The new Yashica Crew wants a piece of the Gen Z point-and-shoot camera craze – and it has one feature many cheap compacts lack

In a bid to capitalize on the popularity of point-and-shoot cameras among Gen Z, Yashica has launched the Yashica Crew, a compact camera priced at $168. Sporting a sleek body, the Crew boasts a 6x optical zoom lens and a petite 1/3.06-inch sensor, prioritizing nostalgic aesthetics over high image quality. Yashica describes the camera as inspired by the 'excitement of carrying a compact camera in the late 1990s and early 2000s.'

The camera taps into the lo-fi camera trend, but Yashica differentiates itself by incorporating a tilting 3-inch LCD screen, offering 180° flip-around capability. This feature makes it easier to take selfies and self-videos, catering to the intended audience of younger users. The LCD screen not only enhances the camera's selfie and video recording capabilities but also expands its versatility.

Despite the sensor's 13MP resolution, the Crew can generate interpolated images up to 36MP. Its video capabilities include 2.7K resolution up to 60 frames per second, as well as interpolated 4K 60p, with Full HD up to 120p available for slow-motion effects. The lens offers a 6x optical zoom, with an additional 3x digital zoom for extended reach, albeit at a slight cost to image quality.

With a weight of just 126g (excluding the battery), the camera is designed to be a portable companion. The 700mAh Li-Ion battery is removable and charges via USB-C, allowing users to carry spare batteries for extended shooting sessions. The camera's settings are limited to exposure compensation, and it offers seven creative filters for image stylization. A selection of sample images taken with the Crew is provided below for visual reference.