It feels like each week we’re seeing products that are taking a step backwards in technology just to spend a momentary respite with the past. This is never more true than in the photography world, with cameras featuring analog filters, cameras that ditch display screens, and films that actually use film — yeah, film.
Camp Snap has always had one foot in the old school with its screen-free digital cameras that look like something you’d find at a thrift shop. Best of all, they’re pretty darn affordable. Now, the company is paying homage to the iconic Kodak Super 8 video cameras from the ‘60s and ‘70s with their own version of the pistol grip camcorder. Kodak staged its own revival last year, but it has a $5,500 price tag. This one from Camp Snap is just $149.
Stripped-Down Simplicity
For the CS-8 Video Camera, Camp Snap has doubled down on its core philosophy of eliminating distractions. The new model has no playback screen just like their digital cameras, forcing you to be more spontaneous and trust the cinematic instincts of your eyeball rather than a display.
Just like the Kodak Super 8, the CS-8 features a pistol grip design, which we honestly haven’t seen in years, if not decades. True to the retro design, the housing also features analog battery and storage meters on the side.
To record, you simply pull the trigger to start and release it to stop. Each pull creates a new MP4 file that can be batch uploaded to your computer via a USB-C port. The included 4GB SD card holds roughly 30 minutes of footage, though it accepts cards up to 128GB for longer shooting.
Acknowledging Both Vintage Charms and Modern Necessities
Unlike modern cameras, the filters are built-in, giving you five preselects that range from standard camcorder clarity to grainy 18fps analog that mimics actual 8mm film. An aspect ratio dial gives you four options, such as 1:1 squares for Instagram uploads, a more cinematic 16:9 widescreen, or a 4:3 ratio that your old CRT TVs would have. There’s even a 9:16 ratio for TikTok uploads.
The 3.19mm f/2 lens suggests a tiny sensor, and early user reports point toward 480p resolution rather than the rumored 4K specs floating around. Likewise, the 8x zoom is digital-only, meaning quality degrades as you zoom. But perhaps these complaints are missing the point entirely. This camera prioritizes experience over anything else.
Spec Sheet
Model: Camp Snap CS-8
Lens: 3.19mm f/2 fixed focal length
Zoom: 8x digital
Aspect Ratios: 9:16, 16:9, 1:1, 4:3
Filters: Standard, VTG 1, VTG 2, Analog (18fps), B&W
Storage: 4GB SD card included (expandable to 128GB)
Audio: Mono via built-in microphone
Connectivity: USB-C for charging and file transfer
Battery: Rechargeable (capacity unspecified)
Pricing & Availability
With shipping expected for mid-September, the Camp Snap CS-8 is available for pre-order now at $149, jumping to $199 at full retail.
Recap
Camp Snap CS-8 Video Camera
Known for its affordable, retro-inspired digital cameras, Camp Snap has now unveiled its pistol-grip camcorder that evokes the original Kodak Super 8, including analog meters and a lack of display screen.
