This Vintage-Inspired Camera Recaptures the Magic of Shooting Film in the 1970s

Camp Snap is a California-based company known for its affordable, screen-less digital cameras, inspired by the cameras of the past.

This week, it unveiled its take on the digital camcorder, the CS-8, which is actually the brand’s first digital camera capable of capturing video. It’s simple, budget-friendly, and designed to resemble the Super 8 film cameras from the 1970s.

Camp Snap CS-8 Digital Video Recorder

Camp Snap

Video only, no photos

Camp Snap’s CS-8 looks every bit the part of an old-school Super 8 film camera, but it replaces the film with a modern SD card. It also features a rechargeable battery (via USB-C), adding another modern convenience.

That said, the CS-8 is designed to be even easier to use than today’s digital cameras, as well as the film cameras of yesteryear. There are no swappable lenses or adjustable settings for exposure or aperture. You can’t adjust the frame rates. And it doesn’t take photos.

Yep, it’s video only.

Camp Snap

Five vintage filters

That’s not to say there aren’t any options. Most notably, the CS-8 allows you to choose between five filter options, including standard, black and white, grainy analog, and faded sepia. There’s also four aspect ratios to select from.

You can choose the filter and aspect ratio via two of the rotating dials on the side of the camera.

Additionally, there are power-like meters on either side of the camera, one indicating battery life and the other indicating the amount of space remaining on your SD card. There are buttons on the top for zooming in and out, too.

Camp Snap

Up to 4K video capture

As far as the actual video, the Camp Snap’s CS-8 is capable of capturing up to 4K video at 30fps, although this depends on the aspect ratio you’re using.

To start shooting, simply turn on the CS-8 via its power on/off dial, select the desired aspect ratio and filter, and then press and hold the trigger on the handle to begin recording. It stops recording when you stop holding the trigger.

Camp Snap includes a 4GB SD card with the CS-8, which the brand claims can hold approximately 30 minutes of video footage. But with a 128GB SD card (which is the max it supports), it can hold up to 16 hours of video.

Camp Snap

An analog-like experience

The Camp Snap’s CS-8 is a digital camera that’s designed to replicate the analog experience. There’s no screen or digital viewfinder. And, there’s no way of seeing what it’ll look like while you’re shooting it — you have to wait until to get to your computer or laptop.

You can view what you’ve shot by uploading the videos by using the included USB-C cable or by inserting the SD card into your computer.

The CS-8 lacks support for Wi-Fi or Bluetooth and isn’t compatible with any apps. Therefore, unless you’re using a separate video editor, it doesn’t accommodate extensive post-production work. This also doesn’t make it super conducive to uploading what you shoot to social media.

Essentially, what you shoot is what you get, so you must be mindful of everything — especially the video settings — while shooting. It’s a kind of jeopardy that’s been lost in today’s digital age.

Camp Snap

Price and availability

The Camp Snap CS-8 is available for preorder now on the company’s website. It costs $199, but the company is knocking $50 off for those who preorder.

It’s expected to start shipping in mid-September.

Camp Snap

Camp Snap CS-8 Digital Video Recorder

Camp Snap’s CS-8 is a digital camera that resembles the Super 8 film cameras from the 1970s — only instead of film, it uses an SD card. The CS-8 is a video-only camera capable of recording 4K video and is designed for easy use. You simply turn it on, choose the filter (5 options) and aspect ratio (4 options) you want to use, and hold the trigger on the handle to start recording. The camera replicates the analog experience as you can’t see what you’ve shot until you’ve uploaded it to your computer.

• $149 at Camp Snap
  $199 (25% off)

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