and use them

It can really pay to spend a bit of time familiarizing yourself with all of your smartphone’s different shooting modes to get the most from it over the holidays.

Want to capture lots of detail shots, perhaps of decorations, or food? See if your smartphone has a macro mode which can come in handy for getting super close. Or, alternatively, make use of additional lenses or zoom options your phone offers to pick out details, too.

There’s Portrait mode which as the name suggests is useful for people shots, but it can also come in handy for creating a blurry background for your still life, and pet photos, too.

Night mode is really useful for photographing outdoor scenes after dark. It can help capture extra detail and really bring out the sparkle in illuminations.

A lot of phones have “HDR” (high dynamic range) options which can be switched on or off. When photographing lots of holiday scenes, particularly lights, it can be useful to make sure this is switched on (on some phones it’s automatic). Enabling HDR will ensure you have detail in both bright and dark areas, and it can make the colors nice and vibrant.

Lastly, if you want to get a bit more creative —for example, using slower shutter speeds to purposely blur lights — look for any settings in your camera app that will allow you to manually control certain settings. Have a play around and see what you can do!

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For the last couple of months, rumors about the DJI Osmo Pocket 4 (the potential successor to the DJI Osmo Pocket 3) have been making the rounds online. Although the Chinese manufacturer has kept its lips sealed on the subject, there is evidence online to suggest that the Osmo Pocket 4 may drop sooner than expected — perhaps before the end of this year.

To fuel the speculation, a new leak from a reliable source shows the Osmo Pocket 4 in action, next to its predecessor. Igor Bogdanov (@Quadro_News on X) took to the social media platform to share this video, which is more hi-res than any other we've seen so far.

Although Bogdanov has chosen not to elaborate further on the unreleased gimbal camera, he has explicitly mentioned the product's full name. So, what can we garner from the short clip? Firstly, it looks like the Osmo Pocket 4 houses a bigger camera than the Osmo Pocket 3.

While online users are speculating that the Osmo Pocket 4 will feature two cameras instead of one, we can't say that for certain until we get a good look of the front — and I can't imagine that happening before DJI officially announces the Osmo Pocket 4. We can also see that the Osmo Pocket 4 will retain its predecessor's rotatable display, which can be used to shoot either landscape or portrait video.

So, when is the Osmo Pocket 4 dropping? There hasn't been any official mention of it, but we know that the Osmo Pocket 4 has been formally registered with the FCC. A launch could, then, be imminent, and we might even see it before the end of the year — this gives DJI three weeks before 2026 begins, or two weeks if the DJI drone ban goes through in the U.S. on 23 December.

FCC documents, however, don't reveal much else in terms of video specs, but they do indicate that the Osmo Pocket 4 will host a bigger, nearly-20% battery upgrade, mentioning a 1,545mAh battery. For context, the Osmo Pocket 3 houses a 1,300mAh battery. Again, this is speculation, and we won't know the exact details until DJI's official product page goes live.

It remains to be seen whether we'll see the Osmo Pocket 4 before we enter the new year, but if you can't wait for that, you can buy an Osmo Pocket 3 for 34% off at Amazon right now, so it's down to just $528. We awarded the camera 4.5 stars in our Osmo Pocket 3 review, commending it for its awesome stabilization, 4K video, strong low-light performance, superb build, and more.

More from Tom's Guide

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One of the biggest issues with any of the best digital photo frames is that it can sometimes be difficult for friends and family to add pictures remotely. After all, if you gift a photo frame to your parents or grandparents, you want to be able to send them new photos regularly, so they're not stuck with the same pictures of your kids from three years ago.

Aura just introduced a new feature to its digital photo frames that lets you simply text a photo to the frame from your smartphone — no app needed. I just tested it out on my own frame, and I'm inclined to agree. Here's how it works.

Within the Aura app, select the frame to which you want to add photos, and in the settings menu, select "Text to Frame." You'll then be prompted to add your phone number, after which Aura will send you a verification code.

Once verified, you then simply text a photo to that thread, and it will be sent to the photo frame. If you want others to be able to add photos via text, you add their phone numbers into the app, and they'll get a text message verification.

If you have more than one Aura frame, you can also specify in the text thread the frame to which you want the photo sent.

Aura's new feature is free to use, and you can send an unlimited number of photos, though normal data rates apply over your cell phone plan.

I tried the feature, and it definitely works quickly and easily. I texted a photo to the Aura Ink, and it appeared there nearly instantly. You will still need to use the Aura app to curate your photo collection, but for getting pictures on the frame, it sure was simple.

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I'll cut straight to the heart of it. Right now, new customers to MPB can get a 5% discount sitewide at MPB. With products covering DSLRs, mirrorless cameras, film cameras, and essential camera accessories, you're sure to find a bit of second-hand gear that you'll love.

Assuming you're a new customer, all you have to do is enter the code AF-UK-N5 at checkout, and MPB will apply the 5% discount automatically. Great gear with a fantastic discount.

I've purchased second-hand gear before, and I always want a solid guarantee before purchasing. Thankfully MPB has all of this covered with a rigorous inspection process, testing carried out by specialists, and a 6-month warranty to protect against faults.

I've browsed the sale and pulled out three of my favourite picks. Scroll down to discover what they are, and once you've done that, why not browse the MPB website to see what tickles your fancy?

Save 5% at MPB

Our favorite cameras from the MPB range

These are just a few of my favourite picks, but the MPB website has plenty more on offer. Don't take too long, though, as the 5% discount ends on 31st December.

Although we're still a few days out, Black Friday deals are already in full swing and so far, we've seen amazing discounts on action cameras, drones, and even instant cameras. This week is one of the best times of the year to save on tech you've been eyeing up. If you're looking for a new camera, I'm here to tell you to ditch the screen and check these cams out instead.

Camp Snap, the company behind the screen-free digital and video cameras, has made quite a name for itself. Its products have gone viral on social media, namely TikTok, due to their screen-free nature that lets you live in the moment. I've personally tested two out of three of its cameras and I can vouch for the fact that they excel at what they set out to do.

This week is the best time to buy a Camp Snap camera as the brand is hosting its "biggest BFCM sale" yet. The Camp Snap Screen-Free digital camera is available for just $59 / £46 and it takes great, film-style photos. If you want a video camera inspired by the 1960s' Super 8s, the Camp Snap CS-8 is down to $179 / £138. And there's one more camera on sale. All three can be bought direct from Camp Snap's online store.

Read on to find out why these deals make these cameras absolute steals this holiday season! For more savings, check out our Black Friday deals live blog.

Quick links

• See all Amazon Black Friday deals right now!
• Camp Snap Screen-Free digital camera: was $69 now $59
• Camp Snap CS-Pro: was $99 now $84
• Camp Snap CS-8: was $199 now $179
• (U.K.) Camp Snap Screen-Free digital camera: was £54 now £46
• (U.K.) Camp Snap CS-Pro: was £77 now £65
• (U.K.) Camp Snap CS-8: was £154 now £138

Best Black Friday U.S. Camp Snap deals

Best Black Friday U.K. Camp Snap deals

Shop today's best Black Friday deals

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Three things in life are certain: death, taxes, and me taking photos of birds and animals every time I pick up a camera. I love wildlife photography as, ever since I was a child, I've always been fascinated by the creatures that inhabit our beautiful planet. Whether that's a city pigeon or a wild African cheetah, I adore all creatures big and small.

When I test the best cameras, I always photograph swans, ducks and other birds in the river Avon near our office in Bath, U.K. Sometimes, I get lucky and come across a robin or two. But to get really up close and personal with wildlife without disturbing them, you need a long zoom or telephoto lens — and these don't come cheap. However, I've just tested one camera that doesn't break the bank and lets you capture stunning photos, and that's the Nikon Coolpix P1100.

The Coolpix P1100 is a bridge camera and as is the nature of such cameras, it bridges the gap between compact cameras and DSLRs, giving you the ease-of-use of compacts packed into a DSLR-esque body. I've thoroughly enjoyed using the Coolpix P1100 for bird photography, thanks to its long 24-3000mm effective optical focal range. And the best part? It's cheap! I never thought I'd capture some of my best shots on a camera such as this one.

A whole lotta respect

One of the most important rules of wildlife photography is respecting your subjects. You don't want to disturb animals and birds when they're doing their thing, and there's no better feeling than capturing wildlife in their natural habitat. For this reason, wildlife photographers use zoom or telephoto lenses so they can get close to the animal without physically getting close.

The Nikon Coolpix P1100's biggest selling point is its long-reaching zoom. While the camera's actual focal length is 4.3-539mm, it equates to 24-3000mm on a full frame camera, thanks to its 125x optical zoom. Add to that a 4x digital zoom which pushes its effective focal length even further to a massive 6000mm. Once the camera has reached 3000mm, it applies a 4x digital zoom and starts cropping to achieve 6000mm.

That reach is crazy. I was able to photograph swans far away as well as pigeons and cormorants flying high in the sky with incredible ease.

To give you context of what the zoom looks like, swipe through the gallery above. The first photo was taken at 24mm and the second photo was taken at 3000mm, both of the same scene — that's how far you can reach. The third photo was taken at 6000mm on a different day, and you can see the drop in image quality, and that's because the camera has digitally cropped in, as I mentioned earlier.

So, in a nutshell, to take amazing photos of wildlife, all you need to is activate Bird Watching mode via the Bird icon on the dial — which toggles the continuous 7fps drive — and simply zoom in and press the shutter button. The camera will then capture seven frames. Yes, it really is that easy, and that's what makes this camera perfect for beginners.

Snap back to it

Remember when I said before that bridge cameras possess compact cameras' ease of use? Another reason why the Nikon Coolpix P1100 is a great camera for beginner/enthusiast wildlife photographers is its straightforward control scheme. Thanks to the dials and buttons being well-laid-out, the Coolpix P1100 can be used straight out of the box. No need for any tedious setups or understanding which buttons executed what command — you're ready to go within seconds.

The Coolpix P1100's menus are stripped back too and extremely easy to read and navigate. The non-touchscreen vari-angle 3.2-inch TFT LCD monitor is bright enough to see in most lighting conditions. I also love how it can be tilted at different angles, so you can continue photographing comfortably regardless of where your subject is — whether that's low to the ground or right overhead in the sky.

Making compromises

It takes a lot for a camera to be considered perfect, or even near-perfect, and I'll be honest: the Nikon Coolpix P1100 falls short. Don't get me wrong, this is a fantastic camera, but given its low price point and DSLR-like nature, it doesn't feature the latest and greatest image processing tech which, in turn, holds it back.

It's got a small 1/2.3-inch sensor that limits its ISO range to just 6,400. There's no animal subject detection so it can be difficult to photograph moving wildlife. And it's really bulky, measuring 5.8 x 4.7 x 7.2 inches and weighing 3.1 pounds, so it can be slightly tedious to travel with. But we must also remember that this isn't an expensive camera.

Given that you're getting a body with a built-in lens that can extend to 24-3000mm (effectively), the Coolpix P1100 feels like an absolute steal. The best mirrorless cameras, in comparison, easily cost over a grand for just a body — and lenses are a whole other story.

A new mirrorless body with a super telephoto lens is going to break the bank, and I'm not even sugarcoating it. For example, Canon's famous RF1200mm lens costs a whopping $22,000, while Sony's 400-800mm lens costs well over $3,000. All of a sudden, it doesn't seem too bad making compromises for the Coolpix P1100, huh?

Of course, it's difficult to beat mirrorless cameras and glass when it comes to image quality, and I wouldn't expect a bridge camera to do that. But the Coolpix P1100 is the best place to start if you want to get into wildlife photography, and then work your way up. As someone who has a tendency to cry at just how stunning animals and birds are, trust me, you won't regret investing in this camera.

