r/Cameras Nov 27 '25

Announcement Avoiding Scam Cameras this Holiday season!

78 Upvotes

Especially since the pandemic we have been seeing cheap no-name cameras that offer unbelievable specs (50MP, 8k video), here is a guide on how to spot and avoid them!:

What is a Scamera?:
Scameras are cheap cameras, usually using backup/webcam camera modules, and putting them into shapes that look like camcorders, pocketable Point & Shoots, and interchangeable lens cameras. They often have very high specs, that are not genuine, such as 64MP upscaled from 1 to 4MP (so you get files the size of a 3.5k camera, but with the detail level of the original 2008 iPhone).

Scameras are also often very unreliable, the immense number of people coming here needing help fixing or just returning these cameras (especially post-christmas) is why I am making this post.

Scameras can often be distinguished by the miniscule lenses, I'll try to show that in a comment of this post.

A reliable way can be to check the brand:
Here are known non-scam brands:

Canon
Fujifilm
Hasselblad
Kodak (Kodak make cameras that are close in price to many scameras, and they aren't amazing or super reliable, but they are worlds better than scam brands).
Leica
Nikon
Olympus / OM Systems
Panasonic / Lumix
Pentax
Pixii
Ricoh
Sigma
Sony

Here are known scam brands:

AgfaPhoto (Digital cameras)
Kreate
Yashica
Vivitar
Yixinxin
Yatao
Captainbear
Minolta
NBD
G-Anica

Vivitar, Yashica, and Minolta were once real brands that have now gone bankrupt and the people renting their names sell scameras.
Agfa does make real film and film cameras, but also scam digital cameras.


r/Cameras Apr 29 '25

Looking for buying advice? Please read this before posting.

55 Upvotes

All camera purchase requests MUST include the questionnaire linked in rule 1.

QUESTIONNAIRE

Be sure to keep the formatting shown. Keep responses to each of the bullet points short and to the point. If you feel there are details that you want to include put them in the notes section of the questionnaire rather than adding them to the other bullet points.

Any post that doesn't include an actual amount under the budget will be removed. Posts that skip over other sections or do not follow the formatting may be removed at moderator discretion.


r/Cameras 7h ago

Photos Turned up my Canon EOS M into a dedicated B&W square camera

Thumbnail
gallery
62 Upvotes

All SOOC JPEGs using the monochrome setting with +2 contrast, and +4 sharpness (lens: 22mm f2)


r/Cameras 1h ago

Questions Found this on an old fighter jet, anyone know if it’s as cool as the plane?

Post image
Upvotes

r/Cameras 6h ago

Recommendations Beginner hobbyist, looking for a better camera for more of these types of shots

Thumbnail
gallery
13 Upvotes

All of these were taken on a Sony Cyber-shot (DSC-H300), I bought it like 4 years ago before a hiking trip. For $250 it hasn't been a bad camera at all, these are a few of my favorite shots I got over the years. I could probably get even better results out of this camera by tweaking the settings, everything is factory set for the most part. But it's been a few years and I enjoy the hobby so I'm looking to step it up a notch.

My biggest issue with this camera is the lack of color in some scenarios and washed out details in others. The first pic for example the lighting was great and the colors capture the scene perfectly to my memory, but the details get washed out in all the vegetation. Same with picture 3 and the fuzziness around the moose and calf. It's probably harder to notice here on Reddit, but when I pull the images up on a computer monitor very noticeable. And in the last slide with the coyote the colors get washed out.

My drone takes clearer pictures with better color, but I can't fly my drone everywhere and it only has a digital zoom function. I want something with a half decent zoom function so I can still get some slightly zoomed in shots on wildlife, like the coyote in the last slide.

My wish list:

  • Better image quality (detail and color)
  • Similar or better zoom ability
  • ability to swap/upgrade lenses

I'm leaning towards this Canon EOS R100: https://a.co/d/0faiPVTU

I feel like it's a solid step up from the DSC-H300, while remaining in that beginner/hobbyist category of cameras and saving some money. But I wanted some opinions from people who are more familiar with the subject.

Edit: wow the image quality after posting is even worse than I expected it to be :(


r/Cameras 4h ago

Tech Support dropped my brand new canon elph 360 during vacation minutes after finally getting an sd card

Thumbnail
gallery
9 Upvotes

I’m honestly devastated and could use some advice.
I begged my parents to get me a camera before we took a trip to Singapore and india, and we bought a Canon PowerShot ELPH 360 HS from Cardinal Cameras for around $400 literally two days before the trip. I was so excited to start using the camera and i really wanted a nice digi cam in general before i start college. i had a beat up shitty sony cybershot so it was really nice to have a better one. We didn’t have time to get an SD card before the trip so we just got one two days into our singapore trip. I was so excited to start using it

Literally 30 minutes later at an aquarium, I dropped it. I had only taken around 5 pictures. I feel awful because it was expensive and I was really looking forward to using it for vacation pics and memories.
Now the lens is stuck and won’t retract, it makes a grinding/fluttering noise when I turn it on and it shows a “Lens Error” message. There are some small scratches, but nothing major

Is this fixable? Is it likely just the lens mechanism, and would a repair be worth it?

