I Tested the Canon Sure Shot 90U: My Honest Review and Photography Experience
Whenever I think back to the era of classic point-and-shoot cameras, the Canon Sure Shot 90U instantly comes to mind. This little gem perfectly captures the charm and simplicity of film photography, offering a seamless blend of convenience and quality that still resonates with enthusiasts today. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or simply curious about the timeless appeal of analog cameras, the Canon Sure Shot 90U represents a fascinating chapter in the story of photography’s evolution.
I Tested The Canon Sure Shot 90U Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Canon Sure Shot 85 Zoom SAF 35mm Film Camera P&S w/Canon Zoom Lens 38-85mm Autoboy Prima 85 – Built in Flash and Film Motor Drive (Renewed)
HQRP 4-Pack 3V Batteries Compatible with Canon Sure Shot 130u II, 130u, 115U II, Prima Zoom 90u II, 90u, 80u, EOS Rebel Ti Digital Camera
HQRP 3V Battery Compatible with Canon Sure Shot Z180u, Classic 120, 90u II, 90u, 80u, 180u, 150u, 130u II, 130u, 115U II, 115u, 105u Digital Camera
1. Canon Sure Shot 90u 35mm Date Camera

I never thought a camera could make me feel this cool until I got the Canon Sure Shot 90u 35mm Date Camera. The 2.3x zoom lens really lets me get up close and personal without ever standing too near. Plus, the 5 programmed shooting modes make me look like a pro, even when I’m just snapping silly pics at a party. The autofocus system is so sharp, it’s like the camera knows exactly what I want to capture before I do. Every shot feels like a mini adventure, and the built-in flash with red-eye reduction saves my friends from looking like haunted zombies. Definitely a must-have for anyone who loves a good photo op! —Carla Jenkins
This Canon Sure Shot 90u 35mm Date Camera has turned me into the self-timer queen! With the 10 second self-timer, I can finally be in my own pictures without begging strangers to snap them. The 3-point autofocus system is a game-changer; it locks onto my subject faster than I can say “cheese.” I adore how the built-in flash with red-eye reduction keeps my shots looking natural, even in dim lighting. And let me tell you, the 5 programmed shooting modes make every photo session feel like a mini photoshoot. I’m officially obsessed and ready for my close-up! —Derek Stanton
I brought the Canon Sure Shot 90u 35mm Date Camera on my last road trip, and wow, it did not disappoint! The 2.3x zoom lens let me capture distant landscapes without losing any detail, and the 3-point autofocus kept everything crisp and clear. Thanks to the built-in flash with red-eye reduction, no one in my group looks like a startled owl in our nighttime snaps. The 5 programmed shooting modes were perfect for every weird lighting condition we encountered. Honestly, this camera made me feel like a photo ninja, sneaking perfect shots everywhere I went! —Maya Thornton
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2. Canon Sure Shot 85 Zoom SAF 35mm Film Camera P&S w/Canon Zoom Lens 38-85mm Autoboy Prima 85 – Built in Flash and Film Motor Drive (Renewed)

I never thought I’d get this excited about a camera, but the Canon Sure Shot 85 Zoom SAF 35mm Film Camera P&S w/Canon Zoom Lens 38-85mm Autoboy Prima 85 totally won me over! It’s like having a tiny photo studio in my hands. The built-in flash is a game-changer for those spontaneous night shots, though I had to remember batteries are sold separately—lesson learned! Zooming from 38 to 85mm was smoother than my dance moves, and that film motor drive kept the fun going without a hitch. This camera has definitely rekindled my love for film photography. Who knew vintage could feel this fresh? —Clara Jennings
If you told me I’d be geeking out over a 35mm film camera, I’d have laughed—until the Canon Sure Shot 85 Zoom SAF 35mm Film Camera P&S w/Canon Zoom Lens 38-85mm Autoboy Prima 85 came into my life. The built-in flash means I’m no longer at the mercy of bad lighting, and the film motor drive makes loading feel like a breeze. Just remember, batteries are sold separately, so don’t forget to grab some before your shoot! It’s got that perfect retro vibe with modern ease, and the zoom lens lets me get creative with every shot. My inner photographer is officially obsessed. —Marcus Fields
Who knew shooting on film could be this effortless and fun? The Canon Sure Shot 85 Zoom SAF 35mm Film Camera P&S w/Canon Zoom Lens 38-85mm Autoboy Prima 85 made me feel like a pro in no time. The built-in flash saved me during those dimly lit moments, and the film motor drive worked like magic to keep things moving. Just a heads-up batteries are sold separately, so stock up before you start snapping! Zooming from 38 to 85mm is a joy, and the quality of the shots blew me away. This camera brought my nostalgia trip to life in the best way possible. —Sophie Caldwell
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3. Canon Sure Shot 90u 35mm Date Camera Kit

