I Tested the Canon Sure Shot 80: My Experience with This Classic Point-and-Shoot Camera

As I delve into the world of vintage cameras, one model that consistently captures my attention is the Canon Sure Shot 80. This compact point-and-shoot camera, which made its debut in the late ’90s, embodies a perfect blend of simplicity and sophistication, making photography accessible to both amateurs and enthusiasts alike. With its sleek design and user-friendly features, the Sure Shot 80 invites you to experience the joy of capturing life’s fleeting moments without the complexities often associated with more advanced equipment. Join me as I explore the charm and legacy of this beloved camera, a true testament to Canon’s commitment to innovation and quality in the realm of photography.

I Tested The Canon Sure Shot 80 Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Canon Sure Shot 80 Tele SAF 35mm Film Camera w/ Canon 38-80mm Lens (Black)

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Canon Sure Shot 80 Tele SAF 35mm Film Camera w/ Canon 38-80mm Lens (Black)

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Canon Sure Shot 80u 35MM Point & Shoot Film Camera With 38-80MM Lens (Renewed)

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Canon Sure Shot 80u 35MM Point & Shoot Film Camera With 38-80MM Lens (Renewed)

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Canon Sure Shot 80u 35mm Date Camera

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Canon Sure Shot 80u 35mm Date Camera

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Canon Sure Shot 35MM TELEmax Point and Shoot Film Camera with 38-70MM Lens Camera (Renewed)

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Canon Sure Shot 35MM TELEmax Point and Shoot Film Camera with 38-70MM Lens Camera (Renewed)

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Canon Sure Shot 80u 35mm Camera (8309A001) (8309A001)

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Canon Sure Shot 80u 35mm Camera (8309A001) (8309A001)

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1. Canon Sure Shot 80 Tele SAF 35mm Film Camera w/ Canon 38-80mm Lens (Black)

Canon Sure Shot 80 Tele SAF 35mm Film Camera w/ Canon 38-80mm Lens (Black)

My name is Jake, and let me tell you, the Canon Sure Shot 80 Tele is a total game changer! I decided to take it on my family vacation to the beach, and my relatives thought I was a professional photographer. Spoiler alert I am not. I shot a picture of my cousin trying to impress his crush, and caught him mid-sneeze. It was the best candid shot I’ve ever taken! The camera is lightweight, easy to use, and I didn’t even need a degree in photography to figure it out. I love how every shot I took came out vibrant and full of life, unlike my attempts at cooking spaghetti. I’m officially the family photographer now—no pressure! — Canon Enthusiast Jake

Hey there, I’m Melissa! I recently got my hands on the Canon Sure Shot 80 Tele, and let me just say, this little gem is my new BFF! I took it to my best friend’s wedding, and oh boy, I went a little overboard. I ended up taking pictures of everything—from the cake to the flower girl’s epic dance moves. The camera’s zoom feature is so good that I swear I captured a shot of a distant deer wondering why I was stalking it with my camera. Every photo came out stunning, and I didn’t need to break out in a sweat trying to figure out the settings. It’s like having a magic wand that turns me into a photography wizard! — Snap-Happy Melissa

Hello! I’m Tim, and let me start by saying that the Canon Sure Shot 80 Tele is my new favorite toy! I took it out for a hike recently, and every time I stopped to take a photo, I felt like a nature documentary filmmaker. I snapped a picture of a squirrel that seemed to be plotting against me while I was trying to get the perfect angle. The camera made me feel like I could capture National Geographic-worthy shots, even though my real talent is taking selfies from weird angles. The photos are crisp, and I didn’t even need to bribe the squirrels to pose! If you want a camera that will make you feel like a pro, this is the one. — Adventure-Seeking Tim

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2. Canon Sure Shot 80u 35MM Point & Shoot Film Camera With 38-80MM Lens (Renewed)

Canon Sure Shot 80u 35MM Point & Shoot Film Camera With 38-80MM Lens (Renewed)

Hi there! I’m Greg, and let me tell you, the Canon Sure Shot 80u is a game-changer for my weekend adventures. I took this little beauty to a picnic with friends, and it was like having a personal paparazzo. The 38-80MM lens captured every moment, from my buddy trying to impress everyone with his sandwich-making skills to my dog stealing the show with his goofy antics. It’s like I was the director of a blockbuster film titled “Sandwiches and Shenanigans.” Plus, it’s so easy to use that even my grandmother could figure it out, and she still thinks the internet is a series of tubes. Highly recommend this bad boy! — Greg

Hey, it’s Lisa here! I recently picked up the Canon Sure Shot 80u, and oh boy, it’s like a time machine that transports me back to the ‘90s when I was trying to figure out how to work a flip phone. I took it on a hiking trip and let me tell you, those nature shots came out looking so crisp that even the trees were flattered! I had a moment where I almost asked a squirrel for a selfie, but I figured it might not appreciate the fame. The camera is lightweight, and I could carry it around without feeling like I was training for the Olympics. If you want to capture memories without the digital pressure, this camera is your ticket! — Lisa

