Best Retro Mirrorless Cameras in 2024

Nostalgia is in the air when it comes to cameras. Retro camera designs that hark back to the glory days of 35mm film have seen a resurgence in recent years. Several mirrorless camera manufacturers have embraced this retro styling in their latest models. For photographers who want the latest technology along with a classic analogue look, here are the top retro mirrorless cameras to consider in 2024.

Nikon Zf – Check Price at Amazon/B&H Photo Video/Adorama

With its vintage design that recalls Nikon’s legendary film SLRs, the Nikon Zf makes a stunning visual statement. Yet inside its precision-crafted metal body lies the most advanced mirrorless technology Nikon offers. This retro-inspired camera satisfyingly brings back manual control dials while packing a powerful full-frame sensor and processor.

The Zf delivers Nikon’s iconic style but completely modernized for today’s creators. Its classic top-plate dials provide intuitive control over exposure settings. The electronic viewfinder cleverly utilizes the rear touchscreen for focus point selection. With weather-sealed construction, it can withstand heavy use.

At its core is a 24.5MP full-frame sensor paired with Nikon’s speedy EXPEED 7 processor. This enables lightning-fast burst shooting up to 30 fps plus advanced autofocus with Deep Learning for automatically detecting faces and eyes. Videographers will appreciate pristine oversampled 4K video recording and 10-bit internal capture.

With 5-axis in-body stabilization up to 8 stops, the Zf produces ultra-sharp images even when shooting handheld using Z-mount lenses. An innovative focus point vibration reduction brings added stabilization right where it’s needed.

Designed to inspire elite performance, the Nikon Zf successfully merges iconic styling with contemporary imaging power. Its tactile retro body encourages creative experimentation while delivering spectacular full-frame image quality worthy of Nikon’s legacy.

Fujifilm X-T5 – Check Price at Amazon/B&H Photo Video/Adorama

Fujifilm’s X-T series has gained a loyal following for its dial-based controls and distinctive retro styling. The latest flagship model, the X-T5, continues this tradition but packs in some major upgrades that bring it up to par with modern mirrorless cameras.

The classic design remains largely unchanged, with physical dials for shutter speed, ISO, exposure compensation and drive modes. However, the higher-resolution 3-inch vari-angle touchscreen provides a more contemporary feel, and the revamped menu system brings welcome improvements to usability.

At the heart of the X-T5 is Fujifilm’s latest backside-illuminated 26MP X-Trans 5 APS-C sensor and X-Processor 5. This delivers superb image quality with excellent high ISO performance up to ISO12800 (expandable to ISO51200). Advanced autofocus now covers almost 100% of the image area, with subject tracking that can keep pace with moving athletes and children.

While appealing to retro camera lovers, the X-T5 also satisfies more modern hybrid creators with its strong video capabilities. It can capture 4K video up to 30fps or 120fps in Full HD for gorgeous slow motion. With a handy fully articulating screen and support for Fujifilm’s F-Log gamma, the X-T5 is a capable tool for both photography and videography.

Despite all these advanced features, Fujifilm has kept the charming rangefinder-style body intact. Analogue dials provide that tactile shooting experience, while the central EVF harks back to classic film cameras. For those seeking a versatile mirrorless camera that successfully merges classic design with leading-edge technology, the Fujifilm X-T5 is hard to surpass.

OM System OM-5 – Check Price at Amazon/B&H Photo Video/Adorama

Olympus was a pioneer in retro mirrorless cameras, launching the OM-D E-M5 back in 2012 which renewed interest in the compact, stylish design of their old OM film SLRs. The latest incarnation, the 20MP OM System OM-5, retains its predecessor’s good looks but modernizes the internals.

This compact, lightweight camera won’t weigh you down when shooting. The die-cast aluminum chassis gives it both durability and vintage appeal. Prominent dials on the top plate provide direct control over exposure settings. Although equipped with a high-resolution vari-angle touchscreen, the OM-5 retains a strong tactile feel.

Despite its compact form, the OM-5 is packed with features. The latest OM-D processor enables high-speed burst shooting up to 30fps with continuous autofocus. Its 5-axis in-body image stabilization provides up to 6.5 stops of compensation for ultra-sharp handheld shots.

For media creators, the OM-5 supports 4K 30p video with digital stabilization. Its flexible screen can also be flipped forward to face vloggers. Built-in Bluetooth and Wi-Fi make it easy to transfer and share content on the move.