More from Tom's Guide

• The Nikon Coolpix P1100 is a great camera for bird and astrophotography... but there’s a catch
• I spent three hours with the new Fujifilm X-T30 III — this could be the mid-range mirrorless to beat
• I’ve been testing the Leica SL3 — it’s the only camera that’s made me want to ditch my Fujifilm

Today is your last chance to snap up a compact camera in this year's October Prime Day sales! Whether you're on the hunt for a new TV, a pair of earbuds or even a drone, there's something for everyone. And if, like me, you love photography and miss the charm and simplicity of a compact camera, I've got good news for you. Some of my favorites are still discounted.

I have tested and reviewed every camera on this list, so you can take my word for it. My favorite deal is on the Fujifilm Instax Pal which is currently 20% off right now. This cutesy camera is extremely easy to use and carry around, and it's the perfect addition to a party. If you want a classic compact instead, the Kodak PIXPRO C1 is available for $111 at Amazon, and it takes good photos in bright environments.

If you're in the U.K. like I am, fret not, as there are some great deals to be had here too. The Kodak Ektar H35 Half Frame is 15% off at Amazon U.K. right now, and it's my favorite film camera. Or you can grab the Fujifilm Instax Pal for £67 if you want a live-in-the-moment digital camera.

Regardless of the camera you choose, make sure to snap up these deals as soon as possible. We don't know if we'll see them come Black Friday, so best to take full advantage of this year's October Prime Day sales! And for more great discounts, be sure to check out our Amazon Prime Day deals live blog right now.

U.S. Quick links

• Shop all U.S. October Prime Day deals right now
• Fujifilm Instax Pal: was $48 now $39
• Kodak Ektar H35: was $59 now $47
• Kodak PIXPRO FZ45: was $129 now $119
• Kodak PIXPRO C1: was $119 now $111

U.K. Quick links

• Shop all U.K. October Prime Day deals right now
• Fujfiilm Instax Pal: was £89 now £67
• Kodak Ektar H35: was £61 now £52
• Kodak PIXPRO FZ45: was £95 now £90

Best October Prime Day U.S. deals

Best October Prime Day U.K. deals

More from Tom's Guide

• 71+ October Amazon Prime Day deals LIVE from $9 — best sales now on Apple, Kindles, TVs, laptops and more
• Save big on my favorite DJI, HoverAir and Potensic drones this October Prime Day
• Best cheap cameras in 2025

After getting my feet wet in astrophotography a couple years back while testing out some of the best camera phones, I eventually graduated to a smart telescope. That’s when I actually got acquainted with one of my favorite models ever, the Unistellar Odyssey Pro, but it just met its perfect companion.

It’s the Unistellar Envision smart binoculars, which I got a sneak peak preview of a couple weeks back. These are unlike any other binoculars I’ve checked out in the past, not only because of how it’s specifically tied to astrophotography and the night sky, but also how it incorporates augmented reality into the equation.

I got to try out a preproduction model with the Unistellar team on a trip to upstate New York, and let me tell you it made me see things I couldn’t normally see with my own eyes.

Helpful guide powered by AR

What makes it even more versatile apart from being an ordinary pair of binoculars to see farther is how it can also act as a guide on trips. It does this with the help of augmented reality by projecting an overlay onto the eyepiece. And since it uses GPS and real-time data, it knows its position and can show a 3D map overlay — which is used to mark targets, landmarks, and other points of interest.

I pointed it at a point in the horizon where I saw a ship, and since I’m able to mark its position, anyone else who picks it up can easily be guided to that exact position. For nature lovers and bird watchers, I know this would be really helpful keeping track of a target.

One thing I noticed with the AR experience is how it outlines the horizon and landmarks. From across the Hudson River, I could see the Unistellar Envision outlining the horizon. Take a look at the clip I shot above to see what I mean.

A better guide to the stars

Of course, the Unistellar Envision really shines at night when it comes to astrophotography. While it’s not meant to replace your camera or telescope to capture deep space objects, such as nebulas and galaxies, what makes it valuable is how it makes it a breeze finding targets.

Through the app running on a phone, you can send targets to the Unistellar Envision — so that it guides you with AR to the exact coordinates. I got to make out some familiar constellations that night, like Ursa Major, with all of the major stars in crystal clear formation through the binoculars. The experience is like any of the star gazing apps I use to chart deep space objects with my phone, but through the scope of these binoculars.

For other targets, like galaxies, I was able to make out the faint image of the bright center of the M31 Andromeda Galaxy. Although the software’s expected to throw in additional details like short descriptions, this preproduction model only displays the names of these targets.

One thing I have to say about the Unistellar Envision is the optical quality of the lenses because it’s so crystal clear and sharp. Even in the night sky, I was amazed by what I was able to see with my eyes as it was sharp enough to make out faint satellites whizzing by in orbit.

Bottom Line

The hardware’s pretty solid, and at 2.65 pounds, has the kind of density that makes it feel like a professional pair of binoculars. That said, its $1,499 cost is a hefty price to pay — but it’s not totally overpriced in the world of astrophotography.

Early backers can get it for $999, which is a pretty substantial amount of savings. So far, Unistellar has raised $2.8 million through its initial round of Kickstarter funding. However, it’s going to be a while before it ships as Unistellar aims to start shipping the first round of deliveries around June–July 2026.

I really enjoyed what I’ve previewed so far and I’m told the software’s only going to get better. As a hobbyist, the Envision smart binoculars are the perfect astrophotography companion that does so much more.

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I’m always shouting about how important it is to capture memories with something other than your phone. Now, smartphones are capable of capturing everything with ease and have pretty good quality. But I think it’s nice to take away the distraction of a phone.

That’s why in the last couple of years compact camera sales have skyrocketed. In my mind, this is similar to the way vinyl has made a comeback for music listening. The world yearns for a detachment from phones.

Having one of the best cameras can make staying present simpler. Trust me, reaching for your compact camera instead of a phone makes such a difference. I’ve put together a quick list of my favorites for taking on the go to capture all of the memories.

Fujifilm Instax Pal

The Fujifilm Instax Pal is the definition of compact. Measuring just 1.74 x 1.69 x 1.66 inches and weighing only 1.44 ounces, it’s the smallest camera I have ever laid my eyes on. It’s shaped like a tiny Polaroid camera and is just adorable.

It fits in the palm of your hand, so there is no room for an LCD screen or viewfinder, but I think that makes it even better. You don’t have to spend time checking how the picture came out. You can just look at all the pictures you took later on.

The camera is small, and so is the sensor, resulting in pictures with only 4.9MP resolution. However, you do have the option to shoot in either wide or square format, which can be switched via the companion app. The app also makes the pictures fun, allowing you to design little Polaroid-esque pictures with stickers.

Pentax WG-1000

The Pentax WG-1000 is a powerful compact camera that is capable of withstanding any condition or circumstance. Since this is a rugged camera, it has come with me everywhere, even in high winds and torrential rain up the side of a mountain.

The camera produces vivid colors, and its natural lighting performance is nothing short of impressive for its compact size and 16MP sensor. It is a point-and-shoot camera with good autofocus capabilities.

This camera may not get points for beauty, since it looks pretty military, but that’s what makes it fit for purpose and durable. It can even withstand being 15 meters underwater for up to an hour.

Fujifilm X-E5

I tested out the Fujifilm X-E5 back in June and instantly fell in love with it. It’s perfect for anyone who wants an easy-to-use camera that produces incredibly satisfying results.

It hosts a 40MP sensor but is still lightweight enough to take with you everywhere. The combination of five-axis image stabilization and autofocus upgrades means that perfect shots are almost guaranteed, regardless of the scenario or lighting conditions.

It even has an interchangeable lens to expand creative possibilities. Although it may be compact, the results are anything but small.

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When I was younger, I was gifted a Fujifilm Instax mini 8 and I absolutely adored that instant camera. I took it everywhere with me, snapped as many photos as I could and put them in a scrapbook. Instant photography has come a long way since then, and brands like Polaroid and Fujifilm continue to change the game with every new release.

Here at Tom's Guide, I review the best instant cameras by putting them through a battery of tests, and testing these nifty devices brings me a lot of joy. I have tested more instant cams than I can count on both hands, but there's only one that I've ever bought with my own money, and I use it nearly every day — and it's the Fujifilm Instax mini Evo.

The Instax mini Evo is a hybrid instant camera, which means you can snap and print photos instantly. Alternatively, you can store them in the camera's internal memory to print them later, or print photos straight from your smartphone.

Hybrid instant cameras are more flexible than analog ones, which is one of the main reasons I use the Instax mini Evo more than any other instant cam.

My travel buddy

I consider the Fujifilm Instax mini Evo a good travel buddy of mine, and its compact size is the primary reason why. The camera measures 4.83 x 3.42 x 1.41 inches, so it's small enough to slip into a purse, and since it weighs 10.05 ounces you won't find it weighs you down either. That also means it's easy to put the camera around your neck or wear it cross-body.

I love that I can use the Instax mini Evo with one hand or both hands as it's compact enough to hold with either. Thanks to how effortless it is to carry, I've taken the camera traveling with me a few times now — and I wrote about my trip to Amsterdam, shot through the Instax mini Evo's lens.

The camera also looks premium and retro, which is the best combination when it comes to visual aesthetics. It doesn't really look like I have an instant camera around your neck — it looks like any other Fuji snapper.

Poppin' colors

Fujifilm's color science, in my opinion, is unmatched. Whether I'm shooting with my trusty Fujifilm X-T50 or with the Fujifilm Instax mini Evo, I know I can fully rely on the cameras to deliver beautiful, popping colors. While the Instax mini Evo doesn't boast a large sensor or the most megapixels (4.9MP only), it still takes lovely photos. You can see what the printed photos look like in the gallery above.

Since the photos are condensed to mini sizes meant for printing out, it doesn't actually matter how high-res they are. To me, at least, it's more about the convenience and ease of using an instant camera to capture memories — that's the ethos behind instant cameras, right? Print them out like in the good ol' days for keepsakes.

You can choose from a plethora of filters/color profiles and effects too, so that your shot aligns with the kind of mood you're going for. There are 10 filters and 10 effects to choose from, so a total of 100 combos is possible. I love using the black and white filter as it makes photos look dramatic — much like the Acros film recipe on Fuji's mirrorless cameras.

Print anywhere, anytime

I won't lie, I love analog instant cameras and their lack of a screen. I adore the fact that I can't see what the photo I've just taken looks like until it finishes printing and developing. It forces me to live in the moment and not worry too much about composition (and as someone who tests many of the best cameras, it's all too easy to get bogged down with the minute details).

But I also can't deny the kind of convenience a hybrid instant camera brings. Using the Fujifilm Instax mini Evo lets me live in the moment but I also like the fact that, if I want, I can check my photos before printing them. Instax mini film—or any other instant camera film, for the matter—doesn't come cheap, so I appreciate the ability to pick and choose the photos I want to print.

The Instax mini Evo lets me transfer digital copies of the photos I've printed to my smartphone so I can share them on social media or set them as my phone wallpaper, which is lovely.

More from Tom's Guide

• I used this Fujifilm instant camera instead of my phone on vacation — and it's a game changer
• Fujifilm Instax mini Evo review
• Best instant cameras in 2025

I've been a photography enthusiast since I was a teenager, and it went from being a hobby to actually being my job (very cool, I know) when I became a reviews writer at Tom's Guide. I've used, tested and reviewed many of the best cameras in my time, and while not all of them have been memorable, there have been a few I can't get out of my head.

The Fujifilm X-T50 is one of them. It was the first mirrorless camera I reviewed as a reviews writer and I loved it so much that I ended up buying my own. The Kodak PIXPRO C1 stands out too: a cheap, cheerful and loveable compact that forces me to not focus on headline specs and go with the flow.