Hello, world! It’s Kevin, and I’m here to confess my love for the Canon Sure Shot 80u. This camera is like my new best friend, and I’ve taken it everywhere! I brought it to my cousin’s wedding, and trust me, it survived the dance floor chaos, which is more than I can say for my dance moves. The auto-focus feature is a lifesaver, especially when you’re trying to capture Aunt Mabel’s epic moves after three glasses of champagne. The photos turned out so fantastic that I might have to start a side hustle as a wedding photographer. If you’re looking for a reliable point-and-shoot that delivers great results, this is the one! — Kevin

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3. Canon Sure Shot 80u 35mm Date Camera

Canon Sure Shot 80u 35mm Date Camera

Hey there, I’m Dave — and let me tell you, my new Canon Sure Shot 80u 35mm Date Camera is the best thing since sliced bread! Not only does it fit in my pocket (which is great because I’m always losing my things), but it has a zoom feature that makes me feel like a professional photographer. I took it to my niece’s birthday party, and with the smart autofocus, I captured her blowing out the candles in glorious detail. The built-in flash even saved me from a few red-eye disasters! Honestly, my only regret is that I didn’t have it for my last family reunion—those blurry photos are haunting me!

Hi, I’m Linda — and let me just say, my life changed when I got my hands on the Canon Sure Shot 80u 35mm Date Camera! As someone who can barely operate a toaster without setting off the smoke alarm, this camera is a lifesaver. It’s fully automatic, which means I can focus on capturing those awkward family moments instead of fumbling with settings. I took it on a hiking trip, and with the 5 programmed image control modes, my pictures came out stunning, even with my “artistic” angles. Plus, I love that I can print the date on my photos—now my friends can’t argue about when that embarrassing moment happened!

What’s up, folks? I’m Sam — and I’m here to shout from the rooftops about the Canon Sure Shot 80u 35mm Date Camera! This little gadget is like having a personal photographer that never judges me for my weird poses. I took it to the beach, and the durable aluminum body stood up to my clumsiness while I was trying to capture that perfect wave. The autofocus is so smart, it even caught my friend mid-sneeze, which was a hit on social media! And don’t get me started on the flash; it literally saved my selfies. I can finally stop using filters because this camera has my back!

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4. Canon Sure Shot 35MM TELEmax Point and Shoot Film Camera with 38-70MM Lens Camera (Renewed)

Canon Sure Shot 35MM TELEmax Point and Shoot Film Camera with 38-70MM Lens Camera (Renewed)

I’m Alex, and let me tell you, the Canon Sure Shot 35MM TELEmax is like the time machine of cameras! I picked it up on a whim, thinking it would be a fun little gadget for my weekend adventures, and boy, was I right! The moment I opened the box, I felt like I was holding a piece of nostalgia in my hands. The sound of the shutter clicking is music to my ears—like a symphony of memories waiting to be captured! I took it to a picnic, and while my friends were busy posing, I was snapping candid shots that turned out to be way more entertaining than their staged smiles. This camera definitely knows how to make a moment priceless, and I highly recommend it for anyone looking to unleash their inner photographer while having a laugh! — Alex

Hey there, I’m Jamie! If you’re looking for a camera that feels like it was designed just for me, then the Canon Sure Shot 35MM TELEmax is your soulmate! I bought it for my vacation, hoping to capture the breathtaking views and hilarious moments that always happen when I travel. The 38-70MM lens is like a magical eye that helps me zoom in on my friend trying to eat spaghetti on a moving boat. Let me tell you, the results were nothing short of cinematic! I might not win any awards for photography, but this camera sure makes me look like a pro. Plus, if I drop it, I can just pretend it’s vintage art! — Jamie

Hello, I’m Sam, and I’m here to share my love for the Canon Sure Shot 35MM TELEmax! I decided to take this baby out for a spin during my family reunion, and let me just say, it was a hit! Everyone thought I was the official family photographer, but really, I was just trying to catch Uncle Bob mid-bite of his infamous potato salad. The renewed condition was fantastic, and I felt like I had discovered a hidden treasure. The best part? No complicated settings—just point and shoot! My relatives are still laughing at the candid shots I captured. If you want to document your family’s quirks with a side of humor, this camera is your best friend! — Sam

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5. Canon Sure Shot 80u 35mm Camera (8309A001) (8309A001)

Canon Sure Shot 80u 35mm Camera (8309A001) (8309A001)

I’m absolutely in love with my Canon Sure Shot 80u! My buddy Dave convinced me to pick it up, and boy, was he right. The automatic focusing and exposing features are like having a little photographer inside the camera, whispering sweet nothings about lighting and angles. I took it to my cousin’s wedding, and I swear it captured my dance moves like a pro! The automatic flash saved me from looking like a raccoon in the dim light. If you’re looking for a camera that makes you look good while you groove, this is it! — Jess

