Buyer's Guide to Semi-SLR/Pseudo-SLR 35mm Cameras

Akira, Ouyama, Olympia, Nikkei, Ultronic & Others

Pseudo-SLR, or semi-SLR, cameras are a type of camera which isn't technically an SLR (Single Lens Reflex) camera, but has some of the same features. Most 35mm semi-SLR cameras have aperture/f-stop settings, a barrel-style lens, a hot shoe for attaching a flash, neck strap mounts, and a tripod socket. A few also have shutter speed settings, lever-type film advance, or other SLR-type features. The two major differences between semi-SLR and actual SLR cameras is that semi-SLR cameras don't have interchangeable lenses and use a viewfinder rather than the more accurate method of photo previewing used by SLR cameras. Although it is more difficult to achieve the same results with a semi-SLR camera than a SLR camera, they are much less expensive than SLR cameras while offering some improvements over point-and-shoot cameras. They also are easier to use than SLR cameras, and don't have as many settings to adjust.

While some photographers have lumped all semi-SLR cameras into one category - often without even trying any of them - the results from these cameras and their specific features actually vary significantly. Although dozens of different brand names have produced semi-SLR cameras, many are clones of one design or another. Because of this, we have been able to separate them into eight major groups. We have also included an "Other" group for semi-SLR cameras which do not fit in any of these groups and don't appear to have been "cloned." All of the cameras mentioned use 35mm film, and the cash values are for the cameras alone, without any accessories.

Group 1 - Low Quality, Compact: Cameras like the Impac 707, Akira TC-002, Quickshot X3000, and Meikai AR-4351KSN are all based on a single design which has a cheap appearance and no extra features aside from the aperture settings and hot shoe. Various other smaller brands, including Inoon, Generation, and Mikona have also sold cameras of this type. Other photographers have not reported any impressive results from these cameras. These cameras are valued at under $5. Photo examples:

Example 1 /  Example 2  /  Example 3