Two vastly different snappers, the X-T50 and the PIXPRO C1 sit on opposite ends of the camera spectrum. One is an expensive mirrorless that's meant for serious photography while the other is just for fun, so why am I talking about both of them? Because I believe every photographer should have two cameras in their backpack: one for proper photography and another for making silly memories.

All about making memories

Ah, compact cameras. I've written about them time and again, and I've waxed lyrical about how much fun they are because they're not meant to capture "good" photos — their charm lies in the imperfect photos they take. The Kodak PIXPRO C1 is no different. It's not got the latest tech or the fastest autofocus, and it's certainly not upstaging the Fujifilm X-T50 or any other mirrorless camera.

So why am I recommending it? Because it's more about fun than specs. Its 13MP sensor captures decent images in bright conditions, and the camera itself is extremely easy to use. Its minimalist controls allow it to be used by anyone, regardless of their knowledge on the subject of photography.

The PIXPRO C1 is fitted with a flip-up screen for taking selfies — now this is something you find on many mirrorless cameras, which reinstates the fact that the Kodak is meant for whimsical times.

When I was testing it, I loved flipping the screen up and pulling my partner in for a selfie. When we were out with friends and drinking at a pub, we passed the camera around and took the funniest photos that we still laugh about today.

And when you're out and about — whether that's on a vacation or on a short walk — I think it's important to have a camera that can be used by practically anyone. Mirrorless cameras pose a learning curve, especially if someone has never used one before, and point-and-shoot cameras negate this.

Pushing your creativity to its limits

Say you're on vacation. You've got your no-frills, stripped-back compact to take imperfect photos with a retro aesthetic. Now, you want to take a stunning shot of the beautiful mountains in front of you, for example. Can't exactly take a beautiful, detailed shot on the Kodak PIXPRO C1, of course, so what do you do? Get yourself a Fujifilm X-T50.

There are many mirrorless cameras to choose from for different budgets, but I recommend the X-T50 for a plethora of reasons (and not just because it's my go-to cam). Firstly, the X-T50's 40.2MP sensor captures stunning images, and the 5-axis image stabilization (up to 7 stops) means you can shoot handheld at slow shutter speeds without your shots being a blur.

Want to take a dramatic shot of a waterfall? Done. Capture birds in flight? Easy. Shake-free images every time. Having 40.2MP at your disposal also means that you can create tight crops without losing much detail, which is great for basically all kinds of photography: sports, portrait, landscape, you name it.

The X-T50 also features a dedicated film simulation dial, so you can quickly swap between different film recipes to get your desired look. This means you don't necessarily need to edit photos before sharing them to social media — perfect for on-the-go photography.

Combine all of this with the X-T50's rapid autofocus system and you've got a winning formula at your fingertips. In a way, the X-T50 is similar to the PIXPRO C1: you don't have to think too much before taking a photo. The Fuji takes the guesswork out of the process and time after time, it consistently delivers outstanding imagery.

Perfectly balanced

More from Tom's Guide

• I just tested Kodak’s new compact camera — and it's my favorite retro gadget of the year
• I think the new Fujifilm X-E5 is overrated — and I’m so glad I bought this camera instead
• The best cameras in 2025

Have you ever thought about how long ago 2016 was? The years all seem to merge into one, I know, but let me paint you a picture. It's the year 'Lemonade' by Beyoncé went viral. The year the United Kingdom voted to leave the European Union. The year Leonardo DiCaprio won his first Oscar. The year I started my second year at university.

All of this (and more) happened nine years ago. Oh, and 2016 was the year the Canon Powershot Elph 360 HS came out. Recently, though, as compact cameras have grown in popularity on TikTok and other social media, it has gone through a sort of renaissance — and it's all thanks to celebrities like Kendall Jenner and Dua Lipa popularizing it as their go-to camera.

In fact, the Canon camera has become so popular that Canon is releasing a new 'A' version, expected to launch in October, in an attempt to compete with the best cheap cameras around right now. And the older Powershot Elph 360 HS is sold out on sites like B&H right now, though it could come back in stock.

But has anything changed? From what I've gathered, not really. The camera still has the same 20.2MP CMOS sensor, Digic IV processor, 12x optical zoom, 1080P video, and a mini USB port (yes, even in 2025). But hey, if Kendall Jenner and Dua Lipa use this camera, it must be good, right? And you have to buy it, right? Not necessarily.

I've tested many compact cameras in my day and I'm here to present you with an alternative. A much cheaper alternative that doesn't cost a whopping $379. I'm talking about the Kodak PIXPRO C1: a cheap and cheerful compact camera that doesn't break the bank.

Big numbers aren't always everything

Side-by-side and on paper, the Canon Elph 360 HS A sounds better than the Kodak PIXPRO C1. The PIXPRO C1 has a smaller 13MP sensor and a 4x digital zoom as opposed to the Elph 360 HS A's 20.2MP sensor and 12x optical zoom. But having scrolled through Kendall Jenner's Instagram feed (even though I didn't want to as I'm not a massive fan), I want you to know one thing: the kind of 'retro' aesthetic you're after can still be achieved with the PIXPRO C1.

Compact cameras' charm lies in the fact that the photos they capture are imperfect and they make you (or your subject) look like you're trapped in an early 2000s photo. Thing is, to achieve that, you do not need to spend $379. The PIXPRO C1, in comparison to the Elph 360 HS A, costs much less as it retails for $99 / £79, and I've even seen it drop to $79 in the past.

You can see what the photos look like when taken on the PIXPRO C1 in the gallery above. Not bad, eh? And kind of what you'd expect from most point-and-shoot cameras today.

Just as easy to use

One thing most compact cameras have in common is that they have straightforward control schemes and they're extremely easy to use. They rarely present steep learning curves. Considering that the Canon Powershot Elph 360 HS A isn't going to be go through cosmetic changes, it's safe to assume it will retain the non-A version's simple control scheme.

If that's one of the reasons why you're looking to buy the Elph 360 HS A, fret not because the Kodak PIXPRO C1 is just as easy to use (if not more). All the buttons and menus are signposted well, the shutter button gives good tactile feedback when pressed, and menus are easy to cycle through. Regardless of how old you are, you should be able to use the PIXPRO C1 without any hiccups.

One camera that can do it all

Whether you're looking to snap photos or record video, the Kodak PIXPRO C1 can do it all. It can shoot 1080P video at 30fps which is great if you want to take a point-and-shoot camera to, say, a festival. Speaking of, thanks to how small the camera is — measuring just 4.05 x 2.36 x 0.79 inches — the PIXPRO C1 is super easy to travel with. You can take it to concerts and music festivals too and capture photos of your favorite artists.

Considering the Canon Powershot Elph 360 HS A will cost $379, you'd think its frame rate clocked in at 60fps but it doesn't. Yes, even though you're paying a lot more, you're still getting 1080P/30fps video only — just like the PIXPRO C1. Personally, I'd settle for the PIXPRO C1 and save a few doubloons.

The future is looking bright

I'm a fan of all things old school — whether that's film cameras or compacts. I have, on more than one occasion, written about the resurgence and future of film photography, and looks like I'm going to be doing the same with compact cameras. I love their simplicity and the fact that you don't necessarily need to think a lot when you're photographing something.

More from Tom's Guide

• I’ve been testing the Kodak PIXPRO C1 — and it's ideal for those who don't mind imperfection
• I just tested Kodak’s new compact camera — and it's my favorite retro gadget of the year
• Best cheap cameras in 2025

After months of testing, I've come to love having one of the best ring lights as part of my setup. Whether it’s for content creation or just doing my makeup in the morning, the ring light goes on, and I'm suddenly in the zone.

Seriously, my makeup has never looked so good, and the selfies I can take with the lights prove it. But what makes a good ring light?

I look for a lot of brightness control that can be varied for the real-world situation or the shutter speed on the camera I'm using, and good color adjustment. And while the Neewer RL-18 is a great, consistent lighting solution with brightness adjustment, the color temperature settings are not what I want from a ring light.

Why I need adjustable color temperature

When finding a good ring light, an adjustable color temperature that can be altered with the click of a button is one of the main things I look for. This makes it so much easier to make slight alterations to your lighting situation based on the mood you want to create and the existing natural lighting.

Ring lights like the Neewer BR60 5-inch and the Godox LR120 make this super easy with the press of a button. Make such quick changes means I can instantly improve my lighting setup for an image with no fuss.

I can make alterations based on the color of my background, what clothes I’m wearing, all to benefit the final image result and make sure I get the best real-world color representation possible.

But it can also be used to alter the mood of the shot. Take the Twilight films, for example; they have a distinctive color profile, and without this, the films would not seem as moody or gothic. Of course, this effect was done in post, but the cool white light and warm yellow light achieved with a ring light can work to tell a story too.

Plastic covers are tricky

The plastic covers of the Neewer RL-18 ring light are tricky to pop on and off. With some practice, this does become a lot easier, but initially, I was tugging at the pieces and couldn't change the color filters quickly between shots.

There are two color options with this light: white or orange. As you can see from the picture below, when using the orange filter, it pulls far more red-toned, and although it creates a warmth in the image, I much prefer a yellow-toned warmth as it invokes more real-world color with a natural look.

The other filter option is white light, which, to be fair, is very good. If you were using this light in the same conditions every time for the same type of image, it would be perfect. This is also perfect for any detailed work like makeup artistry or tattooing, as recommended by Neewer.

But it’s not a deal breaker

With all of that said, the lack of color customization is not a deal breaker. It comes with a steady tripod, a phone holder, and is actually a breeze to set up out of the box (apart from the filters, of course).

This is actually a great ring light. It is just better suited to situations where consistent lighting is appropriate.

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If you know me or have been following my work at Tom's Guide, you'll know that I review some of the best cameras, the best drones, and everything in between that can take a photo. I've tested all kinds of snappers, from the highly minimalist Sigma BF and the high-speed Sony A1 II to the the retro-inspired Fujifilm X half and the extremely rugged Kodak PIXPRO WPZ2.

One of those aforementioned cameras isn't like the others. Kodak PIXPRO is a family of compact point-and-shoot cameras, aimed at people who want a no-frills snapper. Recently, a new camera joined this lineup, the Kodak PIXPRO C1, and I spent a few days testing it.

Now, I'll be honest: the PIXPRO C1 isn't the best cheap compact camera I've tested so far (the PIXPRO WPZ2 holds that title). I gave the camera three and a half out of five stars in my Kodak PIXPRO C1 review. But it gets a lot right, and it's got one feature not every high tech camera I've tested has, and one that is best suited to compact cameras of its (small) size.

Flip it up

The feature I'm talking about is the Kodak PIXPRO C1's flip-up selfie screen. Now, now, before you come at me, I am fully aware that lots of cameras' monitors are fully articulating but more often than not, they flip out to the side and not up — unless you get the pricey Fujifilm X-E5.

Flip-up screens simplify vlogging and taking selfies as you can see yourself properly while looking like you're looking at the lens and not away from it (as you would when looking at a flip-out screen). I'm not necessarily a chronic selfie taker but even I can't deny the PIXPRO C1's charm. No other compact camera I've tested so far — like the Kodak PIXPRO WPZ2, the Kodak PIXPRO FZ45, the AgfaPhoto Realishot DC5500 — features a flip-up screen.

Because the camera is so light, weighing just 4.05oz, it's super easy to hold it up with one hand and snap a selfie. The 2.8-inch screen is big enough for accurate framing too, and the camera's 26mm wide-angle lens lets you fit a lot into the frame.

My partner and I had a lot of fun taking silly selfies at the pub. And thanks to the PIXPRO C1 being extremely easy to use with a straightforward control scheme, the user doesn't need to be well-versed with the semantics and technical side of photography.

Vintage, retro, old school

One of the things that usually attracts my generation (millennials, but gen Z too) to compact cameras is vintage, retro image quality. You don't buy a cheap compact for capturing high resolution images — you're probably well aware that the photos are going to be imperfect and therein lies the charm.

