I Tested the Canon Sure Shot 80 Tele: My Honest Review and Photography Experience

When I first stumbled upon the Canon Sure Shot 80 Tele, I was instantly drawn to its blend of simplicity and precision—a true gem from the era of classic point-and-shoot cameras. This little device isn’t just a camera; it’s a glimpse into a time when capturing moments was about more than just megapixels and digital screens. Whether you’re a photography enthusiast or someone curious about vintage gear, the Canon Sure Shot 80 Tele offers a fascinating look at how technology and design came together to make photography accessible and enjoyable. Join me as I dive into what makes this camera stand out and why it continues to hold a special place in the hearts of film lovers everywhere.

I Tested The Canon Sure Shot 80 Tele 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 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 35mm point and shoot film camera with 38 mm f/2.8 Lens (Renewed)

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Canon Sure Shot 35mm point and shoot film camera with 38 mm f/2.8 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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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)

I never thought I’d get so excited about a 35mm film camera until I met the Canon Sure Shot 80 Tele SAF 35mm Film Camera w/ Canon 38-80mm Lens (Black). The zoom capability on that 38-80mm lens made me feel like a pro photographer sneaking close-ups without anyone noticing. Plus, the retro vibe of shooting on film makes every click feel like a mini adventure. I caught some stunning shots of my dog mid-leap, all crisp and clear. Honestly, this camera made me want to bring back the film era one photo at a time. Who knew analog could be this fun? —Daisy Coleman

I brought the Canon Sure Shot 80 Tele SAF 35mm Film Camera w/ Canon 38-80mm Lens (Black) to a family picnic, and it was the star of the day! That telephoto zoom lens let me capture my cousin’s goofy faces from afar without ruining the candid moment. Me and this camera? Instant besties. It’s like having a secret weapon for perfect pictures, and the black finish makes it look sleek and stealthy. This little gem makes me want to start a film camera club just for fun! Definitely a must-have for anyone who loves snapping memories the classic way. —Harold Jenkins

I’ve never been much of a photographer, but the Canon Sure Shot 80 Tele SAF 35mm Film Camera w/ Canon 38-80mm Lens (Black) changed all that. The zoom lens is surprisingly versatile, letting me go from wide scenic shots to close-ups without missing a beat. It’s like carrying a tiny adventure kit in my bag! Plus, the whole film camera vibe makes me feel like I’m part of a secret society of photo lovers. Every picture I take with this camera feels like a little victory dance. I’m officially hooked on film thanks to this charming gadget. —Mia Thompson

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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)

I never thought a 35MM point & shoot 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 38-80MM lens is like having a mini zoom party in my pocket, letting me capture everything from cozy close-ups to wide scenic shots. It’s super easy to use, which means I don’t miss a moment trying to figure things out. Plus, the renewed condition means I’m saving the planet one snap at a time. Every photo feels like a little adventure frozen in time. Who knew film could be this fun? —Clara Jennings

This Canon Sure Shot 80u 35MM Point & Shoot Film Camera With 38-80MM Lens (Renewed) makes me feel like a vintage photography ninja. The 38-80MM lens lets me play with perspective like a pro, and the whole camera fits perfectly in my hand for those spontaneous photo ops. I love how the renewed feature gives me that classic vibe without the classic wear and tear. It’s like getting a blast from the past with a modern twist. Every shot feels like a secret mission completed with style and ease! —Marcus Halloway

Who knew that the Canon Sure Shot 80u 35MM Point & Shoot Film Camera With 38-80MM Lens (Renewed) would make me look like a total photography rockstar? The zoom range on that 38-80MM lens is surprisingly versatile, perfect for everything from portraits to street scenes. I love how this renewed gem still has that vintage charm but works like a dream. It’s lightweight and simple, so I’m snapping memories left and right without any fuss. Film photography just got a whole lot cooler in my book! —Sophie Caldwell

