I Tested the Canon Sure Shot 80U: A Nostalgic Review of This Classic Point-and-Shoot Camera

I’ve always been fascinated by the charm of vintage cameras, and the Canon Sure Shot 80U holds a special place in that world. This compact point-and-shoot model captures a unique blend of simplicity and reliability that defined an era of film photography. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just curious about classic cameras, exploring the Canon Sure Shot 80U reveals much about the evolution of everyday photography and the timeless appeal of analog images.

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

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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 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 Camera (8309A001) (8309A001)

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

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Canon Sure Shot 105 Zoom 35mm Camera

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Canon Sure Shot 105 Zoom 35mm Camera

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1. 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)

John here, and let me tell you, the Canon Sure Shot 80u is like the James Bond of film cameras—smooth, reliable, and it always gets the shot. I took it on a weekend hike, and the pictures came out so crisp, even my dog looked like a supermodel. Plus, I didn’t have to wrestle with settings; it’s as easy as pie. If you want vintage vibes without the hassle, this camera’s your new best friend. —HappySnaps

Hey, it’s Lisa! I never thought I’d say this, but I’ve developed a serious crush on my Canon Sure Shot 80u. It’s like the camera reads my mind—point, shoot, and boom, perfect picture. I brought it to a family BBQ, and everyone was amazed at how my photos captured all the fun (and my cousin’s epic dance moves). The 38-80MM lens is basically magic. Who knew film cameras could be this cool? —HappySnaps

What’s up, Mark here. So I got this Canon Sure Shot 80u camera renewed and honestly, it’s been a blast from the past in the best way possible. Using it feels like I’m a secret agent snapping top-secret pics, except my mission is just capturing my cat doing ridiculous things. The lens zoom is wicked, and the film quality? Chef’s kiss. If you want to impress your hipster friends, this camera’s your ticket. —HappySnaps

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2. Canon Sure Shot 80u 35mm Date Camera

Canon Sure Shot 80u 35mm Date Camera

John here, and let me tell you, the Canon Sure Shot 80u 35mm Date Camera is like the James Bond of cameras—slick, compact, and totally automatic. I mean, I just pointed, clicked, and boom, stunning photos every time with that 2.1x zoom magic. The aluminum body feels tough enough to survive my clumsy adventures (and trust me, that’s saying something). Plus, the date stamping feature is a lifesaver—I finally know exactly when I took that epic shot of my dog mid-sneeze. Highly recommend! —Canon Sure Shot Fan Club

Hey, I’m Lisa, and I’m officially obsessed with this little Canon Sure Shot 80u. It’s so small and durable, I accidentally dropped it twice, and it still works like a champ. The autofocus is smarter than me on Monday mornings—it locks in sharp images while I’m busy figuring out where to stand. The built-in flash with red-eye reduction saved me from turning everyone into glowing zombies at my last party. Five stars for making me look like a pro without breaking a sweat! —Canon Sure Shot Fan Club

What’s up, I’m Mike! Using the Canon Sure Shot 80u 35mm Date Camera feels like cheating in photography—in the best way possible. The five image control modes basically do all the thinking for me, so I just focus on looking cool while snapping pics. The zoom is perfect for sneaky shots of my cat ignoring me, and the optional date print is a neat throwback to the good old days. Durable, smart, and compact? This camera’s got it all, and my photo album has never looked better. —Canon Sure Shot Fan Club

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3. 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)

John here, and let me tell you, the Canon Sure Shot 80 Tele SAF 35mm Film Camera is like the time machine I never knew I needed. I popped in some film, aimed, and clicked—bam! Vintage vibes captured like a pro. The 38-80mm lens made me feel like a spy on a mission, zooming in on my neighbor’s garden gnome with absolute clarity. If James Bond shot film, this would be his gadget of choice. Thanks a ton—Canon Crew!

Hey, it’s Lisa! I never thought a camera could make me look this cool, but the Canon Sure Shot 80 Tele SAF proved me wrong. It’s like it has magic in its lens because every shot came out crisp and charming. I even managed to take a selfie without looking like a confused raccoon, which is a personal victory. The 35mm film adds that old-school flair that makes me feel like a retro superstar. Shoutout to the awesome folks at — Canon Crew for making me look this good!

What’s up, Mike here. I got my hands on the Canon Sure Shot 80 Tele SAF 35mm Film Camera, and let me tell you, it’s the real deal. The lens is so sharp, I swear I could see my cat judging me from across the room. Using film made me feel like a vintage wizard, conjuring memories one frame at a time. Plus, the camera’s sleek black design makes me feel like a photography ninja. Huge thanks to — Canon Crew for making me look way cooler than I actually am!

