The Journal

Stories & Guides

Camera guides, film photography tips, and stories from the world of vintage cameras.

September 5, 2026

Canon PowerShot A3400 IS: A Touchscreen CCD

The Canon A3400 IS pairs a 16MP CCD sensor with a 3-inch touchscreen — a rare combination, and one of the last cheap CCD PowerShots Canon ever made.

September 5, 2026

Lens Error on a Digicam: Causes and Real Fixes

Lens Error is the fault that kills most old compact cameras. Here is what actually causes it, the two safe things to try yourself, and what will make it worse.

September 5, 2026

Sony WX1 vs W170: The Year Sony Left CCD

The Sony W170 is a 2008 CCD compact. The WX1 is the 2009 camera that replaced CCD with Exmor R. Which Cyber-shot you want depends on what you shoot in the dark.

September 5, 2026

Waterproof Camera Guide: Lumix FT2 for Water

A used waterproof camera costs less than a phone case, but the seals age. Here is what the Lumix FT2 does, and how to check a rugged camera before you get it wet.

August 29, 2026

Budget Superzoom Bridge Cameras: 1200mm Reach

A used bridge camera gets you 1200mm of reach for less than a kit lens. Here are three superzooms worth buying, what each is good at, and what to check first.

August 29, 2026

Canon EOS M6 Buying Guide: Worth It in 2026?

The Canon EOS M6 is a 24MP APS-C mirrorless on a discontinued mount — which is exactly why it is cheap. Here is who should buy one and what to check first.

August 29, 2026

Pocket Travel Zoom Cameras: 24x Zoom That Fits

A travel zoom gives you 550mm of reach in a jacket pocket. Five used models worth buying, what separates them, and the checks that matter before you pay.

August 29, 2026

Sony A7 IV Buying Guide: Is It Still Worth It?

The Sony A7 IV is still the most sensible full-frame hybrid you can buy, now that the A7 V has pushed used prices down. Here is who should buy one and what to check.

August 28, 2026

Best Cheap Digicams for Beginners: 6 Real Picks

The best cheap digicam for a beginner is an old CCD compact, not a new no-name camera. Six models worth buying, what each one does well, and what to check.

August 28, 2026

Canon SX210 IS vs SX220 HS: CCD or CMOS?

The Canon SX210 IS has a CCD sensor, the SX220 HS has CMOS. That one difference decides which digicam you should buy — here is how to choose between them.

August 28, 2026

Instax Mini 12 vs Mini 9: Which One to Buy

The Instax Mini 12 sets exposure automatically; the Mini 9 makes you do it by hand. Here is which instant camera is right for you, and what to check before buying.

July 9, 2026

Vintage Nikon Coolpix: The Underrated Retro Digicam Bargain

The vintage Nikon Coolpix gives you the same CCD retro look for less. Here's why this underrated classic digital camera is one of the smartest digicam buys.

July 9, 2026

Canon IXUS Guide: The Pocket CCD Digicam Behind the Retro Look

The Canon IXUS is the pocketable CCD digicam behind that crisp retro digital look. Here's why it's one of the best classic digital cameras to buy, and how to pick a good one.

July 9, 2026

Casio Exilim: The Slim CCD Digicam for Everyday Retro Shots

The Casio Exilim is a slim, affordable CCD digicam and an easy way into the vintage digital look. Here's how to buy a classic Exilim and what to check.

July 9, 2026

Sony Cyber-shot CCD Cameras: The Carl Zeiss Digicam Look

Sony Cyber-shot CCD cameras pair a Carl Zeiss lens with that beloved vintage digital look. Here's how to buy a classic Cyber-shot and what to check first.

July 8, 2026

Classic CCD Digicams: Why Old Digital Cameras Are Cool Again

Old digital cameras from the 2000s are having a comeback. Here's why CCD digicams like the Canon IXUS and Sony Cyber-shot give photos that unmistakable retro look, and how to buy a good one.

July 8, 2026

Nikon FM2 Buying Guide: The Mechanical SLR That Never Quits

Thinking of buying a Nikon FM2? This fully mechanical 35mm SLR shoots without batteries, survives decades of hard use, and takes some of the best lenses ever made. Here's everything to check before you buy.

July 8, 2026

Pentax K1000: The Best First Film Camera for Beginners

The Pentax K1000 is the best film camera for beginners: simple, tough, all-manual, and impossible to outgrow the fundamentals it teaches. Here's why it's still the classic starter SLR and how to buy a good one.

July 7, 2026

Canon AE-1: The Camera That Made Film Photography a Revolution

The Canon AE-1 is the world's most beloved film SLR — and for good reason. Whether you're just starting out or adding a legend to your collection, here's everything you need to know before you buy.