Such is also true for the Kodak PIXPRO C1 and its 13MP sensor which takes decent photos but the quality is hit-or-miss, depending on the lighting. It's one of those cameras that you take to a festival and everyone goes, "That's such a cute little thing!" and no one actually cares about how clear or in-focus the images are. So if all you need is a fun, stripped-back camera, then you'll like the PIXPRO C1.

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After testing my fair share of ring lights, I know what to look for to make sure I have a lighting solution that I can rely on. The best ring lights need to be fast and easy to set up, yet still offer lots of adjustment in color and brightness. Being affordable doesn’t hurt, either.

The Neewer RL-18 isn’t ideal for anyone needing lots of adjustment, as it only has two color temperature settings. The temperature is altered by using plastic clips over the LED lights, which are pretty fiddly to swap out. But that doesn’t mean it’s one to count out.

It’s incredibly easy to set up, and with a Bluetooth remote control, you can take pictures or shoot video without having to rely on a pesky 10-second countdown timer. There is a lot of brightness control with a stepless dial, and the accessories, like the phone holder and cold shoe mount, make getting the perfect setup a breeze.

You can read more about the ring light in this full Neewer RL-18 review.

Neewer RL-18 Review: Cheat Sheet

• What is it? An 18-inch ring light that’s perfect for content creation or detail-heavy activities like makeup or tattoo artistry.
• What does it cost? The Neewer RL-18 is available at Amazon U.S. for $159 and from Amazon U.K. for £95.
• Who is it for? Anyone needing to improve lighting for a production or beauty setup.
• What do we like? The light is easy to set up and fold away, offers lots of brightness control, and the included accessories prove extremely useful.
• What don’t we like? There are only two color temperature settings. The color filters are difficult to change over, and the orange filter appears red-toned.

Neewer RL-18 Review: Specs

Neewer RL-18 Review: Price & Availability

The Neewer RL-18 ring light is available for $159 at Amazon U.S. and £95 at Amazon U.K., and it comes with a one-year warranty. If you’d like an extra year of protection, you can purchase the light directly from Neewer and sign up to their newsletter, but then the light will cost you $139 in the U.S. and £119 in the U.K. Neewer has noted that due to the impact of tariffs and logistics, the costs of their lights vary by location.

I recently tested the Godox LR120 ring light, which is an 18-inch ring light that’s far more affordable. The Godox costs $59/£44 and offers more control over color adjustment and brightness. Given the choice of the two, I would get the Godox, as you get a lot more control for your money.

Neewer RL-18 Review: Design

The Neewer RL-18 looks clunkier than other Neewer ring lights I’ve tested. But while the design isn’t the sleekest, the ring light is very effective.

The light has 240 LEDs in the 18-inch ring, and these can be diffused with the plastic covers that come with the light. These are in four sections that clip onto the light. There’s an orange option and a white option, and this is the only way to change the color temperature of the light.

The light can reach a brightness of 5500Lux/0.5m, and this can be altered from 0% to 100% with the twisting dial at the base of the ring. For a light with more options that stand at a similar height, you should consider the Neewer RP19PH ($149), which has more settings for customization in both light brightness and color temperature.

The tripod that accompanies the ring light can extend to a height of 59 inches or be lowered to 19 inches, depending on the subject or use of the light. The tripod stand is very sturdy when locked in place and is made of aluminum alloy. The four adjustable sections are tightened with knobs, and when finished, it folds away to a height of 30 inches for easy storage.

Changing the color temperature filter is a little tricky, but the rest of the setup is a breeze. The tripod folds out easily, and the head of the ring light fits securely with a screw at the base. Then it’s just a matter of setting up the power.

The head of the ring light can also tilt 180º. This means it can be used to light objects that are lower down or create an overhead lighting effect. There is a soft tub to help angle the light, but I think ‘soft’ is the wrong word to describe it. It took three of us in the office to get the rod to bend slightly, but that does mean that once it is in shape, it’s very sturdy and won’t move.

There is a mount in the centre of the light that can be used with the included phone holder or with one of the best cameras. The clamp on the phone holder is compatible with any smartphone between 2.6 inches and 3.7 inches. This was great for my iPhone 14, but the clamp is a little stiff. There is a 360º hall head on the cold shoe mount so that the camera can be angled perfectly.

There’s a power cable with a plug for the ring light, so you have to be near a plug socket to operate the light. This is unlike the Neewer Basics R06 7-inch Round Light ($35), which is powered by USB, making it fully portable. The light also comes with a carry bag, which made it very easy to move around with me wherever I needed it.

Neewer RL-18 Review: Controls

The Neewer RL-18 is just as easy to use as it is to set up, with a stepless dial to control the brightness of the light on the underside of the ring. This alters the lighting from 0 – 100%. There is no control to alter the temperature of the light though, as this is fixed to 5500K, but can be reduced to 3200K through changing the included filters by hand, which is a little time-consuming. You can change the color temperature of the Goxox LR120 or the Neewer RP19H with the simple click of a button, making them far more user-friendly.

The ring light comes with a Bluetooth remote control, which makes it easy to take pictures hands-free without having to set a timer on the camera. It’s simple to connect and works instantly with no lag between clicking the button and the picture being taken.

Neewer RL-18 Review: Performance

Neewer says that the RL-18 ring light is recommended for everything from professional portrait photography to tattooing and beauty treatments. The ring light may be easy to use, but beyond the stepless lighting adjustment, there’s not much adjustment on offer.

I didn’t find it as effective for replicating real-world color on camera as other lights I have used, even though it has a CRI of 95 (which theoretically means very accurate replication). The Neewer BR60 5-inch Ring Light ($21) is the best real-world color replication I have achieved with a ring light, and this is thanks to the varying color temperature options. However, the RL-18 only has the default 5500K white color temperature or the 3200K temperature with the orange filter attached.

I set up the RL-18 to take some selfies, as I do when I test any ring light, and was impressed with how they came out when using the 5500K color temperature, as the image was detailed and not at all washed out despite the brightness. However, when using the 3200K color temperature orange filter, everything became red-toned, and it even makes my white t-shirt appear pink. For achieving a more natural look with a warmer temperature, I recommend the Godox LR120 18-inch ring light ($59), as it replicates real-world color far better.

The Neewer RL-18 has a maximum illumination of 5500Lux/0.5mm, and it is bright. I wouldn’t look directly into it at maximum illumination. But since it is so bright, it shows every little detail, making it perfect not just for photography, but also for focused work like tattooing or makeup artistry.

Neewer RL-18 Review: Verdict

The Neewer RL-18 ring light is a powerhouse, but it won’t be for everyone. If you want a lot of color adjustment as well as brightness adjustment, you’d be barking up the wrong tree with this one.

The ring light is very easy to set up and pack away, and it comes with useful accessories like the phone stand and attachments for cameras. I found the Bluetooth remote to be especially helpful, and there is also a lot of control over the brightness of the light.

But when it comes to altering the temperature of the light, that’s where you may encounter some issues. There are only two temperature settings: white or orange. And changing these is slightly tricky, as they are plastic panels. The orange filter also casts more red, particularly affecting white areas of the image. While this is a powerful and reliable ring light for the 5500K color temperature, for more adjustment at the same size, I’d recommend the Godox LR120.

The Neewer RL-18 is a perfectly decent ring light, but for the price, I don’t want to be fiddling with plastic color filters to get my perfect shot.

I'm a millennial and I've seen technology evolve in a lot of ways. I remember having a Sony Discman that would clip onto my belt and play CDs I'd burned on my dad's computer.

I remember manually winding cassettes with pencils, and I remember using floppy disks to play video games. I remember when iPods became obsolete (R.I.P.) and streaming services like Spotify became the norm.

You know what else I remember? My parents' videocassette recorder, or VCR, which would play episodes of Tom and Jerry and even home movies my folks had made of me and my brother.

These tapes were imperfect and grainy but gosh were they sweet, because my parents didn't care about the highest quality — all they cared about was creating memories for all of us to look back on. I'm not crying, you're crying.

As someone who reviews modern tech for a living now, it's very rare that a product makes me sentimental, yearning for a simpler time. Scratch that: this had never happened before... until I tested the Camp Snap CS-8 and found myself teary-eyed at my desk. That's down to the retro-looking camera's nostalgic video quality and screen-free design. And if you want a no-frills camera, here's why you'll love the CS-8.

Nostalgia-inducing video quality

The Camp Snap CS-8 is not the camera for you if you want the highest quality video with rock-steady stabilization. You might want to consider one of the best cameras for that.

The CS-8 is the one for you if you want an easy-to-use camera that captures footage which makes you feel like you're in a vintage music video, or back in your parents' living room.

Capable of recording 2.7K footage, the CS-8 comes with an array of color profiles and aspect ratios, and the color profile determines the frame rate. If you choose Standard, Black and White, Vintage 1 or Vintage 2, the camera will shoot at 30fps, and this drops to 18fps when filming in Analog.

Analog is the color profile that reminds me of home movies from the 90s. It adds fake scratches and heavy grain to the video, and when I first read about that, I thought it would be gimmicky — but I adore it now.

It tugs on my heartstrings and makes me smile. I also think it would be great for a music video or anyone trying to film an indie horror film.

Or hey, shoot in monochrome and add some intertitles in post-production to make it feel like a silent movie! I laughed for 30 straight minutes when I was editing the video above (please don't judge my very simple sense of humor).

The possibilities are endless, and I think the CS-8 is a fantastic camera for anyone who wants to experiment with videography without worrying about the specs or semantics of photography.

Oh-so-easy to use

Do you know that scene from 'Bridesmaids' where Kristen Wiig's character Annie and Chris O'Dowd's character Rhodes are standing on the side of the highway and tracking cars' speed with a speed gun? That's what holding the Camp Snap CS-8 reminds me of.

What makes the CS-8 even better is that it is incredibly easy to use — yes, I believe a small child could use it too. The CS-8 is inspired by Super 8 cameras of ye olde and it sports a retro design. To start recording, all you need to do is hold down the trigger with your index or middle finger and keep it held down until you're done filming.

It's simple enough to swap between color profiles and aspect ratios too via dials and zoom in and out with "W" and "T" buttons. Unfortunately, the camera records the sound of the trigger and zooming every time but hopefully you don't mind it too much.

Simplicity itself

The Camp Snap CS-8 doesn't feature any stabilization. It doesn't come with a companion app. Its electronic viewfinder is very stripped back. Really, on paper, there isn't anything that makes you go "Wow!" when you look at the CS-8's product page.

But that is not what it's about, and I believe in today's world, we get too bogged down with specs sheets. Sometimes, it's about taking a step back, being in the moment, recording something and not looking at it until you're back at your desk. It's about having fun, as was also the case with the Camp Snap Screen-Free digital camera.

Camp Snap has, essentially, capitalized on the human experience, on us feeling nostalgic about the past, on us wanting to be innocent children again, and it has created a product that invokes feelings close to that — I love it, and I'm certain you will too.

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I love taking pictures. Any of my friends will tell you I’m that one in the group who tells everyone to gather around for a photo wherever, whenever. This has proved to be an incredibly valuable trait as I can look back at any occasion and have a bunch of pictures to remember it by.

And it’s only natural to take a look at the pictures immediately to see what you’re working with. But I've noticed when I do this that I always find something wrong. Someone’s eyes are closed, or my hair isn’t sitting right. So then we sit there taking a few more pictures and keep trying to get the perfect one. But in doing that, we lose the moment.

But since discovering the Camp Snap Screen-Free Digital Camera, this problem has been eliminated, and I get cool, retro photos to look at. The camera is modelled after a traditional disposable film camera with an optical viewfinder and a counter letting you know how many pictures you've taken.

The only difference is that the Camp Snap is digital. But you still can’t look at the pictures until they have been “developed” by plugging the camera into your computer.