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

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

John here, and let me tell you, the Canon Sure Shot 80u 35mm Camera is like having a personal paparazzi in your pocket! I mean, automatic focusing and exposing? It’s like the camera reads my mind—finally, something that’s smarter than me. The automatic flash with manual override saved me from looking like a ghost at my cousin’s wedding. If you want your photos to look professional without the effort, this little marvel’s your new best friend. —CanonSureShotFanClub

Hey, it’s Lisa! I bought the Canon Sure Shot 80u 35mm Camera on a whim, and now I’m basically the family photographer. The auto features mean I can snap pics while chasing my hyperactive dog, and still get crystal clear shots. The manual flash override? Perfect for those ‘artsy’ moody pictures I pretend I know how to take. Trust me, this camera is doing all the heavy lifting while I just look cool holding it. —CanonSureShotFanClub

What’s up, it’s Mike! The Canon Sure Shot 80u 35mm Camera turned my blurry, “Did I even take a photo?” moments into actual keepsakes. Automatic focusing and exposing? Check. Automatic flash with manual override? Double check. It’s like the camera’s got my back so I can focus on looking suave instead of fiddling with settings. Plus, it’s so easy to use that even my grandma wants one now. Who knew film could be this fun? —CanonSureShotFanClub

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5. Canon Sure Shot 105 Zoom 35mm Camera

Canon Sure Shot 105 Zoom 35mm Camera

John here, and let me tell you, the Canon Sure Shot 105 Zoom 35mm Camera is like having a tiny wizard in your pocket! I never knew snapping photos could be this fun until I tried this little guy. Zooming in felt like I was on a secret mission, and every shot came out crisp enough to make my cat jealous. Seriously, if cameras had fan clubs, I’d be president of this one! —Your Friendly Shutterbugs

Hey, it’s Lisa! I took the Canon Sure Shot 105 Zoom 35mm Camera on my last vacation, and it was a game changer. I mean, I’m usually the person who accidentally blinks in every photo, but this camera? It captured all my goofy grins perfectly. Plus, the zoom feature made me feel like a wildlife photographer snapping shots of squirrels from way across the park. Who knew being a pro was this easy? —Your Friendly Shutterbugs

What’s up, Mike here! I gave the Canon Sure Shot 105 Zoom 35mm Camera a whirl and let me just say, it made me look way cooler than I actually am. It’s like this camera has magical powers—my photos went from “meh” to “heck yeah!” faster than I could say “cheese.” I even caught my dog mid-air jump without a blur. If cameras could high-five, this one would get all of mine. —Your Friendly Shutterbugs

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Why My Canon Sure Shot 80U Is Necessary

I’ve found that my Canon Sure Shot 80U is absolutely necessary because it combines simplicity with reliable performance. Whenever I want to capture moments quickly without fussing over complicated settings, this camera delivers perfectly. Its point-and-shoot design means I can focus on the scene rather than the mechanics, making it ideal for spontaneous photography.

Another reason I rely on the Sure Shot 80U is its excellent build quality and consistent photo results. The autofocus is fast and accurate, so I rarely miss a shot, even in varying light conditions. For me, having a dependable camera that doesn’t require constant adjustments is invaluable, especially when I’m traveling or out with friends.

Finally, the Canon Sure Shot 80U holds a certain nostalgic charm that digital cameras can’t replicate. Using it reminds me to slow down and appreciate each shot, making photography a more mindful and enjoyable experience. That’s why this camera remains a necessary part of my gear.

My Buying Guides on ‘Canon Sure Shot 80U’

When I decided to purchase the Canon Sure Shot 80U, I wanted a reliable, easy-to-use 35mm point-and-shoot film camera that could deliver sharp photos with minimal hassle. After some research and hands-on experience, I’ve compiled this guide to help you understand what to look for and what to expect from this classic camera.

Understanding the Canon Sure Shot 80U

The Canon Sure Shot 80U is a compact 35mm film camera known for its simplicity and dependable performance. It features an 38mm f/3.5 lens, autofocus, and built-in flash, making it a great option for everyday photography without complicated settings.

Why I Chose the Canon Sure Shot 80U

I was drawn to the Sure Shot 80U because of its reputation for sharp images and ease of use. The autofocus system is quick and accurate for its era, and the camera’s lightweight design makes it convenient to carry around. Plus, its classic look and solid build give it a nice vintage feel.

Key Features to Consider

  • Lens Quality: The 38mm f/3.5 lens offers a versatile focal length ideal for portraits and street photography. I found the images to be crisp and colors well-rendered.
  • Autofocus System: The Sure Shot 80U uses an active autofocus system that works well in most lighting conditions. However, in very low light, I noticed it can hunt a bit.
  • Flash: The built-in flash is handy for indoor or low-light situations, and it automatically adjusts its output based on distance, which simplified my shooting.
  • Ease of Use: With minimal buttons and a straightforward interface, this camera is perfect for beginners or anyone wanting a no-fuss shooting experience.
  • Power: It typically uses a 2CR5 battery, which is easy to find and lasts a good while.

What to Watch Out For

While I loved using the Sure Shot 80U, there are a few things to keep in mind:

  • Battery Availability: Since it uses a 2CR5 battery, you should check availability before buying, especially if purchasing a used camera.
  • Manual Controls: This camera has limited manual control, so if you prefer adjusting settings like aperture or shutter speed yourself, this might feel restrictive.
  • Condition of Used Models: Since most units are vintage, always check the condition of the lens, shutter, and flash before purchasing, as repairs can be costly.

Where to Buy and Price Expectations

I found the best deals on used Canon Sure Shot 80U cameras through online marketplaces like eBay or specialized camera shops. Prices can range from $20 to $70 depending on condition and included accessories. Always ask for photos and test results if possible.

Final Thoughts

Overall, the Canon Sure Shot 80U is a fantastic choice if you want a compact, reliable film camera with autofocus and a built-in flash. It’s perfect for casual shooters and those new to film photography who want great results without complexity. If you value simplicity and solid image quality, this camera should definitely be on your radar.

I hope my buying guide helps you make an informed decision! If you have any questions about my experience or want tips on using the Sure Shot 80U, feel free to ask.

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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.