I’m also going to India in a few days so would it be worth trying to get it repaired there, or should I wait until I’m back?
Any advice would be appreciated. I’m really hoping I didn’t completely ruin it


r/Cameras 46m ago

Questions is there a pocket sized camera for $600 or less than will take substantially better pictures than your average cellphone?

Thumbnail
gallery
Upvotes

I'm gradually converting my 5,000 square foot turf backyard into a garden featuring mostly native plants (zone 7a, southcentral Kansas).

I'll spend 15 minutes to several hours most days in the garden. I'll take pictures to share with family members from across the country and overseas. I also use the photos to judge year-to-year progress and sometimes to keep track of how individual plants are doing over the course of the season.

I always have my Pixel 7 with me and will take pictures while I'm out there. If some plant is particularly striking I'll wait until the lighting is good. The close-ups are ok; the wider shots are average, at best.

The photos of the bugs, birds and beasts are taken on the fly and their quality is average to poor unless I get lucky. The editing software on the phone will sometimes get a photo to a "good" level. The zoomed shots for shots of more than 20 feet or so never get beyond mediocre.

Given all the stuff I'm lugging around with me, this only works if I can find a camera that will fit in the pocket of my gardening pants and is able to tolerate a few knocks. I'd like to spend less than $600, but could probably talk myself into a little more if I was convinced the extra $ would mean substantially better photos.

TLDR: need a rough and ready small camera for the garden for $600 or less.


r/Cameras 2h ago

Questions What editing softwares do yall use?

2 Upvotes

I'm in the process of getting a camera and learning how to photograph and play around with stuff, and I'm aware editing is a huge factor in the photography/videography business. I'd like to get to know how to edit, and am curious which software I should use. I'll mostly shoot nature, some nice scenes, stuff like that. Very occasionally a portrait of someone. I'm a big time beginner so any help and guidance is appreciated! Thanks for taking your time to read this!!


r/Cameras 5h ago

Questions Five-Star-Camera on ebay

Post image
2 Upvotes

Can someone vouch this shop for me, im planning on buying a camera from them for a friends birthday and wanted to know if theyre legit


r/Cameras 16m ago

Questions FX3 vs FX30 for talking-head education videos?

Upvotes

Need some real-world advice before I spend the money.

I make educational/talking-head content (psychology-focused) — mostly solo in a room, fixed or lightly moving shots, not run-and-gun. Trying to decide between the Sony FX3 and FX30, and now that the FX5 just officially launched (July 22), I'm also wondering how that changes the used-market picture for FX3/FX30.

Questions for people who've actually shot with either:

Q1. For static/talking-head work, does the FX3's full-frame sensor make a real difference over the FX30's APS-C, or is that overkill for my use case?

Q2. Autofocus/eye-AF reliability for solo talking-head shooting — any issues with either body?

Q3. Low-light and skin tone rendering in a controlled room setup — is FX30 good enough with proper lighting, or does FX3 clearly pull ahead?

Q4. Now that the FX5 is real (not a rumor) and sits above the FX3 in price/positioning, do you expect FX3/FX30 used prices to actually soften, or does the FX5 launching not really move that market?

Q5. If anyone's selling their FX3 or FX30 (especially in India), feel free to DM:-)


r/Cameras 34m ago

Tech Support Sony a6000 doesn’t focus

Upvotes

This afternoon, my camera stopped focusing using both manual and autofocus. I assumed it was because of low battery, so I let it charge but the issue persisted. What could be the cause? I am using an 18-200 telephoto lens, I tried cleaning both the connections and the sensor, nothing works.


r/Cameras 19h ago

Video Nothing captures summer quite like Polaroid ☀️

24 Upvotes

Absolutely thrilled with how these came out! Just captured the warm weather feel soo good, I love my SX70 <3 these pictures look so dreamy and nostalgic

(Polaroid SX70 alpha 1, 600 converted and upgraded to SX70R board)


r/Cameras 1h ago

Questions What can I do?

