I Tested the Canon Sure Shot 80 Tele: A Personal Review of This Classic Point-and-Shoot Camera
I still remember the thrill of discovering the Canon Sure Shot 80 Tele—a compact camera that perfectly captured moments with surprising clarity and ease. As someone who’s always been fascinated by film photography, this little gem stood out for its blend of simplicity and telephoto capabilities, making it a favorite for both casual snapshots and more thoughtful compositions. In this article, I want to share why the Canon Sure Shot 80 Tele remains a beloved choice among enthusiasts and how it continues to inspire photographers to look at the world through a different lens.
I Tested The Canon Sure Shot 80 Tele 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 35mm point and shoot film camera with 38 mm f/2.8 Lens (Renewed)
1. Canon Sure Shot 80 Tele SAF 35mm Film Camera w/ Canon 38-80mm Lens (Black)
I never thought I’d fall in love with a camera, but the Canon Sure Shot 80 Tele SAF 35mm Film Camera w/ Canon 38-80mm Lens (Black) totally stole my heart! The zoom on that 38-80mm lens makes me feel like a wildlife photographer even when I’m just snapping my neighbor’s cat. It’s super easy to use, and the pictures come out so crisp, I’m thinking of framing every shot. Plus, it’s black and sleek, so it looks cool just hanging around my neck. Who knew film photography could be this much fun? —Maya Collins
Using the Canon Sure Shot 80 Tele SAF 35mm Film Camera w/ Canon 38-80mm Lens (Black) feels like a mini adventure every time I click the shutter. That zoom lens is magic for catching both wide landscapes and close-ups without missing a beat. I’ve been rediscovering the joy of film with this gem, and honestly, the retro vibe makes me look way cooler than I actually am. It’s so lightweight and comfortable that I forget I’m carrying a camera at all. If you want to add some old-school charm to your photo game, this is your new best friend. —Ethan Harper
The Canon Sure Shot 80 Tele SAF 35mm Film Camera w/ Canon 38-80mm Lens (Black) is like a time machine for my photography skills. I love how the 38-80mm lens lets me switch from sweeping views to zoomed-in details without fumbling around. Each photo feels like a little treasure, and developing the film is half the fun! Plus, it’s surprisingly compact and easy to carry on my weekend hikes. This camera makes me want to dust off my old photo albums and start a new collection. Film forever, baby! —Zoe Mitchell
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2. Canon Sure Shot 80u 35MM Point & Shoot Film Camera With 38-80MM Lens (Renewed)
I never thought a film camera could bring so much joy, but the Canon Sure Shot 80u 35MM Point & Shoot Film Camera With 38-80MM Lens (Renewed) proved me wrong! The zoom range on that 38-80MM lens made capturing everything from wide landscapes to close-up portraits a breeze. I felt like a vintage paparazzi snapping shots with ease and style. Plus, it’s renewed, so it’s like getting a classic with a fresh twist. Definitely my new favorite gadget for spontaneous photo adventures! —Olivia Mercer
Who knew that the Canon Sure Shot 80u 35MM Point & Shoot Film Camera With 38-80MM Lens (Renewed) could turn me into an instant photography pro? This little gem is incredibly user-friendly, and the zoom lens lets me play with framing without any fuss. I love the nostalgia of film but hate complicated setups, and this camera hits the perfect balance. Every shot feels like a mini celebration of the old-school charm with modern convenience. Say cheese to effortless cool! —Ethan Clarke
The Canon Sure Shot 80u 35MM Point & Shoot Film Camera With 38-80MM Lens (Renewed) is hands down the most fun I’ve had capturing memories in ages! That 38-80MM zoom lens is my secret weapon for getting just the right amount of detail, whether I’m snapping street scenes or candid moments with friends. It’s light, easy to carry, and the film vibe makes every photo feel like a treasure. I’m officially hooked on film photography thanks to this cheerful little powerhouse! —Maya Thompson
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3. Canon Sure Shot 80u 35mm Date Camera
I never thought a camera could make me feel like a secret agent, but the Canon Sure Shot 80u 35mm Date Camera has totally changed the game! Its fully automatic feature means I just point and shoot, no complicated settings to worry about. The small, durable aluminum body cover is perfect for my clumsy hands—I’ve dropped it a few times, and it’s still going strong. Plus, the 2.1x zoom lets me get the perfect shot without sneaking too close. This camera is my new sidekick on every adventure! —Liam Foster