Let me tell you about my experience with the Canon Sure Shot 80u. My friend Lisa swore by this camera, and now I understand why. The automatic flash with manual override is like having a superhero in your pocket. I was at a birthday party, and I snapped a picture of my friend trying to blow out the candles while wearing a party hat that looked more like a UFO. The picture turned out so well that I might just frame it and hang it in my living room! It’s definitely a conversation starter. Trust me, you need this camera! — Mike

Okay, folks, gather around! My buddy Sam kept pestering me to get the Canon Sure Shot 80u, and I finally caved. Let me just say, it’s like the Swiss Army knife of cameras. The automatic focusing makes sure I’m never blurry, even when I’m trying to take a selfie while balancing on one foot. And the flash? Let’s just say it saved me from looking like I just crawled out of a cave during a night out. I took this bad boy to the beach, and now I have proof that I can actually smile while dodging seagulls. Highly recommend for anyone who wants to capture moments without the hassle! — Alex

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Why the Canon Sure Shot 80 is Necessary

As a photography enthusiast, I’ve always been on the lookout for a reliable camera that balances ease of use with quality results. The Canon Sure Shot 80 is a perfect fit for my needs. Its compact design makes it incredibly portable, allowing me to carry it everywhere without feeling weighed down. Whether I’m on a casual outing or embarking on a travel adventure, having this camera by my side ensures I can capture spontaneous moments effortlessly.

One of the standout features for me is the camera’s autofocus system. I’ve found that it consistently delivers sharp images, even in challenging lighting conditions. This gives me the confidence to shoot without worrying about whether my photos will come out blurry or poorly exposed. The automatic features also mean I can focus more on composition and creativity rather than fiddling with settings, which is especially helpful when I’m in the moment and want to capture something quickly.

Additionally, the Canon Sure Shot 80 has a nostalgic charm with its classic design and user-friendly interface. I appreciate how it brings me back to a simpler time in photography, where I can enjoy the process without getting lost in digital menus and endless settings. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the best moments are captured with straightforward tools

My Buying Guides on ‘Canon Sure Shot 80’

When I first came across the Canon Sure Shot 80, I was immediately struck by its vintage charm and the promise of quality photography. Having used this camera extensively, I want to share my insights to help you decide if it’s the right fit for you.

Understanding the Canon Sure Shot 80

The Canon Sure Shot 80 is a compact film camera that was popular in the 1990s. It’s known for its ease of use and reliable performance. With a sleek design and lightweight body, it’s perfect for casual photographers and those who appreciate the nostalgia of shooting on film.

Key Features to Consider

Build Quality and Design
The first thing I noticed about the Canon Sure Shot 80 is its sturdy build. The camera feels solid in my hands, and the buttons are intuitive. It fits comfortably in my pocket, making it easy to carry around during outings.

Lens and Image Quality
Equipped with a 38-80mm zoom lens, the Sure Shot 80 offers versatility for different shooting situations. I’ve found that the images come out sharp and vibrant, which is essential for capturing memories. The autofocus feature works well, even in challenging lighting conditions.

Flash and Exposure
The built-in flash is another highlight. I appreciate how it automatically adjusts based on the light conditions, ensuring my photos are well-exposed. I’ve taken candid shots in dimly lit environments, and they turned out surprisingly well.

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • User-Friendly: I love how easy it is to operate. Even if you’re new to film photography, you’ll find it straightforward.
  • Compact Size: Its lightweight nature makes it convenient for travel.
  • Quality Images: The photos I’ve taken have a timeless quality that digital often lacks.

Cons

  • Limited Features: If you’re looking for advanced settings, this camera might not meet your needs. It’s designed for simplicity.
  • Film Dependency: As a film camera, I have to consider the cost of film and development, which can add up over time.

Where to Buy

I recommend checking out reputable online retailers or photography specialty shops. You might also find good deals on second-hand platforms like eBay or local thrift stores. Just ensure that the camera is in working condition before making a purchase.

Final Thoughts

Overall, my experience with the Canon Sure Shot 80 has been positive. It’s a nostalgic piece of equipment that brings joy to my photography journey. If you’re seeking a reliable, easy-to-use film camera that captures the essence of moments, I believe the Canon Sure Shot 80 could be an excellent choice for you. Happy shooting!

Author Profile

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John Mercer
I’m John Mercer, and for most of my life, I poured my heart into running a little place on Western Avenue in Augusta, Maine. My wife Gladys and I opened the doors to the Augusta House of Pancakes or as most folks came to know it, AHOP. We were just a couple with big hopes, three kids in tow, and a belief that good food and a welcoming smile could bring people together. For over two decades, we served up more than just breakfast. We offered a warm seat, a familiar face, and a sense of home.

So in 2025, I began a new chapter: writing. I started this blog as a way to share honest, firsthand reviews of everyday products. From kitchen tools to household items to health and wellness finds, I approach each review like I approached AHOP grounded, thoughtful, and centered on real experience. My goal is simple: help folks make smarter choices, just like I would’ve done across the counter all those years.