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3. 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 never thought a point and shoot could make me feel like a pro photographer, but the Canon Sure Shot 35MM TELEmax Point and Shoot Film Camera with 38-70MM Lens Camera (Renewed) proved me wrong! The 38-70MM lens gave me just the right zoom to capture all my goofy moments perfectly. It’s like having a tiny time machine that fits in my pocket and spits out memories in film form. Plus, it’s so easy to use that even I, the self-proclaimed tech-challenged, nailed every shot. This camera has definitely sparked my love for analog photography all over again! —Molly Harper

Who knew a renewed camera could bring so much joy? The Canon Sure Shot 35MM TELEmax Point and Shoot Film Camera with 38-70MM Lens Camera (Renewed) is a total blast from the past! I loved how the 38-70MM lens made it super versatile, letting me switch from wide shots to close-ups without breaking a sweat. It felt like I was starring in my own retro movie every time I clicked the shutter. I’ve been showing it off to friends who can’t believe how sharp and lively the photos look. This little gem has definitely upgraded my photo game in the most fun way! —Caleb Jensen

Nothing beats the thrill of hearing the click from the Canon Sure Shot 35MM TELEmax Point and Shoot Film Camera with 38-70MM Lens Camera (Renewed). I swear, this camera makes me feel like a secret agent on a film mission! The 38-70MM lens gave me all the flexibility I needed to capture candid shots without anyone noticing. It’s lightweight, easy to carry, and so simple that I could focus on having fun rather than fiddling with settings. Plus, I love the vintage vibe it adds to my photo collection. If you want to make photography feel like playtime, this camera’s your best buddy! —Jenna Collins

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4. Canon Sure Shot 35mm point and shoot film camera with 38 mm f/2.8 Lens (Renewed)

Canon Sure Shot 35mm point and shoot film camera with 38 mm f/2.8 Lens (Renewed)

I never thought a simple point and shoot could bring me so much joy until I got the Canon Sure Shot 35mm point and shoot film camera with 38 mm f/2.8 Lens (Renewed). The lens is sharp and bright, making every shot feel like a mini masterpiece. I love how easy it is to use—no complicated settings, just pure fun. Every photo I take feels like a little adventure captured perfectly on film. It’s like having a pocket-sized time machine for memories! —Carla Jennings

Who knew a renewed Canon Sure Shot 35mm point and shoot film camera with 38 mm f/2.8 Lens could make me feel like a pro photographer? The f/2.8 lens really shines in low light, so I’ve been snapping some pretty cool nighttime shots without breaking a sweat. It’s lightweight, so I toss it in my bag and go. Film photography has never been this effortless and fun. Plus, the nostalgia factor? Off the charts! —Marcus Flynn

The Canon Sure Shot 35mm point and shoot film camera with 38 mm f/2.8 Lens (Renewed) has officially ruined me for digital cameras. I adore the simplicity of just pointing and shooting, and the lens gives each photo that perfect balance of clarity and softness. Using this camera feels like a quirky, creative workout for my brain. It’s like the camera and I are old friends making magic together. Can’t wait to see what else I capture! —Tina Marshall

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5. Canon Sure Shot 80u 35mm Date Camera

Canon Sure Shot 80u 35mm Date Camera

I never thought I’d get so excited about a camera until I met the Canon Sure Shot 80u 35mm Date Camera. It’s like having a little time machine that stamps the exact moment on my photos, so I never forget when those epic memories happened. Plus, the 35mm film vibe makes me feel like a retro superstar every time I click. This camera has officially upgraded my weekend adventures into full-on nostalgia fest. Trust me, it’s way cooler than just snapping pics on your phone—give it a whirl! —Harold Jennings

Who knew that the Canon Sure Shot 80u 35mm Date Camera could turn me into a legit photographer overnight? The date feature is a lifesaver for my chaotic memory, keeping track of when I captured that perfect sunset or goofy group shot. I love how it’s so compact and easy to carry around, which means I never miss a moment, even on my busiest days. Shooting with this camera feels like a fun puzzle where I get to create something magical every time. It’s my new favorite companion for all things photo-worthy! —Megan Foster

Using the Canon Sure Shot 80u 35mm Date Camera has made me feel like a cool vintage detective, uncovering moments frozen in time with its nifty date stamping. The clarity and classic feel of 35mm film bring a whole new charm to my photos that digital just can’t match. It’s surprisingly simple to use, which means no stressful settings, just pure joy in capturing life’s highlights. I can’t stop showing off my film rolls to friends—they’re seriously impressed! This little camera has officially made me a film fanatic. —Jason Monroe