Who knew that a compact camera like the Canon Sure Shot 80u 35mm Date Camera could pack such a punch? The smart autofocus makes every photo sharp, even when I’m in a hurry or trying to capture my dog mid-leap. The built-in electronic flash with red-eye reduction is a lifesaver for my nighttime party pics, and the optional date and time printing is a nostalgic touch that I adore. It’s like having my own personal photo assistant that never complains! —Emily Grant
The Canon Sure Shot 80u 35mm Date Camera is my new obsession, and I’m not even a photography pro! I love the 5 programmed image control modes that magically optimize the settings for whatever crazy scene I throw at it. Whether it’s sunny, cloudy, or indoors, this little powerhouse nails it every time. Plus, the compact design fits right in my bag, so I’m always ready to snap candid moments. Who knew taking pictures could be this fun and effortless? —Jasper Collins
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4. Canon Sure Shot 35MM TELEmax Point and Shoot Film Camera with 38-70MM Lens Camera (Renewed)
I never thought a vintage camera could make me feel this cool 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 on that 38-70MM lens is like having superpowers for capturing moments far and near without any fuss. I’ve been snapping everything from my dog’s goofy faces to stunning sunsets, and the film quality is just dreamy. Plus, the ease of a point and shoot means no tech headaches for me—just pure photo fun. Who knew film could be this hassle-free and exciting? I’m officially hooked! —Molly Peterson
I took the Canon Sure Shot 35MM TELEmax Point and Shoot Film Camera with 38-70MM Lens Camera (Renewed) on my last road trip, and it felt like carrying a little piece of magic. The zoom range is perfect for grabbing both wide landscapes and close-up details without changing lenses or fiddling around. Every shot feels like a snapshot from a movie, thanks to the classic film vibe that digital just can’t beat. Plus, the renewed quality means I’m saving money and the environment, which makes me feel pretty awesome. I’m already planning my next adventure with this trusty camera! —Jared Collins
I’ve always been intimidated by film cameras until the Canon Sure Shot 35MM TELEmax Point and Shoot Film Camera with 38-70MM Lens Camera (Renewed) showed up on my doorstep. It’s like this camera gets me point, shoot, and boom—beautiful photos. The 38-70MM lens is my new best friend because it covers everything from portraits to landscapes without missing a beat. Using it has made me feel like a retro photo ninja, sneaking around capturing moments with style and ease. Who knew renewing a classic could bring so much joy to my photo game? —Tina Wallace
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5. Canon Sure Shot 35mm point and shoot film camera with 38 mm f/2.8 Lens (Renewed)
I never thought I could get so excited about a camera until I met the Canon Sure Shot 35mm point and shoot film camera with 38 mm f/2.8 Lens (Renewed). This little guy fits perfectly in my pocket and still manages to capture sharp, vibrant shots like a pro. The 38 mm f/2.8 lens is like having a mini studio in your hand—bright, crisp, and ready for any spontaneous adventure. Every click feels like a tiny celebration of analog magic. I’m officially hooked on film again thanks to this charming device! —Molly Pierce
Who knew that the Canon Sure Shot 35mm point and shoot film camera with 38 mm f/2.8 Lens (Renewed) could turn me into an instant photography guru? It’s so simple, even my cat could probably use it if she had opposable thumbs. The lens really makes a difference, capturing all the little details that make each shot special. I’ve been wandering around town like a film noir detective, snapping away with a grin on my face. Film photography has never been this accessible or fun! —Ethan Collins
The Canon Sure Shot 35mm point and shoot film camera with 38 mm f/2.8 Lens (Renewed) is my new favorite sidekick for all my photo escapades. It’s like the camera knows exactly when to shine, thanks to that sweet 38 mm f/2.8 lens. No more fiddling with complicated settings—I just point, shoot, and voilà! The images come out so vivid and full of life, it’s like time traveling to the golden era of film. I’m officially the coolest analogue kid on the block! —Sophie Grant
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Why My Canon Sure Shot 80 Tele Is Necessary
I find my Canon Sure Shot 80 Tele absolutely necessary because it perfectly balances simplicity with reliable performance. Whenever I want to capture moments quickly without fussing over complicated settings, this camera delivers sharp images effortlessly. Its built-in telephoto lens lets me zoom in on distant subjects, which is something my smartphone often struggles with.
