Top 6 Best Film Cameras For Beginners 2024

By GirlBoss Team | February 24, 2024

In recent times, there has been a resurgence in the popularity of film photography, and it’s not difficult to see why. The art of taking pictures with film cameras provides a joyful and satisfying journey, notably for novices finding their way into the realm of photography. This piece will delve deeper into reviewing the top-tier film cameras suited for those getting started.

When it comes to film cameras, there are many different types and models to choose from. Some are simple point-and-shoot cameras that are easy to use, while others offer more advanced features for those who want more control over their images. For beginners, we recommend starting with a simple camera that is easy to use and produces good quality images.

One of the critical things to consider when choosing a film camera is the type of film it uses. There are many different types of film available, each with its unique characteristics and qualities. Some films are better suited for certain types of photography, such as black and white film for portraits or color film for landscapes. It’s essential to choose a camera that is compatible with the type of film you want to use.

In this article, we will be focusing on 35mm film cameras, which are the most common type of film camera and are relatively easy to find. We spent hours researching and testing various models to identify the best film cameras for beginners.

Best Film Cameras for Beginners

As photography enthusiasts, we know how important it is to start with the right gear. For those who are new to film photography, finding the right camera can be overwhelming. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the best film cameras for beginners. These cameras are affordable, easy to use, and produce high-quality images. Whether you’re looking to capture memories or explore the art of film photography, these cameras are a great place to start.

KODAK EKTAR H35 Half Frame Film Camera

If you are a beginner looking for an easy-to-use film camera, the KODAK EKTAR H35 Half Frame Film Camera is a great option to consider.

Pros

Film-saving: You can have twice as many images per roll, making it perfect for those on a budget.
Lightweight and Easy-to-use: The pocket-size camera is light and tiny, and hence convenient for you to bring along daily. Since its instructions are simple, it is suitable for all analog hobbyists.
Built-in Flash: Turning on the flash by adjusting the silver ring around the lens so that you can use KODAK EKTAR H35 during days and nights, outdoor and indoor.

Cons

No batteries included: You will need to purchase AAA batteries separately to use the camera.
Limited color options: The camera is only available in Black, brown, sage and sand.
Average performance: While the camera is easy to use, it does not offer advanced features for more experienced photographers.

With its simple interface and lightweight design, the KODAK EKTAR H35 Half Frame Film Camera is an excellent choice for beginners. It offers twice as many images per roll, making it budget-friendly, and the built-in flash allows for use in a variety of lighting conditions. However, the camera does not come with batteries, and its color options are limited. Overall, we recommend this camera for anyone looking for an easy-to-use film camera.

Kodak Ultra F9 Film Camera

If you’re looking for an affordable and easy-to-use film camera, the Kodak Ultra F9 is a great option. It’s lightweight and compact, making it easy to carry around with you wherever you go.

Pros

The built-in flash is convenient for low-light situations.
The camera is easy to use, even for beginners.
The set includes the camera body and a hand strap, so you can start using it right away.

Cons

The camera requires one AAA battery, which is not included.
The viewfinder magnification is only 1x, which may make it difficult to focus.
The exposure control is manual, which may take some practice to get right.

We found the Kodak Ultra F9 to be a reliable and fun camera to use. The built-in flash is a nice feature that comes in handy for indoor or low-light shots. We also appreciated how easy it was to use, even for those who have never used a film camera before. The camera body is lightweight and compact, making it easy to carry around with you wherever you go.

However, there are a few downsides to consider. The camera requires one AAA battery, which is not included, so you’ll need to purchase one separately. The viewfinder magnification is only 1x, which may make it difficult to focus on your subject. Additionally, the exposure control is manual, so it may take some practice to get the right settings for your shots.

Overall, we would recommend the Kodak Ultra F9 for anyone looking for an affordable and easy-to-use film camera. It’s a great option for beginners who want to experiment with film photography without breaking the bank.

Kodak Ektar H35 Half Frame Camera Bundle

We highly recommend the Kodak Ektar H35 Half Frame Camera Bundle for anyone who wants to explore the world of film photography. This compact and lightweight camera is perfect for beginners and enthusiasts alike, and the bundle comes with everything you need to start taking stunning photos right away.

