A new genre of camera has popped up in the past few years: the screenless digital camera. It started really with the original Camp Snap and then a whole bunch of others started popping up. Now, it’s a robust category with lots of options for photographers to choose from. I’ll admit it, though, I really wanted to put the Chuzhao camera on this list. However, it has a hidden screen. However, if you’re looking for a screenless digital camera, consider these options.
Echolens: The Best Modern Take on the Digicam
- Why It’s Great: The Echolens blends the decade between 1997 to 2007 together very well. It has a Leica-style body, but the tactile aesthetics of a disposable camera. This includes a wonderful forward advance wheel. Additionally, it can connect wirelessly to your phone to upload and develop the digital film rolls it stores. Choose from four fun options.
- Who Will Enjoy It the Most?: I think that this camera leans more towards millennials because we were truly coming into our own during the time this camera is designed to harken back to. However, anyone who appreciates tactile experiences will love this.
In our review, we stated that the battery lasts for a long time and that people absolutely loved the images that came out of this camera. What’s really nice is that unlike the other two cameras on this list, you don’t need to use a USB-C cable to get your photos. You just connect the camera to your phone using the Echolens app and then just load a new digital roll of film to get shooting.
Camp Snap Pro: The King of the Hill
- Why It’s Great: The Camp Snap Pro is in many ways the original. You’ve got a selection of standard, two vintage color, and one black and white filter. Plus there are two different flash settings and you can attach a lens filter to the front. It’s a wonderful and fun camera to use for sure and in many ways it’s bound to give you all sorts of retro feelings. I’m not just talking about the way the camera looks, but also the aesthetics.
- Who Will Enjoy It the Most?: I think that the photographer that likes adding a ton of luts or in-camera filters will love the Camp Snap the most. There’s a vibrant community of people making presets, and I really enjoy using them.
In our review, we stated that the camera is lightweight, fun, simple to use, and that it’s such a relief to get away from more serious cameras. If you’re looking for something to give you a bit more of a break, then consider this.
Paper Shoot Camera: The Most Fashionable Option
- Why It’s Great: The PaperShoot camera is kind of chaotic. You literally get a motherboard and a case and then you need to put it together. The build quality is really lacking and sometimes things go wrong or stop working. But that’s really only if you don’t treat your devices like a precious little egg. If you’re the type to hold a camera and repeat the words of Golum from The Lord of the Rings, then you’ll do just fine with the Paper Shoot Camera.
- Who Will Enjoy It the Most?I think that the folks who love fashion, retro aesthetics, and more will love this camera once they understand how to build it. And that’s simple enough to figure out.
In our review, we stated that this camera got so many people curious, but that the low light capabilities are really lacking due to there being no flash at all and having a super small sensor. If you don’t plan on going out at night or in low light, you’ll love this little camera.