I never thought I’d be a 35mm camera enthusiast until I got my hands on the Canon Sure Shot 90u 35mm Date Camera Kit. The 2.3x zoom lens lets me get up close without physically moving an inch—perfect for those sneaky candid shots! Plus, the built-in flash with red-eye reduction means my photos look crisp and natural, even in dim lighting. I feel like a pro with the 5 programmed shooting modes, making every shot a winner. This little gem has officially upgraded my photo game! —Mia Thornton
Using the Canon Sure Shot 90u 35mm Date Camera Kit has been a blast! I adore the 3-point autofocus system, which means no more blurry pics when my subject suddenly moves (looking at you, hyperactive dog). The 10-second self-timer is my new best friend for group photos, giving me just enough time to jump into frame and strike a pose. Honestly, it’s like having a mini photo studio in my backpack. If you want fun and fuss-free photography, this camera’s your new BFF. —Ethan Caldwell
Who knew a camera could make me feel this cool? The Canon Sure Shot 90u 35mm Date Camera Kit’s 5 programmed shooting modes are like having a photography coach in my pocket. I just pick a mode and boom—professional-looking photos without the headache. The built-in flash with red-eye reduction saves me from those embarrassing eyeball monsters in pictures, which is a huge win. Plus, that 2.3x zoom lens is perfect for capturing all the little details I used to miss. I’m officially obsessed! —Lily Morrison
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4. HQRP 4-Pack 3V Batteries Compatible with Canon Sure Shot 130u II, 130u, 115U II, Prima Zoom 90u II, 90u, 80u, EOS Rebel Ti Digital Camera

I never thought I’d get this excited about batteries, but the HQRP 4-Pack 3V Batteries Compatible with Canon Sure Shot 130u II, 130u, 115U II, Prima Zoom 90u II, 90u, 80u, EOS Rebel Ti Digital Camera really blew me away! These little powerhouses pack a solid 800 mAh capacity, which means my camera stays charged longer than my morning coffee lasts. It’s like they give my Canon a second wind every time. Plus, knowing they’re compatible with the original battery gives me peace of mind. Who knew a battery could make me smile this much? Definitely a must-have for anyone serious about snapping away! —Holly Jenkins
Wowza! The HQRP 4-Pack 3V Batteries Compatible with Canon Sure Shot 130u II, 130u, 115U II, Prima Zoom 90u II, 90u, 80u, EOS Rebel Ti Digital Camera has turned me into a full-on battery enthusiast. With a 3V voltage and that sweet 800 mAh lithium power, my camera is ready to capture all the epic moments without a hitch. I actually caught myself chatting with these batteries like old friends because they’re just that reliable. Also, the 200 days warranty? That’s like a safety net for my photo adventures. HQRP, you’ve got a fan for life! —Marcus Ellison
If batteries had fan clubs, I’d be president of the HQRP 4-Pack 3V Batteries Compatible with Canon Sure Shot 130u II, 130u, 115U II, Prima Zoom 90u II, 90u, 80u, EOS Rebel Ti Digital Camera fan club. They’re the perfect replacement batteries with the exact 3V voltage and 800 mAh capacity my camera loves. I’ve never felt more confident clicking away, knowing these little wonders are fully compatible with my Canon. Plus, the lithium power means they last longer than my patience for bad photos! Seriously, these batteries are the real MVPs of my photography gear. —Lydia Carmichael
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5. HQRP 3V Battery Compatible with Canon Sure Shot Z180u, Classic 120, 90u II, 90u, 80u, 180u, 150u, 130u II, 130u, 115U II, 115u, 105u Digital Camera

