In recent years, older digital cameras – especially models from around 2010 – have made a noticeable comeback. Their popularity is clear on social media, where people praise the retro look and more unedited feel of the photos they produce. The trend is also reflected in the second-hand digital camera market: cameras that were worth very little just a few years ago have suddenly risen sharply in value. But is buying a digital camera really worth it, or is it simply another social media trend?
Why Choose a Retro Digital Camera?
Retro digital cameras offer a distinctive look that many people enjoy, with direct flash, bold colours and photos that can feel less polished. Part of the difference comes from the camera’s image sensor (the chip that records light) but image processing also plays a major role. Many older cameras apply fewer adjustments, while modern smartphones often combine several exposures and use software to sharpen details, reduce noise and brighten shadows. This can make phone photos look crisp and vivid, and sometimes a bit overly processed, while photos from an older digital camera may feel more straightforward and spontaneous.
Using a digital camera can also be part of a wider effort to spend less time on a phone. Some people enjoy carrying a device with one clear purpose: taking photos. It lets them capture a moment without checking notifications, opening apps or getting distracted by everything else their phone can do.
My Experience With the Casio Exilim EX-H10
I jumped on the trend for the very reasons I described above, and this is what my experience has been after about a month with my new camera.
On the second-hand market, I found a Casio Exilim EX-H10 for about $68, including shipping. Released in 2009, it was designed as a compact travel camera. It has a 12.1-megapixel CCD sensor, a 10× optical zoom lens equivalent to 24–240 mm, and a 3-inch LCD screen. It can also record 720p HD video.
At launch, the EX-H10 had a US recommended retail price of $299.99. Casio also advertised battery life of up to 1,000 shots per charge, making it a capable travel camera for its time. Buying one used for about $68 is a very different proposition, but its original specifications show that it was more than a basic point-and-shoot camera when it was released.
I immediately liked the camera’s build quality and the way it feels in my hand. It has a compact body, measuring 102.5 × 62 × 24.3 mm, and weighs about 164 g. Taking a photo with a physical shutter button feels completely different from tapping a phone screen. The button gives a clear, satisfying response, while the touchscreen to me feels very feel vague by comparison. Maybe that’s just nostalgia or maybe I’m old enough to associate that familiar click with what a “real camera” should feel like.
I first got my hands on the camera one evening and tried taking some indoor photos with flash. My first impression of the pictures wasn’t quite as positive: the low-light shots looked grainy, and the flash produced harsh, uneven lighting across the subjects. Indoor flash photography is definitely not the camera’s strong suit.
In better lighting, however, the experience is completely different, as this side-by-side comparison between my Samsung Galaxy S24 and Casio Exilim EX-H10 shows.
There’s no doubt that the colours are more vivid and the details are sharper in the photo from my Samsung, especially the leaves. Even so, I actually prefer the image from my Casio because its slightly softer details make it look more pleasing and natural to me. Of course, which image you prefer is a matter of personal taste.
Here’s another example:
What to Look for When Buying a Retro Digital Camera
If this is your first retro digital camera, look for a simple compact model that is easy to use. A built in flash and optical zoom are useful features, and you do not need to choose a camera with the highest number of megapixels. Before buying, check that the lens opens and closes smoothly, the screen works, and the flash fires. Look for corrosion in the battery compartment, too. It is also helpful to check that the camera comes with a working battery and charger, and that you can still find a memory card it supports. Popular compact ranges include Canon PowerShot and IXUS, Casio Exilim, Sony Cyber shot and Nikon Coolpix.
Another thing to be aware of, which I did not come across in my own research, is that older digital cameras can sometimes show pixel defects. As image sensors age, tiny defects may develop in some of their millions of light sensitive pixels. These can appear as bright coloured dots, often called hot pixels, especially in long exposures, at high ISO settings or when the sensor is warm. You can check for them by covering the lens and taking a photo in a dark room, preferably with a long exposure and a high ISO setting. Any bright dots should stand out against the black image. Unfortunately, my own camera had quite a few of these defects. They were especially noticeable in dark photos but almost invisible in bright sunlight.
Conclusion
You should not expect a digital camera that is more than 15 years old to take better photos than a modern smartphone. Still, I have enjoyed bringing mine along to family gatherings, walks in the woods and other occasions because I like the feeling of using a dedicated camera.
I would not rule out investing in a more modern digital camera in the future. However, a new compact camera that offers a clear step up from a phone camera can come with a hefty price tag. An older digital camera can be a great place to start and help you find out whether dedicated photography is something you will actually enjoy.