A vintage camera is one of the most personal presents you can give. It is something to use, something to keep, and for many people the start of a lifelong hobby. Film photography is more popular than ever, and early digital cameras with the 2000s look have become just as sought after.
This guide groups our tested stock by budget, with tips at the end to make sure your gift works on Christmas morning.
Stocking fillers under £30
- Fun point-and-shoot film cameras: simple compacts from Kodak, Halina and Hanimex give the classic disposable-camera look in a reusable body. Perfect for teenagers and festival-goers.
- Flashes and light meters: a useful extra for someone who already shoots film. Browse flashes and light meters.
- Filters, caps and accessories: small, practical and inexpensive. See accessories.
Gifts under £75
- Zenit E with Helios 44 lens (about £75): a fully mechanical Soviet SLR with a famous character lens. A great gift for someone curious and hands-on. Read the Zenit E review or shop Zenit.
- Autofocus 35mm compacts: easy, reliable cameras from Pentax, Canon and Konica that anyone can use straight away.
- Early digital CCD cameras: the most requested gift among younger photographers right now. A Fujifilm FinePix or Sony Cyber-shot DSC-P gives the 2000s look with no film or developing costs. See our FinePix guide.
- Helios lenses: for someone with a mirrorless camera, a Helios 44 and a simple adapter add vintage swirly bokeh.
Gifts under £150
- Olympus XA2: the perfect pocket film camera, tiny, quiet and sharp, usually with its A11 flash. Shop the XA2 or read the review.
- Olympus XA3: the same design with automatic film speed. Shop the XA3.
- Olympus mju compacts: weatherproof autofocus point-and-shoots. Shop all Olympus mju models.
- Olympus OM-10 with lens: the classic first film SLR for a budding photographer. Shop the OM-10.
Special gifts from £150 to £250
- Pentax ME Super: a tiny, capable SLR to learn on. Shop the Pentax ME and ME Super.
- Olympus OM-1 or OM-2: beautifully made compact SLRs with superb viewfinders. Shop the OM-1 and OM-2.
- Canon AE-1 Program or A-1: iconic Canon SLRs with automatic modes. Compare them in AE-1 Program vs A-1.
- Pentax K1000: the classic student SLR. Shop the K1000.
- Olympus mju II: the cult compact, for someone who really wants the best. Shop the mju II.
For the collector
For someone who already has a collection, our premium picks from £200, folding cameras and rangefinders include unusual and beautifully made pieces.
Tips for buying a camera as a gift
- Buy tested: every camera we sell is checked before listing, so it should work on the day.
- Check the battery: many cameras need button cells or a CR123A. Our listings say what is needed.
- Add film: colour negative film such as ISO 400 suits most cameras and conditions.
- Digital cameras: check which memory card and charger are included.
- Order early: see our shipping policy for delivery times, and our refund policy if the gift needs to be returned.
Not sure which camera suits them? Our best film cameras under £100 and under £200 guides go into more detail.
First order? Use code WELCOME10 for £10 off your first order over £50.