As a Micro Four Thirds camera, the OM-5 can access over 60 native lenses including Olympus’ famed fast primes like the 17mm f/1.2 for beautiful bokeh. With weather-sealed lenses, it’s an ideal choice for travel and outdoor photography.

If you love compact, stylish cameras with loads of physical control dials, the Olympus OM-5 lets you shoot like it’s 1980 while harnessing all the advantages of mirrorless technology.

Panasonic Lumix G9 II – Check Price at Amazon/B&H Photo Video/Adorama

The retro-styled Panasonic Lumix G9 II packs impressive imaging chops into its classic DSLR-like body. At its heart is a 25MP Micro Four Thirds sensor and Venus processing engine enabling ultra-fast burst shooting up to 75fps. With advanced Phase Detection AF and Deep Learning technology, it locks focus in an instant whether you’re shooting static or moving subjects.

Despite the G9 II’s vintage design with tactile buttons and dials, it’s stacked with contemporary features. Videographers will love unlimited 4K/60p recording and anamorphic 4K support. The 5-axis sensor-shift stabilization produces gimbal-smooth handheld footage. Pro-grade outputs include raw video over HDMI and ProRes recording to SSD.

The weather-sealed magnesium alloy body provides durability when shooting in rough conditions. While compact, the grip is comfortable for large hands. Dual UHS-II SD card slots offer ample storage and flexibility.

Although the G9 II’s traditional SLR-style body oozes retro appeal, the camera brings bleeding-edge speed and video capabilities. For creators seeking mirrorless performance in a classic package, the Panasonic G9 II delivers impressive imaging and unlimited 4K video recording in a rugged yet handsome retro form factor. It’s the perfect fusion of old-school style and contemporary mirrorless technology.

Nikon Z fc – Check Price at Amazon/B&H Photo Video/Adorama

The Nikon Z fc makes a statement with its vintage styling modeled after the legendary FM2 SLR. Yet this retro body houses the latest mirrorless technology, with Nikon’s capable Z mount ready for new NIKKOR Z lenses. The Z fc is aimed at photography enthusiasts who appreciate a tactile shooting experience.

Despite its throwback look with leatherette wrap and chunky dials, the Z fc provides modern amenities like a flip-down rear touchscreen and Bluetooth connectivity. Its 20MP APS-C sensor captures beautiful images with excellent dynamic range. While compact, the Z fc feels substantial thanks to its metal alloy frame.

Shooters who love manual control will enjoy the locking exposure compensation dial and manual ISO dial on top. There’s also a small monochrome LCD displaying key settings. With dedicated dials for shutter speed, exposure compensation, and ISO, you can readily see and adjust exposure parameters.

Yet the Z fc offers the speed you’d expect from a contemporary mirrorless camera. It can shoot up to 11fps continuous bursts with autofocus. The hybrid phase/contrast detection AF locks focus reliably. Eye detection AF makes portraiture easy.

With support for Nikon’s growing range of Z-mount DX lenses, the Z fc provides quality optics in a compact system. It’s a great travel companion that turns heads while delivering excellent image quality. For photographers seeking a hands-on shooting experience in a retro-inspired body, the Z fc pushes all the right buttons.

The Retro Mirrorless Camera Renaissance

Mirrorless cameras have come a long way in a decade. What started as simple rangefinder-style bodies have evolved into cameras that can rival DSLRs for speed and performance. Yet some brands have retained the retro charm of earlier designs while packing the latest features into these classic bodies.

For many, these retro models strike the perfect balance. Their tactile analog controls provide a satisfying hands-on shooting experience. Their small size makes them easy to carry all day for travel or street photography. Yet their cutting-edge sensors, autofocus systems and image stabilization rival what’s found in the best modern cameras.

While nostalgic style plays a big role in their appeal, these retro models deliver excellent results. Their high-performance features and imaging capabilities make them suitable for serious enthusiasts and professionals too.

These retro cameras remind us of the essence of photography. Stripping away unnecessary menus and screens, they focus on the tactile joy of making great images. Yet they retain all the advantages of mirrorless technology that enable remarkable speed, sharing capabilities and image quality.

As camera technology continues to advance, the iconic styles of past analogue cameras live on in these retro models. Combining classic cool with modern functionality, the new wave of retro mirrorless cameras offer photographers the best of both worlds.