Camp Snap Review: A $70 Digital Camera Ideal for Traveling Light

Getting any of these filters on my camera was easy: I clicked the download link for the filter I wanted on Camp Snap’s Support page, plugged my camera to my computer via a USB-C cable, then dragged the filter from my downloads folder into the Camp Snap folder that popped up. (This is the same folder where you will find your images.) That’s really all there is to it; no apps, additional websites or logins.

Shot with no filters

Using the Camp Snap is, for lack of a better word, fun. The user interface is simple. There’s a sliding button that turns the camera on and off and controls the flash, there’s a tiny counter that tells you how many photos you’ve shot, and a small viewfinder that you can use to frame your shot. That’s it! In hand, the Camp Snap feels eerily similar to a disposable camera—alas, without a tactile wheel to advance the film—and it accurately mimics the experience as well. Even the feel of pushing the shutter button is the same; it’s a hollow, plasticky “plunk”, but it’s an exciting plunk, because you have no idea what’s waiting for you on the other side.

When I pulled the Camp Snap out during the trail running event, no one in our 35-person group batted an eye; after all, it looked just like a disposable. But, when I explained to a few fellow runners that the Camp Snap is actually a tiny, screenless digital camera, they were really intrigued. One runner even mentioned how it would be a great first camera for his kids, since it’s so easy to use and keeps screens out of their hands.

Author, Hayley Helms, taken with the “Vintage” filter active

I found that using the Camp Snap forced me to be more intentional about what I wanted to photograph, even without film inside. I had to physically slow down to take my photos, and this resulted in my being more considered with what I shot, and where. I relished not seeing Mount Telluride through the screen of my phone, and felt more connected to the moment. Although the image quality didn’t always match what I hoped for (just like a disposable!) I had fun shooting, and wondering what I was coming home with. That experience alone was more valuable than achieving the “perfect” shot.

Shot with no filters

What I Didn’t Love About the Camp Snap

If you’re used to bringing just your iPhone on runs, be aware that the Camp Snap does not have the built-in optical image stabilization that most smartphones come stock with; you’ll need to actually stop moving before you shoot to get an image that isn’t insanely blurry. However, given the enhanced storage capabilities of the Camp Snap, I felt less pressure to waste time perfecting my shots than I have when shooting with film. My camera’s battery was more than enough to get through three days and two nights on the trail, and downloading photos when I returned to civilization was as simple as plugging in the USB-C cord to my laptop.

Or at least, it should have been. The included USB-C cord from Camp Snap did not work for me; after some researching, I’ve discovered that this is a common problem. Luckily, I have tons of USB-C cables lying around. The cord I use to charge my computer worked with the camera without issue, allowing me to download photos from the camera and upload the filters I had chosen from the Camp Snap website.

Speaking of filters, the Camp Snap only allows you to upload one filter at a time can be uploaded to the Camp Snap, which does present some restriction. You can’t, for example, take a picture with no filter, then take the same picture with the vintage filter to compare the results. At least not without first plugging the camera into your computer and changing the filter you have downloaded to the camera itself. This would be nice to have, but ultimately isn’t a dealbreaker.

Shot with the “Vintage” filter active

Final Verdict: Should You Buy the Camp Snap?

If you’re looking for a lightweight, easy to use camera that delivers images with “an aesthetic” and isn’t an iPhone, I would recommend the Camp Snap Camera. It’s simple, fun, can be shared among travel buddies and eliminates one more screen from our overly-digitized lives, all while reducing waste (compared to using disposable cameras). Consider it a $70 fun enhancer.

Learn More at Camp Snap Directly