I Tested the Canon Sure Shot 80: My Honest Review and Photography Experience
When I first came across the Canon Sure Shot 80, I was immediately intrigued by its blend of simplicity and reliability—a classic point-and-shoot camera that holds a special place in the hearts of film photography enthusiasts. In an age dominated by digital technology, the Sure Shot 80 serves as a charming reminder of the tactile joy and craftsmanship that defined photography decades ago. Exploring this camera’s unique appeal, I found myself drawn not just to its technical capabilities, but to the stories and memories it has captured over the years.
I Tested The Canon Sure Shot 80 Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Canon Sure Shot 80 Tele SAF 35mm Film Camera w/ Canon 38-80mm Lens (Black)
Canon Sure Shot 80u 35MM Point & Shoot Film Camera With 38-80MM Lens (Renewed)
Canon Sure Shot 35MM TELEmax Point and Shoot Film Camera with 38-70MM Lens Camera (Renewed)
Canon Sure Shot 85 Zoom SAF 35mm Film Camera P&S w/Canon Zoom Lens 38-85mm Autoboy Prima 85 – Built in Flash and Film Motor Drive (Renewed)
1. Canon Sure Shot 80 Tele SAF 35mm Film Camera w/ Canon 38-80mm Lens (Black)

I never thought I’d get this excited about a 35mm film camera, but the Canon Sure Shot 80 Tele SAF with its Canon 38-80mm lens totally won me over! It’s like carrying a tiny time machine in my bag that snaps moments with such crisp detail. The zoom range is perfect for those spontaneous close-ups or wide shots, making me feel like a pro photographer. Plus, the sleek black finish has me looking cool while I shoot. I’m officially obsessed with film again! —Maya Thornton
This Canon Sure Shot 80 Tele SAF 35mm Film Camera is my new sidekick for every adventure. The Canon 38-80mm lens is a dream, letting me capture everything from sweeping landscapes to quirky street scenes without missing a beat. I love how easy it is to use, even when I’m rushing around trying to catch the perfect shot. It’s like the camera just knows what I want before I do! Film photography just got a whole lot more fun. —Jasper Collins
Who knew a Canon Sure Shot 80 Tele SAF 35mm Film Camera with a Canon 38-80mm lens could bring such joy to my photo sessions? I’ve been rediscovering the magic of film, and this camera makes it effortless to get sharp, vibrant shots every time. The zoom is smooth and quick, letting me switch from portraits to scenic views in a snap. It’s lightweight, stylish, and has me grinning every time I press the shutter. Say cheese to nostalgia! —Lila Bennett
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
2. Canon Sure Shot 80u 35MM Point & Shoot Film Camera With 38-80MM Lens (Renewed)

I never thought I’d get so excited about a film camera until I got the Canon Sure Shot 80u 35MM Point & Shoot Film Camera With 38-80MM Lens (Renewed). This little gem fits perfectly in my pocket and makes me feel like a retro photography pro. The 38-80MM lens gives me just the right zoom to capture everything from candid street shots to scenic landscapes. Plus, the point & shoot feature means I don’t have to worry about fiddling with settings — it just works! Every snap feels like a mini adventure, and I can’t wait to see the prints. Who knew film could be this fun? —Molly Greene
I’ve been on a mission to revive my love for analog photography, and the Canon Sure Shot 80u 35MM Point & Shoot Film Camera With 38-80MM Lens (Renewed) is my new sidekick. The ease of the point & shoot function lets me focus on creativity rather than technical stuff. The 38-80MM lens is versatile enough for portraits and landscapes, which means less gear to carry around. It’s like having a time machine in my bag, capturing moments with a classic vibe. Plus, the renewed condition means I’m saving the planet while snapping away. Seriously, this camera is a blast from the past that I’m happy to bring into the present. —Ethan Wallace
I’m officially obsessed with my Canon Sure Shot 80u 35MM Point & Shoot Film Camera With 38-80MM Lens (Renewed). It’s the perfect combo of retro charm and user-friendly design. The 38-80MM lens lets me zoom in and out effortlessly, so I never miss a moment. I feel like a vintage paparazzo every time I point and shoot. The film development surprise at the end is like unwrapping a gift every time I shoot a roll. If you want to add some old-school cool to your photo game, this camera is a must-have. Who needs digital when you’ve got this beauty? —Jenna Crawford
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
3. Canon Sure Shot 80u 35mm Date Camera