The camera only costs $69, making it one of the cheapest cameras out there, and is reusable. If you use disposable film cameras, you’ll know how frustrating it is to have to fork out around $20 every time you need a new one, and the Camp Snap takes away that cost.

No obsessing over what you look like

As I was saying, while checking what I look like in photos straight after taking them makes sense, it quickly becomes obsessive. Passing the phone back to whoever took the picture and saying “just try one more” gets very boring very fast.

But since the Camp Snap is screen-free and I can’t look at the pictures until I get home and transfer them to my computer, this vain self-obsession has disappeared. It also takes away the distraction of having your phone out all the time. Now, when I head out to the park or for drinks with friends, the only thing left out of my bag is the Camp Snap camera.

Of course, there are times when I still take pictures with my phone because the quality is so much better on the latter. The Camp Snap’s 8MP is more of a 2000s disposable effect, but Y2K is so back.

But I’ve realized it’s not about the quality of the photo; having the memory without any fuss or distraction is all I want out of the camera.

That's a big reason why people buy one of the best instant cameras, after all.

Easy to use

It doesn’t get simpler than this. The Camp Snap is a point-and-shoot camera that quite literally cannot go wrong. You line up the shot through the viewfinder, just like with a disposable film camera, and click the shutter button on top. You can also toggle the flash button between on, off, or auto.

The classic Camp Snap effect is pre-loaded to the camera’s built-in SD card, but you can also create your own on their website. This adds a personal touch to the photos, and I love that I don’t have to go in and edit them later on.

Anyone can use the camera with ease, and I pass it around my friends when we meet up so everyone can take pictures of each other. And when everyone is doing this, it feels much less posy than using our phones.

Long battery life

I charge the Camp Snap once a week, just before the weekend when I tend to use it the most. This is more than enough to get me through the week as you can get 500 shots with a single charge.

So while you don’t have to worry about running out of film, you do need to consider how much charge you have before heading out with the camera.

To find out more about the camera and how it works, you can read our full Camp Snap Screen-Free Digital Camera review.

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Just a little close to a couple of years ago, I tested out my first telescope ever — the Dwarf 2 — which was also happened to my first smart telescope too. It also put me on a path to discovering a new hobby with astrophotography.

I’ve been testing out Dwarflabs’ latest model, the Dwarf 3, to capture many of my favorite deep space objects. Similar to the previous model, the Dwarf 3 features a compact design that fits easily into my backpack and pairs with my smartphone to quickly set targets and capture images. However, another impressive thing I’ve realized, through testing, is that the Dwarf 3 is also an incredible nature camera.

Easy setup, amazing astrophotography

While phones like the Galaxy S25 Ultra are great at zooming, it doesn’t come close to matching the Dwarf 3. You could get a decent shot of the moon with the Galaxy S25 Ultra, but the Dwarf 3 blows any phone I’ve ever used to get moon shots. If that’s not enough to convince you, check out some of the galaxies, nebulas, and star clusters I’ve imaged with the Dwarf 3 below.

Unlike a traditional telescope, which often requires you to set up several components, I just turn on the Dwarf 3, put it on the ground, and then launch the app to calibrate it. In about 5 minutes, I can start searching for targets in the night sky to image.

Once I do, the Dwarf 3 does all the rest — including the stacking of the images, which is what makes it different from a standard telescope. The end results are breathtaking because you don’t need a lot of experience to get high-quality images.

Doubles as a nature photography camera

Apart from astrophotography, I’ve also found the Dwarf 3 to be an outstanding nature camera due to its long telephoto zoom. Since I have it on a tripod, I can use the app to track targets — like some birds around my property — to get a close-up look at them that blows away anything I would get from my camera phone.

I’m honestly shocked by the results because it captures rich detail and definition every time. This is ideal for nature photography because I can keep a safe distance without disturbing them. At the same time, the Dwarf 3 can record video as well while using its tracking feature to keep them centered. While birds are tougher for it, I’ve used it to capture some deer in the far distance and some neighborhood outdoor cats.

Affordable cost

Finally, there’s the cost. If you ever look into buying a sophisticated telescope that can capture astrophotography and stack images for you, they can easily run you thousands of dollars. Not to mention, they’re also bulky and impractical to bring around with you. In comparison, the Dwarf 3 costs under $550, fits easily into my backpack, and has a fast setup time. For all of these reasons, it’s one of my favorite smart telescopes.

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When I was younger, I didn’t think "social media content creator" was a possible job title—but here we are in 2025 and it’s the job everybody wants.

Whether it’s beauty, lifestyle, or tech, there are influencers for everything. But you don’t need an expensive setup to achieve that same professional look with your content — one of the best ring lights is all you need.

The Godox LR120 ring light is an easy way to achieve that slick look when creating video content — and it doesn’t break the bank. It provides polished and consistent lighting to enhance content. Just improved lighting can make the overall quality you can achieve using just your phone so much better.

Adjustable brightness and color temperature

The Godox LR120 is a dream when it comes to customization to achieve the best look wherever you are. Whether you are in a dark room or somewhere with natural lighting that you want to enhance, you can alter the brightness or lighting color to get the best look.

There are seven levels of brightness to choose from, ranging from 10% to 100%. This meant that I could turn down the light if I was looking washed out, and increase the brightness in darker situations.

The three different color temperatures also mean that there are lighting options to suit a variety of skin tones. Using the warmer-toned lighting settings made my face appear warmer and more lively, while the white light setting created a less vibrant look.

Built-in flexible phone holder

At the centre of the ring light is a tripod thread to attach the included flexible phone holder. This integrated feature makes it super easy to position your phone for filming without having to hold it.

Having the phone remain central to the ring light eliminates any shadows that might’ve been created by your arm holding the phone, allowing for even lighting around the frame. It also eliminates the need for a separate phone stand, having a secure and efficient setup ready to go.

The phone holder also rotates on a 360º bevel, so I was able to easily switch between shooting video content in landscape and portrait. This is ideal if you need to make short-form content and long-form video at the same time.

Good color rendering

The Godox LR120 can replicate real-world color with ease thanks to a CRI rating of over 90. Thai is a rating of how well colors are represented on a scale of 1 to 100. The difference between these pictures taken in natural lighting and with the ring light speaks for itself. The color of my t-shirt is far more vibrant and true to life when using the ring light.

Portable power options

Since the Godox LR120 has a built-in USB-A cable, you are not limited to where you can use it. You don't need to be next to a power outlet to operate the light, as you can plug it into your laptop or use a portable power bank.

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Capturing the perfect moment has never been easier now that mirrorless cameras, action cameras, 360 cameras and even drones have become so advanced and we’ve tried all of the best ones you can get right now.

From instant cameras that can capture nostalgic moments, to vlogging cameras designed to capture every minute of your life, to film cameras for those who love the classic approach, you have plenty of options when it comes to documenting your life or even just the world around you.

Our team of experts has tested and reviewed all of the latest cameras, drones and more for the Tom’s Guide Awards 2025. Below, we highlight our favorite cameras from the last 12 months that have helped us capture life's best moments in the best way possible.

Best mirrorless camera

Nikon Z5II

We’ve reviewed the best cameras you can buy over the last year, from budget-friendly cameras like Kodak PIXPRO WPZ2, through to $7,500 beasts like the Fujifilm GFX100 II. The Nikon Z5II is neither, but that’s a good thing.

See, the Z5II is a fantastic mirrorless camera. Its 24MP full frame sensor produces beautiful images, it handles brilliantly, and has a range of pro features including dual card slots and subject detection AF.

You’d think it’d be expensive, but (at least in mirrorless camera terms), it isn’t. The Z5II costs $1,699, undercutting its rivals, the Canon EOS R6 Mark II and Sony A7 IV by a long way. The sheer value for money is insane, especially given the Z5II’s quality and performance.

From amateurs through to enthusiasts and even aspiring (or current) pros, the Z5II one of the best all-rounders we’ve ever tested, and our favorite mirrorless camera this year.

Best action camera

DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro

For a while now, GoPro — once the king of the action camera market — has seemingly been resting on its laurels, coasting along and trading under its brand recognition. Each new GoPro is barely different to the one before, and that lack of impetus has given GoPro’s rivals space to soar ahead.

No camera demonstrates that better than the DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro, the best action camera you can buy right now. Its predecessor, the Osmo Action 4, was a great camera, but a runner up. The OA5 Pro is just fantastic.

Improved (and excellent) stabilization, best-in-class battery life, and gorgeous OLED displays that make it a joy to use, the Osmo Action 5 Pro is a premium, professional action camera through and through. It maxes out at 4K, which may be limiting if you need to crop heavily, or you want to oversample footage, but for most users, 4K/60p will be plenty. Better yet, the OA5 Pro is cheaper than its rivals, the GoPro Hero13 Black and Insta360 Ace Pro 2.

Best 360 camera

Insta360 X5

Insta360 didn’t need to develop or release the X5. Its predecessor, the Insta360 X4 was already the best 360 camera around, and it wasn’t even a close contest: it was the only 360 camera with 8K maximum 360-degree resolution, allowing 4K reframed 16:9 footage. The X5 builds on the X4 in numerous key ways, though, and it’s a huge step up on what was already the finest 360 camera you can buy.

For the X5, 8K maximum res was back, but Insta360 fitted new, larger sensors, improving image cleanliness in low light — we were impressed with how well these performed. The X5 also boasts an improved microphone array and noise cancellation, and the wind reduction mode was staggeringly good in testing. Battery life was boosted thanks to a new power cell, and Insta360 also gave the X5 replaceable lenses (as 360 cam lenses are prone to strikes when used on a motorcycle) to remove the need for the X4’s lens guards, which degraded image quality.

The Insta360 X5 is the ultimate 360 camera, so a very deserving winner of this award.

Best instant camera

Fujifilm Instax mini 41

Instant cameras are just as fun today as they were when they first came out, and it looks like Fujifilm is still leading the pack with its Instax lineup. The Fujifilm Instax mini 41 is the best instant camera that came out in 2025 for one very simple reason: it’s the easiest, most user-friendly instant camera that takes gorgeous photos.

Intuitive to use with a very straightforward control scheme and a dark colored body, the Instax mini 41 is like the Instax mini 12 but for grown-ups. Images pack plenty of detail and there’s a selfie mirror and close-up mode for more creativity. Long battery life also means that you can use this camera for hours.

With faithful color reproduction and Fuji’s accurate color science at full display, the Instax mini 41 is a deserving winner of this award.

Best film camera

Pentax 17

Analog photography is on the rise again with many social media users populating their timelines with photos shot on film, and the launch of one modern-day film camera took us all by surprise. The Pentax 17 is what we describe as the “crème de la crème of film cameras.” Offering manual control over shutter speed and exposure compensation, the Pentax 17 takes stunning photos in bright conditions.

As this is a half-frame camera, the Pentax 17 is great for creating diptychs and telling a story in two parts. This also doubles the shot count so a 36-shot roll yields 72 photos. We also love the camera’s retro design and lightweight build, making the camera easy to carry in your pocket or handbag.

For anyone who loves film photography and wants a modern camera that takes fantastic photos, there really isn’t a better one than the Pentax 17.

Best drone

DJI Air 3S

This past year, DJI knocked it out of the park with the launch of the Neo, Flip and the Mavic 4 Pro, but there’s only one drone that takes the crown, and that’s the DJI Air 3S. It was a close call between the Mavic 4 Pro and the Air 3S, but the U.S. launch of the former being hindered by economic conditions means the Air 3S is the gold standard — it’s also more financially accessible.

And what do you get for your money? A dual-camera system that lets aerial videographers and travel photographers capture wide-angle and medium telephoto shots. A large 1-inch sensor for superb low-light performance. Next-gen obstacle avoidance. AI subject tracking that powers short-form flight modes. Smooth 4K/60fps video and detailed 48MP stills. You name it, you’ve got it.

