If you've read any of my articles on the original Camp Snap or the Camp Snap CS-Pro, you'll know that I'm a sucker for a gimmicky camera. I enjoy the fact that they're cheap enough that you don't really have to worry about damaging them, and because of that, I can pass them around to my friends. I'm never worried about them hitting the wrong buttons or messing around with settings.
That's why I always make sure that when I'm out and about with friends, I have a digital camera with me — and a cheap one at that. It may not give the same level of quality as your phone or your Canon G7X Mark III, but it means you can put your phone away, switch off from all notifications, and be present in the moment.
So, when I saw the Kodak Charmera on my social media feed, I knew I needed one. It's a point-and-shoot that's small enough to fit on your keychain — it's so convenient, there's literally no excuse for leaving it at home.
Camera quality
I know what you're probably thinking. Why would you use a 1.6MP camera over, say, the 24MP from the front camera of your iPhone? Because it's fun, of course!
I'm not claiming that the Kodak Charmera is going to give you crisp and clear images, because it's not. But what I am claiming is that you and your friends are going to have buckets of fun using it.
As you can see from the images, they are lo-fi, and the camera struggles with the highlights of the image. So not the best choice for a professional photo shoot. But that's not the point.
I went out to grab some pizza with friends and took the camera with me, attached to my keys. We passed it around the table, snapping a bunch of pictures while we waited for our food. It turned out to be loads of fun!
Because the controls are so easy to use, everybody can have a go. You just look through the tiny viewfinder or on the digital screen and hit the big button on top to take the picture — so simple.
It's a mystery!
The main reason this camera went viral is that it's a total mystery which color you're going to get. The camera comes in a blind box, so you don't know which of the seven different colors you're going to receive until you open the box.
This concept adds to the idea that the camera is nothing more than a toy. And in truth, that's how I'm treating it. It put the whimsy back into taking pictures.
Sure, it looks cute hanging on your keys or dangling on the outside of your bag, but ultimately, it's there so you can enjoy snapping silly pictures.
I think most people are in desperate need of less screen time, and if a gimmicky camera is the way to do that and be more present, then I think everybody needs a Kodak Charmera.
