This Pocket-Size Camera Takes Epic Retro-Style Photos (I Don’t Leave Home Without It!)

Believe it or not, there was a time when you could buy a disposable camera for roughly $5. So when I started seeing them on shelves for $20 and up, it’s safe to say that I was shocked. Over the years, I graduated from disposable cameras to point-and-shoot, then DSLR, and, of course, my smartphone. But retroactively adding a vintage filter to pictures long after taking them doesn’t quite have the same satisfaction of snapping photos without seeing them first and the thrill of surprise at how they turn out. For me, the reusable Camp Snap Camera re-creates that magic and nostalgia.

The Camp Snap Camera is a screen-free, point-and-shoot digital camera that takes crisp, film-style photos with an 8MP lens. It’s rechargeable without the need for a removable battery, and the camera takes up to 500 photos on a single charge. There’s a small panel on the back that lets you know how many pictures are on the device, and you can also control the LED flash settings with the push of a switch. The camera measures 4.5 by 2.5 inches, which means it can easily fit in your pocket or a bag, and it comes in 12 colors and patterns. You can also find exclusive designs (like polka dot and denim) at Urban Outfitters.

Each camera comes with the “Camp Classic” filter preinstalled, but you can download additional filters for free or customize your own. Any photos you take can be uploaded directly to your phone, tablet, or other compatible device with the included USB-C cable. The camera also comes with a 4GB SD card that stores up to 2000 photos. The date, volume, and time can all be set via a panel at the bottom of the camera (you’ll need a small screwdriver to open it) that ensures the photos appear in the correct timeframe in your device’s photo library.

It’s not an exaggeration when I say that I take my Camp Snap Camera almost everywhere, and I always pack it when I’m going on trips. It’s come with me to Disneyland, to music festivals, and on vacations, and I couldn’t let the rare snow day in Louisiana pass without capturing the moment in retro-style stills. I love taking holiday photos with it, too! I’ve even gifted this camera multiple times and plan to do so again when I slip them into goodie bags for my birthday trip next year. It’s so much fun uploading and trading photos as a group because everyone has a different style of taking pictures, and you really get to see the world through each other’s eyes. 

Although you can change the filter for your Camp Snap Camera, I love the look of the “Camp Classic” filter and have never changed mine. It replicates the vibe of photos on a disposable film camera with the quality of digital, so the pictures come through clearly even with a vintage feel. That being said, it’s still possible to take blurry photos and end up with pictures that look different than you intended, but that’s true of any camera and all part of the fun. You get to enjoy the surprise of snapping photos screen-free. Plus, you can still crop and edit as much as you want once the photos are uploaded to your phone or computer.

Rather than spend $20 on a camera that gets thrown away, get more for your money with a Camp Snap Camera. You can even save up to 15% if you buy two or more. Trust me — you won’t regret it!

Buy: Camp Snap Camera, $69.95

This post originally appeared on Apartment Therapy. See it there: This Pocket-Size Camera Takes Epic Vintage-Style Photos (I Don’t Leave Home Without It!)