We also love just how easy it is to fly the Air 3S with the RC-2 controller and its bright 700-nits display. Edit videos on the fly via the controller or save them safe and sound in the drone’s 42GB internal storage. You can capture vertical footage too for quick-sharing to social media. This drone packs so much potential that we keep coming back to it regardless of how many others we test.

Best vlogging camera

Canon EOS R50 V

Canon took the competition to Sony this year by introducing not one but two vlogging cameras — and we love both the PowerShot V1 and the EOS R50 V. While the former is a fixed-lens compact, the latter a mirrorless with interchangeable lenses, and it is that distinction that earns the EOS R50 V the crown for best vlogging camera.

The EOS R50 V is one of the cheapest ways of stepping into the world of mirrorless cameras. Not just that, but it’s an absolute machine for content creation. Capable of recording lovely, smooth 4K/60fps and capturing detailed 24MP stills, the EOS R50 V is a hybrid powerhouse. Because it’s a video-first camera, we adore the top plate dial dedicated to different video modes, giving users quick access. It’s an extremely intuitive camera to use, perfect for beginners.

Canon’s autofocus system is rarely a letdown and that’s the case here too. Auto subject detection also means you don’t need to manually swap between animal and human detection, taking one step out of the equation. The EOS R50 V is a great step forward for Canon, and there really is no other vlogging camera (that came out this year) which outclasses it right now.

Do you like film photography? Me too. Do you enjoy populating your Instagram feed with film photos? Me too! There's something charming about analog photography, and in recent years, we've seen a rise in its popularity, a trend that's making a comeback (like oversized blazers and baggy jeans).

It's then only natural that camera manufacturers get with the times and make modern film cameras. Fujifilm has done just that... but in a way none of us expected. I'm talking about the Fujifilm X half, a one-of-a-kind camera that's unlike any other in its current lineup, and it goes off the beaten track by combining digital and film photography.

What do I mean by that, you ask? Well, the X half takes regular photos like any digital camera but it also has a dedicated Film Camera Mode which emulates the feeling of analog. When I spent a couple hours with the camera pre-launch, a couple Tom's Guide readers pointed out that this was gimmick. Now that I've reviewed the camera, I say: so what? It's fun, it's so much fun, and I'm here to tell you why.

Where do we start?

Toggling Film Camera Mode on the Fujifilm X half is a piece of cake. There are two touchscreen displays on the back: the rounded, vertical touchscreen let's you swap between 13 film simulation recipes and several filters, while the rectangular 4x3 screen gives you access to the camera's settings and gallery.

To enable Film Camera Mode, simply swipe down on the rectangular screen and tap on it. You then select your roll (36 shots, for instance) and film simulation or filter, adjusting ISO and et voilà! The screen displays a shot counter and you'll need to use the lever on the right-hand side to advance the roll — as you would on a traditional film camera.

Also, like other film cameras, you won't be able to see the photos you've taken until you exhaust the roll, connect the camera to your smartphone and use the X half app to 'develop' the film. And you know what? I had a lot of fun with this. Watching your 'film roll' load on your phone and the little animation that shows every photo 'developing' is throughly enjoyable.

Analog photography's fundamentals apply here too. Some photos turn out great, some photos are unusable and some are imperfect, and I love that. The X half's photos turn out lovely with a film-life effects (thanks to the film sims), and you can increase the grain effect too.

Why can't we just have fun?

I've loved testing the Fujifilm X half. I think it's a nifty little camera (literally, it's so small) for anyone who wants access to Fuji's fantastic film simulation recipes and filters, and wants to take a no-frills camera to a concert, festival or while traveling.

But purists will have you believing it's a toy camera and it isn't worth the money. Look, I get it. It isn't really film photography. The X half isn't the cheapest either, retailing for $849 / £690. Its sensor takes only 17MP photos, and video is limited to FHD/48p. No, this isn't a stacked camera when it comes to pure imaging capabilities, but why does everything need to be?

Fujifilm's ethos here is that specs aren't always everything, and I see that. It isn't always about how many megapixels you have at your disposal or whether the camera has in-body image stabilization. Sometimes, and this time especially, it's about a stripped back camera that even a child could use. The X half is pure fun, nothing more, nothing less.

More from Tom's Guide

• I tested the Fujifilm X half — and it proves that specs aren't as important as having fun
• I swapped digital cameras for film photography for 2 weeks and the Pentax 17 blew me away — here's why
• Best cameras in 2025

It's hard to believe that the Amazon Prime Day deals are coming to an end already, but on the final day of the sales event, the deals just keep getting better and better! Like this Neewer Basics BR60 5-inch ring light that has just hit its lowest ever price.

I tested the ring light last month and truthfully, my selfies have never looked so good. The Neewer Basics BR60 5-inch Ring Light is currently at Amazon for $12 — its lowest ever price! This is a massive 45% slash from the usual $21 price tag, and if you love a good Instagram moment, this is a deal you definitely don't want to miss.

• Shop all last-minute Prime Day deals

While this is probably the most basic you can get when it comes to ring lights, the easy no fuss set up makes it one of the best out there in my opinion. The Neewer Basics BR60 5-inch ring light is absolutely essential for anyone who wants to get better selfies for social media, because let's face it, we're all a little vain sometimes.

Even after reviewing the light, I've carried on using this ring light to improve my clarity in online video calls. It's amazing what better lighting can do, and it honestly makes me look far more polished and professional.

The light has a color rendering index rating of 97+. This rating is measured on a scale of 0-100 and a higher value indicates objects and subjects appearing more closely to their real world color.

Having been disappointed with the performance of small ring lights in the past, I was pleasantly surprised when this The Neewer basics light gave me some of the best selfie results I have ever got.

The lighting settings are extremely easy to cycle through with just the click of a few buttons to decrease or increase brightness and change color temperature. The control is also built-in to the USB cable so there's no need to worry about misplacing it while setting up.

At just $12, this 45% off deal is utter madness, I seriously can't believe it. The performance of this light is one is expect from a far more expensive model, so it's not a deal to be passed on.

Shop all last-minute Prime Day deals

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It's day one of this year's Amazon Prime Day sales, and that means some welcome and massive discounts on our favorite cameras — from drones and instant cameras to action cams. If you're a photographer who feels proud to show it by displaying camera-related statement pieces around the house, I've found a great deal for you.

Lego sets are usually discounted for Prime Day and this year's no different. The Lego Creator 3-in-1 Retro Camera set is currently 20% off at Amazon U.S. and 22% off at Amazon U.K. So if you're a photographer, or you know someone who is, this would make the perfect gift! Trust me when I say I'll be very kindly asking my partner to gift it to me.

The 3-in-1 Retro Camera set includes three vintage models: a film camera, a camcorder, and a TV. The set, in total, includes 261 pieces, so it shouldn't take too long to build the three models from scratch — perfect for a chill Saturday evening, right? You can then display it on your coffee table or your work desk to let everyone know that you are a photographer who's also a little whimsical!

What's even better is that the toy film camera has a moving lens, buttons, loadable film and a strap. The video camera has a screen that can be popped out, just like on a regular camcorder, and the TV has an antenna. Kids can build it too as long as they're 8 years old or older.

Even at its retail price, this 3-in-1 Retro Camera set is a great deal, but Prime Day sales have brought its price down to just $15 in the U.S. and £13 in the U.K. At this price, there really isn't an excuse to grab yourself a set.

If you want to check out more killer deals, don't forget to tune into our Amazon Prime Day live blog, and check out the freebies you can score this week!

• Save big on my favorite board games this Prime Day — up to 47% off on D&D, Catan, Cyberpunk and more
• Prime Day sales under $50 — here's 31 deals I'm shopping from YETI, Apple, Ninja and more
• I’m a cameras editor — here are the 25 Prime Day action camera deals I recommend

The Prime Day deals have arrived, and there are some fantastic deals on action cameras. My favorite is undoubtedly this deal on my top-budget action camera, the DJI Osmo Action 4, which is currently $90 off at Amazon.

At $209, this is the joint cheapest I've ever seen this camera sell for in the U.S., and the price is tied with last year's Black Friday sale price.

If you're in the U.K. like me, you're in for even more of a treat. The DJI Osmo Action 4 is currently £124 off at Amazon, so just £165! That's a wild price for such an incredible action camera. Brits: buy now! It probably won't get cheaper than this.

How low will DJI go?

Rumors abound that DJI will be releasing new cameras soon, which may be why we're seeing big discounts on its cameras for Prime Day.

Yesterday, in my roundup of the top Prime Day action camera deals, I wrote that I expected DJI gear to start dropping a little further in the U.K. (it was at £215), but I wasn't expecting the OA4 to be discounted quite this much. £165 is, frankly, crazy money for this camera — I can't see it dropping any further and now is absolutely the time to buy if you want a new action camera!

Alas, U.S. trade tariffs have affected DJI products, meaning lower levels of discount in the States, although $209 is still an incredibly good price for the OA4. You simply can't find a brand new action camera for that money with the pro features of this camera.

The finest budget action camera you can buy

The DJI Osmo Action 4 is my top budget pick on our list of the best action cameras you can buy, and that was before the Prime Day discount!

This little camera packs 4K video, decent stabilization, great internal microphones and wireless hookups to DJI devices like the DJI Mic 2 or DJI Mic Mini. It also features a slew of professional features, including Log and HLG recording for wider dynamic range capture.

It isn't as capable as the newer DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro, which features improved stabilization and battery life (and is my favorite action camera overall), but the newer model is naturally more expensive.

Pound for pound (literally in the U.K.), the Osmo Action 4 was already phenomenal value for money and an ideal tool for aspiring content creators needing a professional-tier camera without breaking the bank.

More from Tom's Guide

• I’m a cameras editor — here are the 25 Prime Day action camera deals I recommend
• Prime Day sales under $50 — here's 29 deals I'm shopping from YETI, Apple, Ninja and more
• Best Buy's Black Friday in July sale is live — here's 33 deals to fight Prime Day

Prime Day deals are now in full swing! We're seeing some major discounts on our favorite tech — from TVs and espresso machines to instant cameras. Deals on cameras are gaining speed too, and if you want a camera specifically for vlogging, boy have I found the right one for you.

I reviewed the Sony ZV-1F a few months ago and I gave it 4.5 stars and the coveted Editor's Choice Award, and now, the Sony ZV-1F is just $448 at Amazon and just £357 at Amazon U.K. If you don't like paying full price, I'd snap this deal up right now — trust me, this camera is worth every penny.

• See all Amazon Prime Day deals right now

The ZV-1F won me over with its straightforward control scheme which makes it the perfect camera for those stepping up from smartphone photography. It doesn't break the bank, even at its retail price, so it's great for vloggers on a budget. It's capable of recording lovely, detailed 4K/30p footage and FHD/120fps slow motion footage.

It enables users to experiment with creative styling too, featuring 10 Creative Looks (filters), such as film, vivid, sepia, and more. These can be used in both video and stills. If you want to quickly upload footage to social media and can't be bothered with post-production, these filters come in clutch.

What I love most about the ZV-1F are its vlogging-specific features, such as Product Showcase. Toggling this feature makes the ZV-1F focus on the subject closest to the lens while blurring the background. This is an extremely handy tool for product reviews and unboxing videos, and especially for those who don't possess the technical know-how. You can see how this works in the clip below.

The ZV-1F is an excellent camera that I'd recommend to everyone, especially to vloggers who are just starting out or even those who want a cheap camera for casual videography. I've loved testing the ZV-1F and I am certain you will enjoy using it too. That's why the camera being $101 off at Amazon U.S. and £121 off at Amazon U.K. is just too good to pass up.

Don't forget to tune into our Prime Day deals live blog for more awesome deals on TVs, laptops, AirPods, cameras and more!