Pros

Compact and user-friendly – Pocket-sized, lightweight Kodak film camera perfect for daily use and suitable for all analog enthusiasts.
Versatile built-in Flash – Adjust the silver ring around the lens for day and night, outdoor and indoor photography.
Double the images per roll – Enjoy up to 72 half-frame photos with a 36-exposure film roll, maximizing your film usage. (Film Sold Separately)

Cons

Not a full-scale film camera – This camera is not designed for professional use and may not meet the needs of experienced photographers.
Limited exposure control – The Kodak Ektar H35 Half Frame Camera does not offer manual exposure control, which may limit your creative options.
Film not included – You will need to purchase film separately, which can add to the overall cost of this bundle.

The Kodak Ektar H35 Half Frame Camera Bundle is an excellent choice for those who are new to film photography. The camera is easy to use, and the half-frame format allows you to take twice as many photos on a single roll of film. The built-in flash is versatile and can be adjusted for different

CAMKORY Digital Camera

If you’re looking for a compact and lightweight camera that’s perfect for beginners and kids, the CAMKORY Digital Camera is a great choice.

Pros

Captures high-quality FHD 1080P videos and 44MP photos with natural color images automatically
Petite body, durable, lightweight, and small enough for your pocket, making it perfect for travel
Very easy to use, even for kids, with an ergonomic design, easy-to-access buttons, and simple functions menu

Cons

Limited manual settings for advanced users
Image stabilization is digital, not optical, which can lead to some blurriness in low light
Limited zoom range compared to more expensive cameras

We were impressed by the CAMKORY Digital Camera’s ease of use and portability. The newest CMOS metering system ensures that the camera captures high-clarity FHD 1080P videos and 44MP photos with natural color images automatically, making it perfect for beginners who don’t want to fuss with complicated manual settings.

The petite body is durable, lightweight, and small enough for your pocket, so you can take it everywhere you go. With two large capacity batteries, charging several times can last for one month. Plus, the automatic turn-off setting saves more energy in vacation trips and camping.

Conducted with ergonomic design, from easy-to-access buttons to a simple functions menu, the led fill light (shoot clear pictures in the dark) down to the large LCD display, a 5-13 years kid can easily figure it out. Just install the SD card, battery, two seconds to turn it on, and freely capture all fun memories with friends and family.

If you are tired of its automatic results, the point and shoot camera allows you to customize pictures. 16X zoom is great for photographing objects in the distance. 20 pcs creative filter effects to take Vintage photos, Black/White photos…, Anti shake, webcam, face and smile detection, continuous shooting, self-timer, waiting for you to explore them.

Backed by a one year hassle-free promise- refund and replacement. Digital camera, SD card, lanyard, storage bag, batteries, adapter, cable, exquisite box…, contains everything you need. It is a perfect gift for boys, girls, teens on birthdays, Christmas, or any important events, a first real camera for kids who love to take videos and pictures.

In summary, the CAMKORY Digital Camera is a great choice for beginners and kids who want a compact and easy-to-use camera that captures high-quality photos and videos.

VAHOIALD 4K Digital Camera for Photography

If you’re looking for an affordable and versatile tool for photography and vlogging, the VAHOIALD 4K Digital Camera for Photography is definitely worth considering.

Pros

The camera’s Auto-Focus function is fast, accurate, and works well even in strong light environments.
The Automatic Eye Viewfinder is a great feature that makes it easy to capture the shot you’re looking for, even in harsh sunlight.
The camera’s 4K video resolution and 48MP image resolution make it perfect for capturing high-quality images and videos.

Cons

The camera’s digital zoom isn’t the best, and can result in some loss of image quality.
The camera’s compact size can make it a bit difficult to hold steady when taking photos or videos.
The camera’s battery life isn’t the best, so you’ll need to make sure to bring along extra batteries if you’re planning on using it for an extended period of time.

Overall, we think the VAHOIALD 4K Digital Camera for Photography is a great choice for anyone looking for an affordable and versatile camera for photography and vlogging. With its Auto-Focus function, Automatic Eye Viewfinder, and 4K video resolution, this camera is sure to help you capture all of life’s most memorable moments.