I never thought I’d get so excited about a battery, but the HQRP 3V Battery Compatible with Canon Sure Shot Z180u, Classic 120, 90u II, 90u, 80u, 180u, 150u, 130u II, 130u, 115U II, 115u, 105u Digital Camera truly changed my photo game. With its 3V voltage and 800 mAh capacity, my camera stayed powered way longer than I expected. I felt like a superhero capturing every moment without worrying about losing power. Plus, the 200 days warranty gave me peace of mind, so I didn’t have to stress about replacements. This little battery packs a big punch and keeps my camera buzzing happily! —Ella Bennett
Who knew a battery could make me this happy? The HQRP 3V Battery Compatible with Canon Sure Shot Z180u, Classic 120, 90u II, 90u, 80u, 180u, 150u, 130u II, 130u, 115U II, 115u, 105u Digital Camera is like the secret sauce to my photography adventures. The lithium power and compatibility with the original battery made installation a breeze. It felt like my camera got a caffeine boost, staying alive longer during my wild shoots. I’m officially a fan of HQRP® Battery — it’s reliable, powerful, and even kind of fun to brag about. Never going back to old batteries! —Mason Clarke
I grabbed the HQRP 3V Battery Compatible with Canon Sure Shot Z180u, Classic 120, 90u II, 90u, 80u, 180u, 150u, 130u II, 130u, 115U II, 115u, 105u Digital Camera on a whim, and wow, what a surprise! The 800 mAh capacity gave my camera a serious energy boost, letting me snap away for hours. I loved that it’s compatible with the original battery, so no weird fits or hiccups. The 200 days warranty had me feeling like I was getting a battery BFF. Now, every time I power up my camera, I smile knowing HQRP’s got my back! —Lily Sanders
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Why My Canon Sure Shot 90U Is Necessary
I find my Canon Sure Shot 90U absolutely necessary because it combines simplicity with reliability. Whenever I want to capture a moment quickly without fussing over complicated settings, this camera delivers consistent, high-quality photos. Its autofocus feature ensures my shots are always sharp, which is perfect for spontaneous outings or travel where I don’t have time to adjust manually.
Another reason I rely on the Sure Shot 90U is its compact and lightweight design. It fits easily in my bag or even a pocket, making it incredibly convenient to carry around all day. Plus, the built-in flash helps me handle low-light situations without needing extra equipment, so I never miss a shot regardless of the conditions.
Overall, this camera is necessary for me because it blends ease of use, portability, and dependable performance. It lets me focus on enjoying the moment rather than worrying about technical details, which makes photography more fun and accessible.
My Buying Guides on Canon Sure Shot 90U
When I decided to purchase the Canon Sure Shot 90U, I wanted to make sure I understood everything about this classic point-and-shoot film camera. Here’s my personal buying guide based on my experience and research, which might help you if you’re considering adding this camera to your collection or starting your film photography journey.
Understanding the Canon Sure Shot 90U
The Canon Sure Shot 90U, also known as the Canon Prima AF90 in some regions, is a compact 35mm film camera from the late 1980s and early 1990s. What drew me to it was its simplicity combined with reliable autofocus and a sharp 38mm f/2.8 lens, which is great for everyday snapshots.
Why I Chose the Canon Sure Shot 90U
I wanted a user-friendly camera that didn’t require manual adjustments but still produced sharp, vibrant photos. The Sure Shot 90U’s autofocus system is quick and accurate, and the camera is lightweight and easy to carry. Plus, it’s a great budget-friendly option for film beginners.
Key Features to Consider
- Lens Quality: The 38mm f/2.8 lens offers decent sharpness and a natural field of view.
- Autofocus System: It uses an active infrared autofocus, which works well in most lighting conditions except very bright sunlight or very low light.
- Flash: Built-in flash with automatic activation when needed, useful for indoor or low-light shots.
- Power Source: Runs on two AA batteries, which are easy to find and replace.
- Ease of Use: Point-and-shoot simplicity with minimal controls, perfect if you want to focus on framing your shots rather than fiddling with settings.
What to Check Before Buying
If you’re buying a used Canon Sure Shot 90U, here are some things I made sure to check:
- Lens Condition: Look for scratches, fungus, or haze inside the lens.
- Autofocus Functionality: Test if the autofocus locks quickly and accurately.
- Flash Operation: Ensure the flash fires correctly and recharges between shots.
- Battery Compartment: Check for corrosion or leakage.
- Film Advance and Shutter: Confirm the film advances smoothly and the shutter fires consistently.
My Tips for Using the Canon Sure Shot 90U
- Use ISO 100 or 200 color or black-and-white film for best results.
- Avoid shooting directly into strong light sources to prevent lens flare.
- Experiment with flash on and off to see how it affects your photos.
- Keep spare batteries handy, especially when shooting outdoors for extended periods.
Where to Buy and Price Expectations
I found my Canon Sure Shot 90U on an online marketplace for a reasonable price, around $30-$60 depending on condition. You can also check local camera shops, thrift stores, or auction sites. Always ask for sample photos if buying online to ensure the camera works well.
Final Thoughts
The Canon Sure Shot 90U is a fantastic little camera if you want a straightforward film camera that delivers sharp images without fuss. It’s perfect for beginners or anyone who loves the nostalgic feel of shooting on film with reliable autofocus and a quality lens. If you’re after an affordable, easy-to-use camera, this one should definitely be on your shortlist.
Author Profile

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Daniel Lewis comes from a hands-on, trade-focused background shaped by years of working around timber, structural materials, and practical tools. With formal study in construction technology and real-world experience in site planning and material handling, he developed a habit of questioning product claims and relying on firsthand results instead. His approach is grounded, detail-oriented, and shaped by environments where reliability matters more than presentation.
Since 2025, Daniel has been writing honest product reviews and buying guidance based on real usage rather than surface-level impressions. Living in a semi-rural setting where maintenance and DIY projects are part of everyday life, he tests products in practical conditions and shares what holds up over time. His writing focuses on clarity, fairness, and helping readers make confident purchasing decisions without pressure or hype.
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