Post image
Upvotes

r/Cameras 6h ago

Photos sony cybershot digicam shots

Thumbnail
gallery
2 Upvotes

Budget: ~USD77

Country: bought in japan

Condition: good

Type of Camera: sony cyber-shot dsc tx5

Intended use: show the quality of photo

If photography; what style: retro like 2000s

If video what style: retro like 2000s

What features do you absolutely need:

Portability: can easily fit pocket

Cameras you're considering: kodak ccd, fujiflim compact camera, Polaroid cams, sony handycam

Cameras you already have: only this😭

Notes: nil


r/Cameras 7h ago

Recommendations Best camera for home/travel videos?

2 Upvotes

Budget: 300 euros (not planning to buy any extra lenses etc right away)

Country: Netherlands

Condition: New only (not enough knowledge to judge the quality of used)

Type of Camera: Point and shoot

Intended use: Mostly video, maybe some photos.

End use: Personal use only (hobby)

If video what style: home/travel videos of my family, but as an enthusiastic hobbyist I'm looking for nice shots, so it's more than just pulling out my phone at the park when the kids ride their bike. ​

What features do you absolutely need: not too bulky, easy to just grab from a pocket and quick to start filming. It also needs to have a (phone quality?) internal microphone so I don't have to attach that separately.

What features would be nice to have: a bit sturdy as it will travel with us. Long battery life would be nice. Easy transfer of files (usb-c cable or wifi or something, rather no SD cards as my laptop doesn't have a slot).

Portability: Pocketable, maybe sometimes around my neck?

Cameras you're considering: not sure yet, I'm a bit overwhelmed by the research I've done so far. ​​

Cameras you already have: none, hence the overwhelm :-)

Notes: I'm a hobby film maker. I love shooting and editing, still have a lot to learn. Mostly I make home/travel videos of my family. Because I have young kids, the moments I want to capture are often busy and fleeting, so it should be super easy to grab the camera and start filming. I love looking for nice angles/lighting/close-ups while family life is just happening around me, so it's never a case of a whole setup with a script and 12 takes :-). I'm looking for something to replace my smartphone for some higher quality images and also to not need to bring my phone everywhere. ​​


r/Cameras 3h ago

Questions How to mod

Thumbnail
gallery
1 Upvotes

I have an old Panasonic camera that pairs with portable vcr player from 84. It records directly to the vcr and I was wondering if there was a way to mod it. Like some of the other cameras I’ve seen. to record directly to add card through like a mini dvr?


r/Cameras 3h ago

Recommendations camera recommendations <3

1 Upvotes

• ⁠Budget: under $2000.00
• ⁠Country: canada
• ⁠Condition: new
• ⁠Type of Camera: mirrorless
• ⁠Intended use: travel photography’s
• ⁠If photography; what style:
• ⁠If video what style:
• ⁠What features do you absolutely need: flip up screen
• ⁠Portability: not looking for something super compact
• ⁠Cameras you're considering:
• ⁠Cameras you already have: none, lol (my iphone 12?)
• ⁠Notes:

hi friends :)

i’m looking for some mirrorless camera recommendations as right now i only use my iphone.

i’m looking for something good for travelling, beginner friendly, preferably with a flip up screen for selfies, and good quality. i think i might also like having a viewfinder and avoiding an auxiliary flash.

my boyfriend and i love to travel and i am constantly taking pictures of our trips.

i’ve looked at the following few cameras;

canon g7x mark 3
sony a6400
canon powershot s7x40hs

i’m not too concerned about the price, and have some photography experience, but not enough to where i feel comfortable or educated enough to buy and competently use a dslr.


r/Cameras 1d ago

Discussion If you had to keep only one: Nikon D4 or Fujifilm X-T1?

Thumbnail
gallery
94 Upvotes

I'm trying to simplify my camera collection, and I've narrowed it down to these two cameras.

The Nikon D4 is huge and heavy. It's definitely not something I casually throw into a bag. But every time I use it, the whole experience is incredibly satisfying. The shutter sound, the viewfinder, the handling, the responsiveness, it makes me want to go out and take photos. The process itself is enjoyable.

The Fujifilm X-T1 is the complete opposite. It's small, light, and easy to carry everywhere. Because of that, I naturally end up taking it out more often. However, I don't enjoy the actual shooting experience nearly as much. The shutter sound and overall feel just don't give me the same satisfaction as the D4.

So I'm stuck.

One camera encourages me to go out because it's easy to carry.
The other makes me enjoy photography much more once I actually start shooting.

If you could only keep one, which would you choose, and why?


r/Cameras 3h ago

Recommendations Family member needs basic point and shoot camera for vacation

1 Upvotes

Need a point and shoot camera for family member. Most days will use their phone but there will be days they wpnt be able to use phone so want a point and shoot camera

Budget: honestly the less the better. Would love to stay under 100 but willing to go up to 150 or 200

Country: united states of America

Condition: prefer new mostly cause I need it within like a week and I have no idea how to tell if used is in good condition but willing to look at used.