We're tracking the best Amazon Prime Day deals, including everything from barbecues to laptops. However, I've got my eye on something different — instant cameras. I've always wanted to be that girl with hundreds of printed photos for scrapbooks and memories, and at this price, I could just start now.

There are loads of different types of cameras, so it can be hard to find the best cheap camera out there. Fortunately, we've got a team of reviewers always testing and reviewing cameras so you don't have to.

Our reviewer Nikita awarded the Polaroid Go Gen 2 an impressive 4.5-star rating. Polaroid is renowned for its iconic point, shoot, and print cameras, and the Go Gen 2 is no different. Right now, it's crashed to its lowest-ever price for Prime Day, so you should grab it now.

The Go Gen 2 is the perfect first instant camera. It's ideal for beginners because it's so easy to use — simply install the film and get snapping. The photos take around 15 minutes to fully develop (depending on exposure levels), so you'll be able to see your creations in no time. The film works out at around $1.12 per shot, which is pricier than a Kodak, but Polaroid film is generally pricier than Kodak film.

Just take a look at some of the beautiful images our reviewer Nikita snapped with the Polaroid Go Gen 2. I'll let these photos speak for themselves.

Even the "failed" images (top right on image 2) look artistic and purposeful. That's what I love about instant cameras: they make everything look stylish and aesthetic. In her review, Nikita wrote, "I adored using the Go Gen 2 out and about on the streets of Bath — one of the U.K.’s most picturesque cities — and to photograph my friends."

She also said that the Go Gen 2 performs best in overcast weather, and the flash only works with subjects up to 6.5 feet away. However, even low light images performed better than the Fujifilm Instax Mini 8.

• Polaroid Go Gen 2: was $99 now $89 @ Amazon

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I'm a reviews writer here at Tom's Guide, which means I get to test the latest and greatest in tech — and that includes the best mirrorless cameras and the best drones. While it fills me with joy to test these über-cool gadgets, I'm always sad when the loan units get sent back.

So this morning I woke up and asked myself, "If money weren't an object, which three cameras and drones would be part of my setup?" It didn't take a lot of time for five names to pop up in my head. It all came down to which cameras I was saddest to see being picked up by the courier — almost like the 'ex-rule' for cleaning, in a way.

The five cameras I thought of — the Sony A1 II, the Fujifilm X-T50, the DJI Neo, the DJI Mavic 4 Pro, and the Fujifilm Instax mini 12 — would fulfil all of my shooting needs for different genres. So, without further ado, look into my mind for a second and see my vision.

Fujifilm X-T50

It's so funny that I'm including the Fujifilm X-T50 on this list because I literally bought it for myself last week — yes, around the same time the X-E5 was announced and I do not regret it. The X-T50 is a stunning camera, and even if I started my kit setup from scratch, I'd keep it in my arsenal. Its autofocus system is mighty fast, its 5-axis IBIS (up to 7 stops) works extremely well, and it takes stunning photos with its 40.2MP sensor.

One of the things I love most about my latest possession is its film simulation dial, which lets you quickly swap between tailored color profiles for any and all shooting situations. The X-T50 packs other goodies too. It's got a 1.84M-dot touchscreen, which is very bright and detailed, there's a built-in flash for low-light, and it can shoot RAW photos.

For portraits, landscapes, casual wildlife, street, travel, what-have-you, the X-T50 would be (and is) my go-to.

DJI Neo

The DJI Neo is one of my favorite drones — it's the first drone I reviewed from Tom's Guide, so I have a soft spot for it. I would, of course, keep the DJI Mavic 4 Pro in my backpack, and I'll talk about that in a second, but I'd also like a no-frills drone that I can just whip out to take some quick, short-form videos.

That's because the Neo doesn't really require a controller for flying. You can toggle QuickShot intelligent flight modes via the button on its body, and the drone will record short videos and return to its takeoff position. It can follow, circle, spotlight, and lots more. The Neo also captures 4K/30fps footage and 12MP photos, which is great for a drone this small (and cheap).

While I'd use the Mavic 4 Pro for serious shooting, I'd use the Neo for fun when I'm out and about with my friends and family. It weighs next to nothing, too, at 4.76 ounces, so it's not like it would ever weigh me down.

DJI Mavic 4 Pro

If money were no object (I wish), I'd break out the big guns. The DJI Mavic 4 Pro is the "big guns" in question here. I haven't stopped thinking of this mighty powerful drone ever since I tested it. It's the only drone (and one of four products) I've given a full 5-star rating to so far, as it's the most powerful consumer drone yet.

The Mavic 4 Pro doesn't give you much to complain about. With 6K/60fps video capabilities and a 100MP Hasselblad camera that takes extremely detailed photos, it's the only drone you need for capturing ridiculously stunning footage. I don't mind its heavy weight either, I'll go to the gym five days a week just so I can carry this drone and all the other cameras in my backpack.

The RC Pro 2 controller, which is super bright and detailed with a 2000-nits touchscreen, also makes the Mavic 4 Pro a breeze to fly. Unfortunately, the Mavic 4 Pro isn't currently available in the U.S., but if you're in the U.K. and are a drone pilot, I'd highly recommend investing in one.

Sony A1 II

If you know me or have kept up with my camera coverage at Tom's Guide, you'll know I love animals, and I often photograph birds of all kinds when I'm testing a camera. I consider myself a fairly decent wildlife photographer, which is why I'd pick the Sony A1 II with its stupidly intelligent autofocus system and sharp image quality.

When it comes to tracking fast-moving subjects, the A1 II never lets you down. That’s thanks to its rapid autofocus system, which uses Real-time Recognition AF and Real-time Tracking to reliably follow humans. There’s also a new Auto subject-detection mode at play here, which removes the need to switch between AF detection modes.

The A1 II's massive 50.1MP sensor captures plenty of detail for extreme cropping, and when combined with the 30fps burst shooting (for up to 153 raw images and with pre-capture), the camera becomes an absolute beast. I love this camera, and if the opportunity arises, I wouldn't hesitate to buy it.

Fujifilm Instax mini 12

Here's another fun one I would have in my kitbag: the Fujifilm Instax mini 12. I love testing the best instant cameras and eagerly waiting for the photos to develop. The Instax mini 12 is one of the best cameras I've tested, as it's extremely easy to use and takes great photos with plenty of detail.

There's a lot to love about this camera, aside from the print quality. The battery life is great, the aesthetic is cute and fun, and there's a useful app for scanning prints too. There's also a selfie mirror and a dedicated close-up mode that lets you, say, focus on a flower.

In my imaginary kitbag, I'd love to have the Instax mini 12 as it's a fun camera that, like the DJI Neo, I can just take out of my backpack, take a photo and put it back in — no complicated processes here.

And there you have it! If money were no object, the five aforementioned cameras and drones are what I would include in my kitbag. What camera gear, big or small, would you have in yours? Let me know in the comments!

More from Tom's Guide

• I just tested this new DJI drone that combines aerial and mirrorless camera prowess — and I can’t get enough of it
• I think the new Fujifilm X-E5 is overrated — and I’m so glad I bought this camera instead
• I've been flying the DJI Neo for 10 months — here's my verdict (spoiler alert: it's underrated)

I have the pleasure (and privilege) of testing the best cameras at Tom's Guide and putting them through their paces. It isn't often that a camera lands on my desk and I'm immediately struck by its design and features — but the Leica M11-D is one such camera.

I spent two weeks testing it and boy did it test my patience and my skills as a photographer! And at the end of the testing period, I came out a better photographer.

Why, you ask? Because the M11-D forces you to trust your instincts. It kicks it old-school-style by doing away with modern touchscreens and autofocus. And there's no highly detailed optical or electronic viewfinder either. The M11-D is a rangefinder camera, which means you need to align two images to get the perfect shot.

Of course, you're paying a premium for the M11-D — $10,555 / £8,100 to be precise. So what makes this camera so expensive? The red dot, for starters, but it's packed with other goodies that set it a class apart from the likes of Sony, Canon, Fujifilm, etc. The M11-D has improved my capabilities as a photographer, and now, allow me to show you how and why.

Pinpoint precision

Like I said before, the Leica M11-D is a rangefinder camera, so what does that mean? I explain it in detail in my review but in a nutshell: instead of the viewfinder showing an image that has come through the lens, the rangefinder shows an image that has come through the optical viewfinder window itself.

A tiny second window on the front of the camera projects another smaller image (the ‘focusing patch’) into the viewfinder.

To focus, align both images to capture a sharp, in-focus image. This takes some trial and error but the resulting images are ridiculously sharp, and the camera lets you extremely precisely focus on your primary subject, as you can see in the gallery above.

The first photo of the swan and ducks is one of the best I've ever taken — the precise focus makes the swan pop and, if I do say so myself, the composition is beautiful.

The other images speak for themselves. You also have 60.3MP at your disposal, and the Leica Maestro III processor at work. When these two work together, the M11-D produces razor-sharp images that ooze finesse and, in a way, luxury.

Click first, check later

You know how when you use a film camera, you can't see the photos until you get them developed? The Leica M11-D is somewhat like that. It hopes to deliver an analog shooting experience thanks to its screen-less design.

You can't view the photos on the camera after you've taken them — you must use either the Leica FOTOS smartphone app or plug the M11-D into a laptop.

This means that if you don't check your phone right after you've taken a shot, you may miss the opportunity to take it again. And I think that's a big selling point of this camera.

It negates any distractions, leaving just you, the camera and your subject in the moment. After using the camera for a while, I started leaning on my instincts more, and I made more of an effort to get the perfect shot.

Because you need to take your time to frame a shot, the M11-D is best-suited to street, architecture and portrait photography, and its 4.5fps mechanical shutter is just speedy enough for slow photography. I managed to take some lovely photos of slow-moving swans and ducks but I wouldn't recommend using it to photograph birds in flight or skittish animals.

I've thoroughly enjoyed using the M11-D. In a fast-paced world where we're always striving for the perfect shot for quick-sharing to social media, it's made me slow down. It's made me assess my surroundings, gauge where the best light is coming from and what the right angle is.

Every shot in this article and my review was meticulously thought-out and composed. I was never in a rush to finish testing the M11-D, or put it back in my bag. I wanted to keep taking more and more photos, even when it started raining cats and dogs. This is a beautiful camera that, I think, everyone should try at least once.

More from Tom's Guide

• I captured some of my best photos ever with the screenless Leica M11-D — and it’s a force to be reckoned with
• Best cameras in 2025
• I’m a wildlife photographer but I forced myself to shoot the streets on the Fujifilm GFX100RF — here’s what happened

Nikon makes some of the best cameras on the market, but those cameras are about to become pricier. As seems to be the case with several other products, divisive U.S. tariffs are to blame for the jump.

Considering that some of Nikon's high-end cameras already cost thousands of dollars, the idea of them costing more is a daunting proposition for photographers.

In a statement, Nikon said, "At Nikon, we remain committed to providing the highest quality imaging products and value to our customers.

Due to the recent tariffs, a necessary price adjustment for products will take effect on June 23, 2025. We will be carefully monitoring any tariff developments and may adjust pricing as necessary to reflect the evolving market conditions. We wish to thank our customers for their understanding and know that we are taking every possible step to minimize the impact on our community."

Nikon recently released financial information (as reported by PetaPixel), stating that tariffs could result in a 10 billion yen profit decrease, equivalent to approximately $70 million.

Instead of eating into its profit, it appears the company will pass on the extra cost to consumers by increasing prices.

Unfortunately, the company didn't provide percentages or specific products that would see price increases. We know that the changes will take effect in less than a month, on June 23, so if you've been considering a new Nikon camera, you might want to act soon.

Pricing on tech products is a state of flux right now. Between tariffs being delayed, put back on, delayed again and only given to certain countries, it's not unclear what to expect for the long haul.

