Say cheese(burger): Film camera prompts that totally change the vibe
Did you know that simply adding "shot with a [insert film camera]" to your AI art prompt can totally change the look and feel of your image?
Whether you're aiming for crisp realism, soft vintage tones, or gritty lo-fi vibes, the type of film camera you reference in your prompt tells the AI what kind of texture, lighting, and color profile to mimic.
To prove it, I used the same simple prompt that starts with:
"Cheeseburger, french fries, soda, sitting on a red food tray"
The result is simple! However, adding “Shot with a [insert camera here]” at the end of the prompt can definitely switch things up and change your simple prompt into something totally vintage.
Here are 10 film cameras and how they might influence your AI-generated art:
📷 1. Canon AE-1 Program
Camera description: A super beginner-friendly 35mm SLR. It’s easy to use, makes gorgeous sharp images, and has that satisfying old-school shutter click. A favorite for good reason.
📷 2. Nikon F3
Camera description: A pro-level 35mm SLR with a tough, reliable build and a classic look. Loved for its beautiful contrast and timeless feel.
📷 3. Pentax K1000
Camera description: A no-frills, all-manual camera that photography students everywhere have learned on. Pure simplicity, and it just works.
📷 4. Contax T2
Camera description: A luxury 35mm point-and-shoot with a legendary Zeiss lens. Super sharp, super stylish, and a fave among street photographers.
📷 5. Olympus MJU II (Stylus Epic)
Camera description: Compact, quick, and surprisingly powerful. This 35mm point-and-shoot fits in your pocket and nails the dreamy 90s look.
📷 6. Yashica T4
Camera description: Another compact point-and-shoot that punches above its weight. Clean, crisp images with that iconic Carl Zeiss lens.
📷 7. Mamiya RB67
Camera description: A beast of a medium format camera. Huge negatives, beautiful portraits, and studio-quality results. Just... don’t expect to casually carry it around.
📷 8. Pentax 67
Camera description: Looks like a giant SLR, shoots like a dream. Perfect for fashion, landscapes, or anyone chasing that creamy medium-format bokeh.
📷 9. Hasselblad 500C/M
Camera description: Square format, stunning detail, and famously used by astronauts. The ultimate vintage flex.
📷 10. Holga 120N
Camera description: All plastic, no precision—and that’s the charm. Expect light leaks, soft focus, and dreamy, imperfect beauty. Pure lo-fi magic.
🧠 Final thoughts
So next time you're generating AI art, try tossing in "Shot with a [camera name]" and see how it transforms the mood, tone, and aesthetic of your image. Whether you want crisp commercial vibes or hazy nostalgia, the right film camera reference can do the heavy lifting.