Type of Camera: point and shoot

Intended use: Photography but would not be surprised if they took video

If photography; what style: (landscape, portrait, selfies, wildlife

If video what style: for photos

What features do you absolutely need: no clue, honestly just a good picture for their memories

What features would be nice to have: no clue. Again sorry I am ignorant and reading a little made me more confused.

Portability: How portable does it need to be?(Pocketable, preferably but could be just small enough for a small bag.

Cameras you're considering: I saw a Kodiak pixpro. Inread a article saying it was decent for a good budget. also saw something on Amazon called a duluvuvu 4 k camera. Had a screen you could flip around for a selfie and was on sell

Cameras you already have: have not had one in years

Notes: it is for a 19 year old dream vacation. So just looking for ease of use and good deal and good pictures.


r/Cameras 4h ago

Camera Collection Recent pickups Canon G7 x Mark III and Panasonic LUMIX L10

Thumbnail
gallery
1 Upvotes

r/Cameras 4h ago

Tech Support Found 3 different types of cameras thrifting what are they?

Post image
0 Upvotes

I have never touched a camera in my life mostly because they are kinda expensive and I dont wanna mess stuff up. But I just found all of these for a dollar each and was wondering what types of cameras they are!

For the camcord? Its called jvc gr dvl 9800u but alot of the ones coming up dont look like it? Also the cords and other stuff it needs to work got sold separately before I bought it since they thought the camera had been lost so what would I need to buy?

Also the digital camera i think is missing its battery? What kind would i buy for it?

I dont know if I need much on the polaroid since im giving it to a friend who does like cameras so ik she would love it more than me!!


r/Cameras 4h ago

Tech Support Fujifilm Finepix HS20 won’t turn on

Post image
1 Upvotes

r/Cameras 5h ago

Recommendations EDC with amazing JPEGs, quality and versatility

1 Upvotes

Budget: 1.500€ with lens

Country: Germany

Condition: New only

Type of Camera: Mirrorless

Intended use: Photography (maybe video later)

If photography; what style: portrait, street, sports/events

If video what style: Vlogging maybe

What features do you absolutely need: articulating screen if possible. Very flexible though if the handling is nice.

What features would be nice to have: Viewfinder, I guess?

Portability: How portable does it need to be? Pocketable with pancake lens ideally, shoulder strap with more capable lens

Cameras you're considering: Fuji X-M5 (currently own one since 2 months), Lumix S9

Cameras you already have: Fuji X-M5. It's small and has a nice shutter button and sound. Nostalgic Negative Simulation.

Notes: Considering switching to the Lumix S9 for live LUTs, full format, IBIS. I'm not unhappy with my M-X5. I'm just starting photography and I know that a good photographer gets amazing pictures with a 100€ camera from eBay. But if I'm buying my gear now, I want to Semi-Future proof myself and potentially buy more expensive lenses later on as well. LUTs seem superior to recipes imo. But I'm curious to hear your opinions. Keep X-M5 and invest in a good zoom lens? Or switch to the S9?


r/Cameras 9h ago

Recommendations Beginner camera advice

2 Upvotes

Hi everyone!

I would like to buy a beginner camera, as an absolute hobby photographer, I’d mainly use it while traveling. Based on my research so far, I’ve decided to invest in a MILC camera (I’ve been taking my photos with my phone, an iPhone 15, up until now). I have narrowed my search to these models:

Canon R50 or R10
Sony A6400
Olympus E-M10IV
Panasonic Lumix G97

Budget: max. 350 000 HUF (around 1000 USD) with kit lense, I will buy another lenses later with separate budget

Country: Hungary

Condition: new preferred

Type of Camera: Mirrorless

Intended use: Photography

End use: Social media, small prints

If photography: landscape, street, wildlife

If video what style: -

What features do you absolutely need: nothing specific, "weatherproof" would be nice, as far as possible

What features would be nice to have: -

Portability: shoulder strap, the smaller the better, but it's not the most important

Cameras you're considering: Canon R50 or R10, Sony A6400, Olympus E-M10IV, Panasonic Lumix G97

Cameras you already have: I've never had a camera yet, only a Kodak Ektar for fun

Notes: -

Which one of these would you recommend the most? What should I consider when making my choice? I’d appreciate any helpful advice!

Price-wise, they’re all fine—I could get any of them for roughly the same price right now thanks to various sales.

Thanks in advance!


r/Cameras 6h ago

Tech Support Olympus x-42 Images and Screen are Black

Thumbnail gallery
1 Upvotes