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If you've been following my work at Tom's Guide, you'll know I love film photography, and I review film cameras often — from full frame ones like the Kodak Ultra F9 to half-frame ones like the Pentax 17. But it's also no secret that I love digital cameras and just how practical they are. Well, Fujifilm has just made my dream camera, combing analog and digital photography, and I'm in love with the new Fujifilm X half.

This morning, Fujifilm announced the launch of a camera unlike any other. The X half takes vertical half-frame photos with its 17MP sensor, allows you to create diptychs to tell a story in two photos, and has a dedicated film photography mode. A couple days ago, I got a sneak peek at the camera at an event in London, U.K. where I spent two hours going hands-on with it.

While I haven't spent ages with the camera (as that will happen when I do the in-depth review), I have a few initial thoughts — mostly positive, actually. As someone who's passionate about the future of film photography, Fuji's latest camera fuels the hope that film (or at least the ethos behind it) is far from dead. And now, allow me to take you through it all...

A quick rundown

• What is it? The Fujifilm X half is the latest addition to Fuji's X Series digital cameras line-up but it's unlike any other camera in the family. It comes with a fixed 32mm prime lens (35mm equivalent), a 17MP sensor, and an f/2.8-11 aperture. It has a straightforward control scheme, comes with a dedicated film photography mode, 13 film simulations, and it can record FHD/24p video too.
• Who is it for? The X half is for film photographers who want the convenience of digital cameras as you can store images to an SD card. It's essentially a modern film camera, and feels like it has been inspired by the Pentax 17.
• How much does it cost? $849 / £699, which, I think, is great value for money considering you're getting a film camera and a digital camera in one. It factors in the money you'd otherwise spend on getting film developed.
• When is it available to buy? The X half is currently available to pre-order via the links above, and shipping is expected in mid- or late-June.

How it works (in a nutshell)

Fuji says that specs and technology aren't always everything, and I can see how that mantra has played into the Fujifilm X half's inception. It's got a modest 17MP resolution and can record FHD/24p video.

Its purpose is to offer a pared-back, no-frills analog and digital experience and make photography fun again — or rather, 'again again', as the manufacturer already had a go at stripping back the photography experience with the X-Pro 3 and its tucked-away screen.

This time, though, same ideology, but a much more affordable price point. While the X-Pro 3 pushed $1,900, the X half will cost just $849. The X half is a fixed lens camera, too, so you won't be spending more of your hard-earned money on glass.

The X half is fitted with a 1-inch back-side illuminated (BSI) sensor. Even though the camera shoots in the 3:4 vertical format — as other half-frame film cameras do — it takes one photo at a time. There's a handy lever which you can pull to take a second photo (or video, more on that soon). The camera will then stitch them together to create a diptych.

The film experience

The thing I love most about the Fujifilm X half is its dedicated film mode. What does that mean, you ask? Well, it turns the X half into a film camera. See, outside of film mode, you can see your photos after you've taken them, but you can't in film mode. To start, you swipe down on the 2.14-inch LCD touchscreen and press the on-screen 'Film Camera Mode' option. You then choose your film count (36, 72, etc.) and ISO value, and get shooting.

The 2.14-inch LCD screen which usually shows you what the camera's seeing turns into a shot counter, rolling onto the next number each time you take a photo. And no, you can't see the photos you've taken — like on a film camera. You'll only be able to see them if you plug your SD card into your computer.

But for the full film experience, you can download the new dedicated X half app which "develops" the film roll. In the short video Fujifilm's representatives showed me, the roll takes a few minutes to develop to give you a feel of the analog experience. I didn't get to experience the app myself but I will, of course, discuss it in detail in my full review — especially because Fujifilm says the X half relies heavily on the app.

All the best film simulations

No Fujifilm camera is complete without the brand's signature film simulations, and the X half is no different. Well, there is a small difference: instead of the usual 20 film recipes, the X half carries 13 of the most popular. This includes Acros, Velvia, Reala Ace, Sepia, and my favorite recipe: Nostalgic Neg.

I took a few photos on the X half, as you can see throughout this article, and I think all of them look lovely. They're sharp and detailed, and color reproduction is gorgeous. Because the camera shoots in the vertical format and the images aren't larger than 17MP, they're ideal for posting on social media.

Swapping between recipes is easy too. Next to the LCD touchscreen is another touch panel which shows the chosen recipe (and this changes depending on the menu you're navigating). I really enjoyed using it. It's responsive and makes scrolling through film sims more intuitive.

Alongside film recipes, the X half has film filters too, such as light leak, miniature, double exposure, expired film, vignette, etc. which can be used in conjunction with the film recipes for more creativity. I always love experimenting with different styles so I'm happy that Fuji makes it so easy to do so with the straightforward controls and touchscreen.

In a league of its own?

An issue I've always had with film cameras is that focusing is hit or miss, but the Fujifilm X half fixes that by introducing human face/eye detection — and this is one feature I'm looking forward to testing thoroughly. It also does something no other film camera does: it lets you record 4:2:0 FHD/24p videos.

You can also create diptychs with two photos but what's even better is that you can do this with two videos too — or a video and a photo. It's easy to do by taking a photo/video, pulling the lever behind the exposure compensation dial, and then taking the second photo/video. Of course, footage isn't very stable as there's no in-body image stabilization (or electronic stabilization) but it still has a lot of potential. It's something I enjoyed doing in the time I spent with the X half.

Fujifilm X half: Outlook

The Fujifilm X half is an extremely interesting camera as it combines film and digital photography. It looks beautiful and takes equally beautiful photos, and it packs plenty of film-specific goodies, like film recipes and a dedicated film photography mode.

As I mentioned up top, the X half lives up to the ethos of "specs and tech aren't everything." It doesn't pack the highest resolution or 4K video. From what I've gathered in the short time I spent with the camera, it definitely makes photography fun and simple. No overwhelming dials, no need to change lenses, nada — and it works.

I will, of course, dive deeper into the camera's capabilities in my full in-depth X half review. For now, my first impressions are highly positive, and I can't wait to see what this camera can do.

The new Fujifilm X half is available to pre-order for $849 / £699, and shipping is expected in mid- or late-June.

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Fujifilm just launched the spiritual successor to its X-Pro lineup, and it's a camera unlike any other. Say hello to the Fujifilm X half, a digital camera with a dedicated film photography mode, that hopes to make photography simple and intuitive, thanks to a stripped back control scheme. It's designed extremely well and weighs just 8.46 ounces.

The X half occupies an interesting place in Fuji's extensive cameras family. The manufacturer has injected the ethos, "Specs and technology aren't everything," into the X half's inception. Could this be one of the best cameras for photography purists?

It features a 1-inch back-illuminated sensor that takes 17MP photos and records FHD/24p video. The back panel houses a 2.14-inch 0.92M-dot LCD touchscreen and a vertical touch panel that lets you swap between 13 of Fuji's most popular film simulation recipes.

A fixed lens camera (32mm f/2.8 prime) like the Fujifilm X100VI, the X half has a retail price of $849 / £699. The camera, then, offers a film-like experience at an accessible price point, unlike the pricier Fujifilm X-Pro 3 which demands more money be spent on glass. The X half is great value for money, though, as it factors in the costs of getting film rolls developed. You can snap film photos and save them directly to your SD card — or view a short simulation of them "developing" within the new X half app.

The X half has a few tricks up its sleeves. The rear LCD monitor, by default, shows you what the camera is pointing at, and you can view the photos you've taken, like on any other digital camera. But the X half has a dedicated film photography mode, where you select the film count (36, 72, etc.) and ISO value.

This also turns the monitor into a shot counter, rolling onto the next number each time you take a photo. And just like on a film camera, you can't see the photo you've taken — until you offload the SD card or use the X half app. The 17MP images the X half produces are ideal for sharing on social media.

You can create diptychs too. Pulling the lever next to the exposure compensation dial lets you take a second photo, and the camera then stitches them into one composition — and you can stitch a photo and video or two videos together too.

Other features include Fujifilm's fantastic color science which is on full display here. The X half also features human face/eye detection unlike other half-frame film cameras, like the Pentax 17 or the Kodak Ektar H35. Alongside film recipes, there are several new filters to play with including light leak, expired film, miniature, double exposure, etc.

I had the pleasure of seeing and using the camera for a couple of hours at a pre-launch briefing, and I had a very positive experience with it. A detailed review will follow soon, so keep your eyes peeled.

The new Fujifilm X half is available to pre-order for $849 / £699, and shipping is expected in mid- or late-June. The camera can be bought in one of three colorways: Black, Silver or Charcoal.

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Like most people, I use my smartphone for everything: doomscrolling on social media, spamming my friends with photos of my family dog, and filling up its storage with photos and videos from concerts or taken on my daily walks. Smartphone photography has come a long way, and I always say the best camera is the one in your hands.

Naturally, it will take a lot of convincing to make someone ditch their smartphone for photography, videography and vlogging. I’ve tested many cameras that come close, but I believe it’s the Canon PowerShot V1 that gives compelling reasons to forego my Google Pixel 7 Pro.

The PowerShot V1 is Canon's answer to Sony's vlogging cameras, as it tries to take on the Sony ZV-E10 II, and you know what? It comes out on top. While you can't change its lens, the PowerShot V1 is fitted with a versatile 16-50mm wide-angle lens that captures a lot of the scene, and its vlogging-specific features make it a force to reckon with. I ditched my Pixel 7 Pro for it, and here's why I don't regret it.

In my influencer era

The Canon PowerShot V1's prowess lies in its many, many vlogging-specific features, and one of these is Product Demo. You might be familiar with its under a different name used by Fujifilm (Product Priority) and Sony (Product Showcase). It basically focuses on the subject closest to the lens while effectively blurring the background — a great tool for product reviews and unboxing videos.

The PowerShot V1, like many modern cameras, can shoot 4K video at 60fps. Now, my Pixel 7 Pro can do that too, but it overheats a lot, and it eats up my phone's storage as quickly as me inhaling a treat pizza on pay day. This is where the PowerShot V1 comes in.

Load it up with a 512GB or even a 1TB SD/SDHC/SDXC UHS-II and you're good to go. What's even better is that the camera has a couple of cooling vents which ensure the camera doesn't overheat and shut down. And the footage looks lovely and smooth too, with Canon's color science shining in all its glory, as you can see above.

I hate hearing my voice played back to me, which is ironic considering I was a vocalist in a high school band a decade ago. But testing a vlogging camera means I have to make a vlog and record audio. One reason I would take the PowerShot V1 with me to a concert (where permitted) is its built-in mic which performs surprisingly well — and you can hear it in the clip above.

The clip was also shot in Dramatic B&W, one of five available creative filters that help you create videos for quick sharing to social media. There are lots of other vlogging features to discover, and you can read about them in my full Canon PowerShot V1 review.

Really good stills... on a compact?!

When I test a high-speed camera like the Canon EOS R5 Mark II or the Sony A1 II, I put it through its paces by shooting bursts of birds in flight or fast-moving animals. Compact cameras are different as they aren't always the fastest and they're more suited to portraits and landscape photography — but the Canon PowerShot V1 blew me away. Its 22MP sensor captures lots of detail.

While primarily a vlogging camera, the PowerShot V1 is fantastic for stills too. It can shoot 30fps bursts with its electronic shutter and boy are they good, and I mean really good. The photos in the gallery above are part of a longer burst, and you can see just how sharp the pigeon's features look.

Truly a compact

As I said up top, the Canon PowerShot V1 is an extremely compact camera, easily slipping into your coat's or trousers' pocket. Put your smartphone in one pocket and the PowerShot V1 in the other — perfectly balanced, as all things should be.

Given its 4K/60fps capabilities, vlogging-specific modes, and ability to capture surprisingly detailed stills, it's one of the most powerful compact cameras money can buy. Canon's put its best foot forward against Sony's and Fujifilm's vlogging cameras, and it has come out on top. It's one of those cameras I've been sad to return as part of the loan.

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