The benefits of old point and shoot cameras that we forget!

As you probably know by now, recently I’ve been repurposing old digital cameras from the 2000 era and putting them to everyday use. What started off as an experiment to find great looking, film like images from their CCD sensors, turned into something very different.

There is no denying that camera technology has moved on, but, in retrospect, these cameras were absolutely amazing? Before we go into the benefits though, there are of course some issues that you will come across, that today, as photographers and camera phone users, that we take for granted.

Firstly, these (point and shoot) cameras are generally really bad in low light. And I don’t mean slightly bad, I mean you’ll need a full flash in all but the lightest rooms. You’ll also get noise, distortions, light leaks and other imperfections, as well as limited control on your settings (even on some that offer manual control).

But, hold on there, this is also their charm! Let’s look at 8 benefits of using a CCD point and shoot cameras from the 2000s.

1. Size – These cameras can be insanely small, smaller than your typical mobile phone these days. Thier compact size means you can keep them with you all the time, and it feels like you are using a camera when you take photos. I think many people hate the way mobile phones handle when you are using them as a can camera!
2. Colours – There is a certain quality and charm about the colours that these cameras render. It can be more life-like that modern CMOS sensors, and colour science is generally very good for general photography. I’ve noticed monochrome images look particularly good on some of them.
3. Image quality – Wait? Didn’t I mention a whole lot of negative things about the images from these cameras? Yes! But that is a positive if you’re looking for an analogue look, and the way that CCD sensors handle light means your images will be much more “film like” straight from camera, unlike many modern cameras.
4. Nostalgia – We all love looking back and reliving our past where possible. The same goes for cameras. With hindsight, and all you’ve learned from modern digital cameras however, you’ll be taking better photos than ever before with these point and shoots.
5. Fun – One of the biggest issues I see these days is that people are just so serious about taking photographs. The fun is gone! However, with these, you can forget about settings and just concentrate on capturing the moment, framing with all the knowledge you’ve learned with modern cameras.
6. Ease of use – Part of the fun factor is the ease of use! You can pass one of these cameras to anyone, and they will know how to use it. No need to explain, they will point and shoot! Beautiful!
7. Price – Many people have these laying around in cupboards, or drawers etc, so the chances are you won’t have any outlay. Friends and family are always willing to give them away, or there are many models available cheap in flea markets, charity ahops and so on.
8. That CCD sensor – Oh yes, leaving the best until last. The CCD sensor is known for its great colour reproduction, the similarities in the way it collects light (in a similar way to film) and its unique look. Things have moved on and everything is much more clinical these days, but that’s what makes CCD sensors so great, the imperfections.

Take some time and look for your old CCD sensor cameras, and give them a go. You’ll realise that they really are not as bad as you think they were! They might not have the dynamic range, fast autofocus, sharpness and clarity as modern sensors and technology, however they do have something else… Charm.

Of course, I am open to receiving your old point and shoot cameras if you don’t want them! Feel free to send them to me, they will really help be out.

Until next time, thanks and don’t forget to check out my book!