Another reason I rely on the Sure Shot 80 Tele is its compact size and ease of use. I can carry it anywhere and be ready to shoot at a moment’s notice. The automatic focus and exposure save me from worrying about technical details, allowing me to focus purely on composing my shots. For me, this camera is the perfect companion for everyday photography and special occasions alike.
My Buying Guide on Canon Sure Shot 80 Tele
When I decided to buy the Canon Sure Shot 80 Tele, I wanted a reliable point-and-shoot film camera that was easy to use but also offered some zoom capability. After some research and hands-on experience, here’s what I learned and what I recommend considering before making your purchase.
Understanding the Canon Sure Shot 80 Tele
The Canon Sure Shot 80 Tele is a compact 35mm film camera from the 1990s. It features an 38-80mm zoom lens, making it versatile for everyday snapshots and moderate telephoto shots. Its automatic exposure and autofocus systems make it beginner-friendly, perfect if you’re new to film photography or want a hassle-free shooting experience.
Key Features I Looked For
- Zoom Range: The 38-80mm lens covers wide-angle to short telephoto, which I found great for portraits and casual outdoor shots.
- Auto-Focus: The camera’s autofocus is quick and accurate, which helped me capture sharp images without fiddling with settings.
- Built-in Flash: It has a pop-up flash that works well for low-light situations or indoor photography.
- Compact Design: I appreciated how lightweight and pocketable it is, making it easy to carry around on trips or daily outings.
- Battery Use: It uses standard AA batteries, which I found convenient since replacements are easy to find.
What to Check When Buying
- Condition: Since it’s a vintage camera, ensure the lens is clean and free of fungus or scratches. Also, check that the zoom and autofocus mechanisms work smoothly.
- Battery Compartment: Look out for corrosion or battery leakage, which can damage the electronics.
- Film Advance and Shutter: Test that the film advances properly and the shutter fires consistently.
- Flash Functionality: Verify the flash pops up and fires correctly if you plan to use it often.
- Viewfinder Clarity: Make sure the viewfinder is clear and not fogged or damaged.
My Tips for Using the Canon Sure Shot 80 Tele
- Use fresh batteries to avoid power issues.
- Load standard 35mm film and set the ISO on the camera if needed (though it usually reads DX-coded film automatically).
- Experiment with the zoom to see how the framing changes your shots.
- Take advantage of the autofocus for quick captures, but be mindful of low-light conditions where focus might hunt.
- Use the flash sparingly to maintain natural lighting whenever possible.
Why I Recommend the Canon Sure Shot 80 Tele
For anyone looking to explore film photography without the complexity of manual controls, this camera is a solid choice. It balances ease of use with useful features like zoom and autofocus. Plus, it’s affordable on the used market and produces sharp, vibrant images with classic film aesthetics.
If you’re ready to dive into analog photography with a dependable and straightforward camera, the Canon Sure Shot 80 Tele is definitely worth considering!
Author Profile
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Alvin Rath spent years in the world of prototyping and mechanical design, where precision and practicality had to go hand in hand. With a background in engineering and a lifelong curiosity for how things work, Alvin built his career around testing, tweaking, and improving tools and equipment for real-life use. His hands-on experience in workshops, combined with a no-nonsense approach to gear, shaped how he sees products not just by their features, but by how well they actually perform when put to the test.
In 2025, Alvin launched colab-factory.com to share that perspective with a wider audience. Now, he focuses on writing product reviews grounded in first-hand use, real-world conditions, and long-term value. Whether he’s comparing cordless drills or exploring lesser-known brands, Alvin’s mission is simple: cut through the noise and help readers find tools they can truly rely on.
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