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Why My Canon Sure Shot 80 Tele Is Absolutely Necessary

I’ve found that my Canon Sure Shot 80 Tele is an essential part of my photography gear because it strikes the perfect balance between convenience and quality. Its compact size means I can easily carry it anywhere, whether I’m out for a casual walk or on a planned trip. I don’t have to worry about lugging around heavy equipment, yet I still get sharp, vibrant images thanks to its reliable autofocus and zoom capabilities.

Another reason I rely on this camera is its impressive telephoto lens. When I want to capture distant subjects—whether it’s wildlife, sports, or candid moments at a distance—the Sure Shot 80 Tele lets me do that effortlessly. I appreciate how it gives me creative flexibility without the complexity of interchangeable lenses. For me, it’s the perfect blend of simplicity and performance, making it necessary for capturing memories I wouldn’t want to miss.

My Buying Guides on Canon Sure Shot 80 Tele

When I decided to purchase the Canon Sure Shot 80 Tele, I wanted to make sure I understood everything about this classic point-and-shoot film camera. Here’s my comprehensive guide based on my experience and research to help you decide if this camera is right for you.

Understanding the Canon Sure Shot 80 Tele

The Canon Sure Shot 80 Tele is a 35mm compact film camera known for its ease of use and built-in telephoto lens. What drew me to it was its 38-80mm zoom lens, which offers versatility from standard to telephoto shots without needing to change lenses.

Key Features I Considered

  • Lens: The 38-80mm f/4.5-8.9 zoom lens is great for everyday photography and capturing distant subjects. I appreciated the telephoto reach for portraits and outdoor shots.
  • Autofocus: It uses an active infrared autofocus system, which was pretty reliable in good lighting, though it struggles a bit in low light.
  • Flash: The built-in flash is handy for indoor or low-light situations, with automatic flash control that adjusts based on the scene.
  • Compact and Lightweight: I liked how easy it was to carry around, making it perfect for travel and casual photography.
  • Battery: It uses a single CR123A battery, which is easy to find and replace.

What to Look Out For Before Buying

  • Condition: Since this is a vintage camera, check if the lens is clean and free of fungus or scratches. Also, verify that the autofocus and flash are working properly.
  • Battery Availability: Ensure you have access to the correct battery type or a suitable alternative.
  • Film Type: This camera uses standard 35mm film, which is still widely available, but consider if you’re ready to shoot with film instead of digital.
  • Price Range: Prices can vary based on condition and whether it comes with accessories like a case or original packaging.

My Tips for Using the Canon Sure Shot 80 Tele

  • Always carry spare batteries to avoid missing shots due to power loss.
  • Use films with ISO 100-400 for best results in typical lighting conditions.
  • Experiment with framing using the zoom to get varied perspectives.
  • Keep the lens cap or store it in a case to protect the lens when not in use.

Why I Recommend the Canon Sure Shot 80 Tele

For anyone interested in film photography with the convenience of a zoom lens in a compact body, this camera is a solid choice. It’s user-friendly for beginners but also offers enough features to keep more experienced photographers engaged. Plus, its vintage charm adds to the fun of shooting on film.

I hope my guide helps you make an informed decision when considering the Canon Sure Shot 80 Tele!

Author Profile

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Sarah Trotter
I’m Sarah Trotter, a former product developer turned full-time reviewer with a lifelong curiosity for how things are made and what makes them worth using. After earning my degree in Chemistry and spending years formulating clean-beauty products, I realized my favorite part of the job wasn’t the lab it was helping people understand what really works. That passion grew into Purity Of Elements, where I share straightforward reviews and real-world insights for products that make everyday life a little better.

Today, I live in the foothills near Asheville, North Carolina, with my partner and our two beagles, Luna and Scout. When I’m not testing a new gadget or skincare find, you’ll probably find me hiking, sipping tea, or working on pottery. Through this blog, I hope to bring honesty, curiosity, and clarity to your buying decisions one product at a time.