Camp Snap Shrinks Its Screen-Free Camcorder for Kids, Because Apparently Children Need 2.7K Video Now
Camp Snap's new CS-8 Mini is half the size of the original, drops resolution to 2.7K, and still has no screen or connectivity - because kids today need retro aesthetics and 4GB microSD cards, apparently.
Remember last month when Camp Snap introduced new color options for its screen-free CS-8 video camera? Well, the company has now announced a miniature version that’s less than half the size of the original, presumably because small hands deserve small gadgets - and because the market for retro-styled camcorders for children is apparently thriving.
The new CS-8 Mini carries forward the retro design of the larger version, which was inspired by Canon and Kodak Super 8mm film cameras from decades ago. It features a smaller grip that’s easier for smaller hands to hold, and a step down in resolution. While the original can capture 4K videos, the Mini’s 1/2.7-inch sensor is limited to 2.7K - a sacrifice that will surely be felt by every parent who was hoping their kid’s first foray into cinematography would be in ultra-high definition.
The CS-8 Mini is available now through Camp Snap’s online store and Target for $149.99 in bright blue, orange, pink, and green color options. There’s still no screen, no Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connectivity, and no app to download - because heaven forbid a child’s toy be connected to the internet. The Mini captures video to an included 4GB microSD card using a trigger-style recording button that creates a new clip every time it’s pressed. Videos are downloaded to other devices either using a card reader or a direct connection with a USB-C cable, which is about as retro as the design itself.
The Mini is designed to be easy and accessible for kids, but still includes a decent number of recording options borrowed from the larger version. There are four aspect ratios to choose from including 16:9 widescreen, 9:16 vertical, 1:1 square for easier sharing on social media, and 4:3 emulating a retro home movie aesthetic. There’s also up to 8x digital zoom available plus five film-style filters. In addition to a standard mode there’s two vintage looks, an analog option that goes heavy on film grain and flickering, and black and white - because nothing says “childhood memories” like simulated film grain and flickering.
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