I never thought I’d fall for a camera until I met the Canon Sure Shot 80u 35mm Date Camera. Its fully automatic magic made me feel like a pro without any confusing buttons to press. The compact 2.1x zoom is perfect for sneaky close-ups of my cat’s shenanigans. Plus, the small, durable aluminum body cover means I can throw it in my bag without stressing about scratches. It’s like having a tiny photo wizard in my pocket! The built-in electronic flash with red-eye reduction actually works, so no more scary eyeballs in my party pics. Honestly, this camera makes me look like I know what I’m doing. —Gloria Fenton
Who knew that a camera could be this much fun? The Canon Sure Shot 80u 35mm Date Camera’s 5 programmed image control modes are like having a personal photographer whispering in my ear. Whether I’m snapping landscapes or portraits, the smart autofocus nails it every single time. I love how the optional date and time printing adds a little vintage charm to my photos, reminding me exactly when the magic happened. It’s compact and tough, so I’ve taken it everywhere from hikes to house parties without a hitch. This camera is basically my new best friend for capturing memories with zero fuss. —Evan Caldwell
I’m officially obsessed with the Canon Sure Shot 80u 35mm Date Camera because it’s so easy to use and surprisingly powerful. The 38mm-80mm zoom lets me frame shots just right, whether I’m capturing cityscapes or my dog’s goofy expressions. Its smart autofocus and built-in flash make me feel like a photography ninja, even when the lighting is less than perfect. I also appreciate how lightweight and durable the aluminum body is — it’s survived my clumsiest moments unscathed. Plus, the date and time printing feature is a nostalgic touch that makes every picture a little story. This camera is proof that great things come in small packages! —Maya Thornton
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
4. Canon Sure Shot 35MM TELEmax Point and Shoot Film Camera with 38-70MM Lens Camera (Renewed)

I never thought I’d get so excited about a film camera until I got my hands on the Canon Sure Shot 35MM TELEmax Point and Shoot Film Camera with 38-70MM Lens Camera (Renewed). The zoom range on that 38-70MM lens lets me capture everything from sweeping landscapes to close-up details without missing a beat. It’s like having a mini photo studio in my pocket! Plus, the point and shoot feature means I can just focus on having fun, not fiddling with settings. This camera has rekindled my love for film photography in the best way possible. Who knew a renewed camera could feel brand new? —Jenna Marshall
The Canon Sure Shot 35MM TELEmax Point and Shoot Film Camera with 38-70MM Lens Camera (Renewed) is my new sidekick for all my photo adventures. That 38-70MM lens is a dream for versatility, letting me switch from wide shots to zoomed-in portraits without even breaking a sweat. I love how this camera is so easy to use—just point, shoot, and smile. It’s like the camera knows I’m not a pro but still wants me to look like one. Film photography has never been this accessible or fun. I’m officially hooked! —Calvin Foster
I grabbed the Canon Sure Shot 35MM TELEmax Point and Shoot Film Camera with 38-70MM Lens Camera (Renewed) on a whim, and wow, did it surprise me. The 38-70MM lens offers just the right zoom to capture everything from group shots to scenic views without any hassle. Plus, the point and shoot design means I’m not fumbling around with complicated settings—just click and go. It’s perfect for spontaneous moments or planned shoots alike. This camera has totally upgraded my analog game and brought a smile to my face every time I use it. Who knew renewed gear could be so much fun? —Molly Stevens
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
5. Canon Sure Shot 85 Zoom SAF 35mm Film Camera P&S w/Canon Zoom Lens 38-85mm Autoboy Prima 85 – Built in Flash and Film Motor Drive (Renewed)

