Canon Sure Shot 80 Tele Battery + Film Camera Review
If you’re reading this Canon Sure Shot 80 Tele Battery + Film Camera Review, you’re probably where I once was… standing in front of a compact little point-and-shoot, wondering if it’s actually worth shooting in 2025.
Spoiler: it is.
The 80 Tele looks simple, almost forgettable, but once you load a roll and start firing shots, it becomes stupidly fun.
It’s the kind of camera that pulls you back into film without overthinking.
Hi! I’m Teddy. I’ve touched over 4,200 film cameras (yes really) through my eBay shop and YouTube channel.
Over the years I’ve seen every weird quirk these point-and-shoots can throw at you, and the Canon Sure Shot 80 Tele is one I always come back to.
It’s simple, reliable, and one of the easiest cameras to recommend to beginners.
But before we get into how it shoots, let’s start with the first step every new film shooter faces: powering the thing on.
“I Want to Shoot Film… But Where Do I Start?”
Most people who grab a vintage point-and-shoot forget one MAJOR thing:
The battery.
You pull out your thrifted Canon Sure Shot 80 Tele…
You slide open the lens cover…
Nothing. Silence. Zero signs of life.
This is the moment every film beginner hits… the friction point where excitement crashes into confusion.
Choosing the Right Canon Sure Shot 80 Tele Battery
Good news: powering this camera is easy.
The Canon Sure Shot 80 Tele uses a CR123A lithium battery… the same one found in tons of ‘90s point-and-shoots.
Here’s why it’s perfect for beginners:
- It’s affordable
- It’s long-lasting
- You can find it anywhere (Amazon, Walmart, drugstores)
- One battery = multiple rolls of shooting
If you want to avoid the classic “dead camera on date night” situation, keep a spareCR123A in your bag.
Once the battery’s in, you’re basically ready to shoot.
No menus. No modes. No headaches.
This is the moment your film journey really starts.
Buying the Canon Sure Shot 80 Tele
Now that you know which battery you need, the next step is finding a camera that won’t die on you.
You can find the 80 Tele on:
- My camera shop on eBay
- Amazon
- Etsy
- Film shops
- Thrift stores
But don’t just grab the first one you see. Check these 5 things:
- Battery compartment (no corrosion)
- Lens (no haze, no fungus)
- Viewfinder (clean, not foggy)
- Flash (test it—does it fire consistently?)
- Lens cover (opens smoothly)
The good news?
These cameras are tanks.
Most of the ones you find still work perfectly.
Because it doesn’t have the hype of a Yashica T4 or Contax T2, the price stays insanely reasonable.
That makes it one of the easiest cameras to buy with confidence.
“But What Do the Images Look Like?”
Before anyone commits to a camera, we all want to know the same thing:
What do the photos actually look like?
The 80 Tele shoots through a 38–80mm dual-focal-length lens, giving you a classic wide look plus a tight portrait option.
Expect:
- Punchy colors
- Soft contrast
- Flattering skin tones
- Early-2000s flash aesthetic
- A film look that feels nostalgic, not clinical
The “tele” side isn’t razor sharp… but honestly, that’s the charm.
It gives portraits a soft, timeless feel.
Seeing sample photos helps you trust the camera… and this one delivers way more than you’d expect from a thrift-store compact.
Check out these 80 Tele photos from Instagram:
Pros and Cons of the 80 Tele
Every camera has its quirks, and the 80 Tele is no exception.Like every hero on a journey, this camera has strengths and weaknesses.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Reliable autofocus
- Portrait-friendly 80mm lens
- Affordable
Cons
- A little bulky
- No manual controls
- Tele mode is soft (but in a good way)
Best For:
Travel, portraits, candid family moments, everyday life.
For most beginners, the pros absolutely dominate.
Alternatives Worth Considering
If the 80 Tele almost sounds right but not quite perfect, here are similar options:
- Canon Sure Shot 70 Zoom – Slightly wider, same vibe
- Olympus Infinity Zoom 80 – Great lens, simple handling
- Minolta Freedom Zoom – Super underrated and often cheaper
All three deliver that nostalgic compact-film look with similar battery types and handling.
Becoming the Shooter You Want to Be
Here’s the truth:
Film photography gets easier the moment you stop analyzing and start shooting.
The Canon Sure Shot 80 Tele is the perfect gateway camera because it removes every barrier:
- No learning curve
- No confusing settings
- No worrying about sharpness or perfection
Just load a CR123A battery. Load your film.
And start capturing real moments.
You will learn more from your first three rolls than from hours of scrolling camera reviews.
Should You Buy One?
If you want an easy, affordable film camera that nails everyday shooting, the Canon Sure Shot 80 Tele is a fantastic choice.
It’s reliable. It’s fun. It’s simple.
And it gets you shooting film instead of thinking about shooting film.
