The list of film-like digital cameras
First of all: I hate the term of digicams. I will not use it despite is the new trend. And the list is clearly my list, so don’t be surprised if I leave out certain cameras that you expect to see here. I am not referring to the retro style of the camera: I mean cameras able to give a fil-like mood/aesthetics to the images produced, without need to make it in post processing.
Olympus Pen series: These cameras are known for their retro styling and their ability to produce images with a warm, nostalgic feel. Olympus Pen is great for black and white and for color. In color they can give you warm colors that I have seen only to the best film stocks.
Leica X1/X2: These cameras are known for their high-quality optics and their ability to produce images with a sharp, detailed look. I owned the Leica X2 for 5 years and I can say that by shooting at ISO 1600 in black and white replies the aesthetics of the Tri-X 400 ASA film stock.
Ricoh GRD and GR series: These cameras are known for their compact size and their ability to produce images with a street photography aesthetic. Daido Moriyama used all the Ricoh cameras, both film and digital. The Ricoh GRD first edition did have a noise that was more like grain, and is so respected by many photographers who were able to work with. I did have a Ricoh GRD IV and I loved that camera.
Canon Powershot G series: These cameras are known for their versatility and their ability to produce images in a variety of styles. I worked with a Canon G12 in the past: it is like a micro reflex. And I know several photographers worked with, from Gino Barillari, the king of paparazzi to my friend Mark Alor Powell.
Olympus E-620: This camera is known for its unique film simulation modes, which allow photographers to recreate the look of classic film types. In black and white and using flash gives you a fantastic hyper-contrast mood, very filmy.
Let me clarify a thing: for film aesthetics I don’t mean a stupid film simulation that most of the time is quite embarassing if you really believe is similar to the film promised. I am sorry but a certain brand, became very popular among photographers, is giving you a superficial preset, but remaining very…uhm…digital. I am talking about something different, a result more organic, imperfect, with noise that really appears like grain. There are very few digital cameras capable of giving this and I am talking for direct experience or for colleagues that did have these cameras on the list.