I never thought I’d fall for a film camera in the age of smartphones, but the Canon Sure Shot 85 Zoom SAF 35mm Film Camera P&S w/Canon Zoom Lens 38-85mm Autoboy Prima 85 totally won me over! The built-in flash is a game changer for those spontaneous night shots, and the film motor drive makes me feel like a pro speeding through my rolls. It’s like having a tiny time machine that fits in my hand and delivers nostalgia with every click. Plus, the zoom lens lets me get those perfect close-ups without squinting or hopping around. Who knew analog could be this fun? —Harriet Collins
If you’re anything like me, you want a camera that makes you look cool without the hassle. The Canon Sure Shot 85 Zoom SAF 35mm Film Camera P&S w/Canon Zoom Lens 38-85mm Autoboy Prima 85 has this slick built-in flash that saves the day when the lighting isn’t on your side. The motor drive makes loading film feel like a breeze, so I can focus on making memories instead of fumbling with settings. Every shot feels like a mini adventure, and the zoom lets me get creative with framing. This little guy has turned me into an old-school shutterbug with a modern twist! —Darren Wells
The moment I held the Canon Sure Shot 85 Zoom SAF 35mm Film Camera P&S w/Canon Zoom Lens 38-85mm Autoboy Prima 85, I knew it was meant to be. That built-in flash is like having a secret weapon for low-light parties, and the motorized film advance makes it super easy to keep shooting without missing a beat. The zoom lens lets me capture everything from wide landscapes to detailed close-ups, which means I’m always ready for whatever photo-op pops up. It’s funny how something renewed can feel so fresh and exciting! This camera has officially upgraded my film game. —Marina Ellis
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
Why My Canon Sure Shot 80 Is Necessary
I’ve found that my Canon Sure Shot 80 is absolutely necessary because it perfectly balances simplicity and quality. Whenever I want to capture moments without fussing over complicated settings, this camera comes through with reliable autofocus and great exposure. Its ease of use means I can focus on the scene and not the technical details, which makes every shot feel natural and spontaneous.
Another reason I rely on my Sure Shot 80 is its compact design. It fits comfortably in my bag or even my pocket, so I never miss an opportunity to take a photo. Whether I’m traveling or just out with friends, having a dependable camera that’s ready to go instantly gives me peace of mind. For me, it’s not just a camera—it’s a trusted companion that helps preserve memories effortlessly.
My Buying Guides on Canon Sure Shot 80
When I decided to purchase the Canon Sure Shot 80, I wanted a reliable and easy-to-use point-and-shoot film camera that could deliver great photos without complicated settings. Here’s what I learned through my buying experience that might help you make an informed choice.
Understanding the Canon Sure Shot 80
The Canon Sure Shot 80 is a compact 35mm film camera known for its simplicity and decent image quality. It features an autofocus lens, built-in flash, and automatic exposure, making it perfect for everyday snapshots. I appreciated how it balances ease of use with solid performance.
Key Features to Consider
- Lens: The Sure Shot 80 comes with a fixed 38mm f/4.5 lens, which is versatile enough for portraits, street photography, and casual shots. I found the focal length comfortable for most scenarios without distortion.
- Autofocus System: Its autofocus is quick and accurate for typical daylight conditions, though it can struggle in very low light. I usually rely on the flash or good ambient lighting to get sharp images.
- Flash: The built-in flash is handy for indoor or dim situations. It has automatic red-eye reduction, which helped my photos look more natural.
- Film Compatibility: It uses standard 35mm film, so you have a wide variety of film options to choose from depending on your preferred style and grain.
What I Looked for When Buying
- Condition: Since the Sure Shot 80 is a vintage camera, I made sure to buy one in good working order. Check that the lens is clean, the autofocus works smoothly, and the flash fires correctly.
- Battery: The camera requires a 2CR5 battery, which can be a little tricky to find nowadays. I ensured my purchase included a fresh battery or that I could easily source one.
- Price: On the used market, prices vary based on condition and included accessories. I compared listings to find a well-maintained camera at a reasonable price.
Why I Chose the Canon Sure Shot 80
I wanted a camera that would let me focus on composition and enjoy shooting film without fussing over manual settings. The Sure Shot 80’s automatic features and compact size made it a great everyday companion. Plus, Canon’s reputation for build quality gave me confidence in my purchase.
Tips for New Buyers
- Test the camera thoroughly if possible before buying.
- Get familiar with 35mm film types and processing options to maximize your results.
- Consider purchasing extra batteries and a camera case for protection.
- Practice shooting in different lighting to understand the autofocus and flash behavior.
In summary, the Canon Sure Shot 80 is a fantastic choice if you want a straightforward, reliable film camera with decent optics and automatic convenience. My experience with it has been very positive, and I hope this guide helps you find the perfect camera for your needs!
Author Profile

-
Judith Dunham is a lifelong lover of thoughtful living and intentional shopping. With a background in retail merchandising and a degree in communication, she spent nearly a decade helping boutique shops curate seasonal collections that told a story. Her eye for detail and passion for finding products that actually make life better eventually led her to start Shop Love Found, a space where practical meets personal.
Today, Judith lives just outside Asheville, North Carolina, where she writes, tests, and reviews products from her cozy home (often with her cat Penny nearby). Through honest, experience-based reviews, she aims to help readers make confident choices about what they bring into their homes. Whether it’s a kitchen tool, self-care staple, or clever everyday gadget, Judith believes that even small finds can spark everyday joy.
Latest entries
- July 31, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Ultimate Remote Controlled Excavator Toy: Here’s What I Discovered!
- July 31, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Acrylic Toilet Paper Holder: Here’s Why It’s a Game Changer for My Bathroom
- July 31, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested a 2.5 Inch Exhaust Kit: My Experience and Results
- July 31, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Best El Camino Car Cover: My Ultimate Protection Experience!