If you’re bored of simply snapping pictures with your phone, it might be time to invest in a proper camera. While it might feel like an extra thing to carry, the quality of the images and the more intentional shooting style makes them a hit for many.
Of course, it’s important to pick the right camera. After all, you’ll want to have this draped over your finest outfits and – just like a necklace or a belt – it’s key to ensure it matches your style.
Leica M11
An Icon of photography, Leica has been one of the most respected and pivotal brands in this space for years now. Cited with having kickstarted the 35mm format we still use today, the brand’s cameras are responsible for some of the most recognizable images in history.
There are a bevy of different options in the brand’s modern catalogue, but I’d personally opt for the M11. It’s the flagship of its classic M-Series in digital form, complete with an exceptional sensor and the classic rangefinder.
At $10,400 it’s certainly not cheap, but it’s built like a tank and could easily outlast you or I.
Fujifilm X-T50
When we talk about stylish cameras, Fujifilm should be one of the first names on your mind. The Japanese brand is synonymous with cameras which look almost as good as they perform, and have become recognisable accessories in their own right.
You could pretty much have picked out any camera in its modern range – the iconic X100VI, the slick X-E5 and even the pricey, medium format GFX100RF all have a claim to be here. But for me, the X-T50 offers an impressively balanced spec sheet, offering a 40MP sensor, IBIS and interchangeable lenses, without losing its killer styling.
Priced at $1,599, it offers solid value.
Lumix L10
If the prospect of interchangeable lenses feels like a step too far for you, give the Lumix L10 a try. A recent addition to the brand’s line-up, this one packs a 24-75mm equivalent zoom lens on the front, which is perfect to cover off most of the usual shooting most people get through.
It’s capable of operating in everything from fully automatic to fully manual shooting, with quirky additions like an aspect ratio selection switch on the lens barrel, beneath a clicked aperture ring.
Priced at $1,499, this is probably all the camera most people would ever need.
Sony A7CR
There are many adjectives you’d level at Sony cameras. Advanced, sure. Fast, almost certainly. But stylish? That’s maybe a stretch for most of us.
Still, the Sony A7CR manages to buck that trend, with a compact body which remains capable of producing exceptional quality. Despite its diminutive size, this camera packs in a 61MP sensor, offers 4k60 video shooting and IBIS.
At $2,999, it’s not as cheap as some on this list, but it is a killer option.
Polaroid I-2
Polaroid cameras have the kind of timeless cool which is simply impossible to replicate elsewhere. Snap a picture and in an instant it’s ejected in front of your eyes, subjected to a chemical process to develop and invert it, and ready to see in minutes.
Naturally, all of its cameras are pretty stylish, from the 70s chic Polaroid Go (Gen 3) all the way up to its flagship Polaroid I-2. I’ve elected to include the latter here, simply because it’s one of the most capable cameras the brand has ever produced.
The lens is brilliantly sharp, it handles well, and there’s enough control to satisfy even the fussiest of photographers. At $599 it’s not the cheapest Polaroid, but if you want the best then look no further.