Zheozeig 4K Digital Camera

If you’re looking for a compact and easy-to-use camera that delivers excellent image and video quality, the Zheozeig 4K Digital Camera is a great choice.

Pros

The 48 megapixel image resolution and advanced CMOS sensor produce rich colors and sharp details.
The anti-shake and pause functions make it easy to shoot smooth and stable videos.
The camera is full-functional with intuitive controls and a variety of shooting modes.

Cons

The optical zoom is limited to 16x, which may not be enough for some users.
The camera’s small size can make it difficult to hold steady, especially when shooting video.
The built-in microphone is not very sensitive, so you may need an external microphone for better audio quality.

This camera is a great option for beginners who want a high-quality camera that’s easy to use. The 4K video quality is impressive, and the camera’s compact size makes it easy to carry around.

The camera’s autofocus chip and 4X 8X 16x digital zoom make it easy to capture clear and vivid photos, and the anti-shake technology ensures that your videos come out smooth and stable.

In addition to its great image and video quality, the Zheozeig 4K Digital Camera is also full-functional with intuitive controls and a variety of shooting modes. The camera can be used as a webcam for video calls and live streaming, and it comes with a variety of accessories, including a 32GB micro SD card, two rechargeable batteries, and a camera pouch.

Overall, if you’re looking for a high-quality camera that’s easy to use and delivers excellent image and video quality, the Zheozeig 4K Digital Camera is a great choice.

Buying Guide

When it comes to buying a film camera, there are a few things to consider to ensure you get the best product for your needs. In this buying guide, we’ll go over some of the key features to look for when choosing a film camera.

Types of Film Cameras

There are three main types of film cameras: point-and-shoot, rangefinder, and SLR. Point-and-shoot cameras are the simplest and most affordable option, but they offer limited control over settings. Rangefinder cameras are more advanced and offer more control, but they can be more expensive. SLR cameras are the most advanced and offer the most control over settings, but they can also be the most expensive.

Key Features to Look For

When choosing a film camera, there are a few key features to look for. These include:

Film format: Make sure the camera you choose is compatible with the film format you want to use.
Lens mount: Consider the availability and cost of lenses for the camera you choose.
Shutter speed: Look for a camera with a range of shutter speeds to give you more control over exposure.
Light meter: A built-in light meter can help you get the correct exposure.
Manual controls: Look for a camera with manual controls to give you more control over settings.
Build quality: Consider the build quality of the camera to ensure it will last.

Final Thoughts

Choosing a film camera can be overwhelming, but by considering these key features, you can ensure you get a camera that meets your needs and helps you create beautiful photos.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top starter 35mm film cameras for new photographers?

For new photographers, some of the top starter 35mm film cameras include the Canon AE-1, Nikon FM10, Pentax K1000, and Olympus OM-1. These cameras are easy to use, have simple controls, and produce high-quality images.

Which Nikon manual film cameras are ideal for those just starting out?

For those just starting out, some of the most recommended Nikon manual film cameras include the Nikon FM, Nikon FE, and Nikon F3. These cameras are affordable, reliable, and offer excellent image quality.

What are the most recommended Canon film cameras for beginners?

Some of the most recommended Canon film cameras for beginners include the Canon AE-1, Canon A-1, and Canon EOS Rebel G. These cameras are easy to use, have a wide range of lens options, and produce high-quality images.

How do I choose a film camera on a tight budget?

When choosing a film camera on a tight budget, it’s important to consider the camera’s features, condition, and compatibility with lenses. Look for cameras with simple controls, good build quality, and a reputation for reliability. Consider purchasing a used camera from a reputable seller to save money.

Where can I find the best entry-level film cameras for purchase online?

There are many online retailers that offer entry-level film cameras for purchase, including Amazon, B&H Photo, and Adorama. It’s important to read reviews and compare prices before making a purchase to ensure that you get the best deal.

What are some affordable film cameras that still offer high quality for novices?

Some affordable film cameras that offer high quality for novices include the Canon AE-1, Nikon FM10, Pentax K1000, and Olympus OM-1. These cameras are easy to use, have simple controls, and produce high-quality images.

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