68. The Power of Simplified Photography: A Few Weeks with the Camp Snap Pro

No screen. No settings. No distractions.

The Camp Snap Pro is a screen-free digital camera that costs under $100 and leans hard into retro styling. It’s part of a growing movement of lower-end (often screen-less) digital cameras, sometimes called “unserious” or “toy” cameras. I think those labels do these cameras — and particularly the Camp Snap Pro — a disservice. I prefer the term “mindful cameras.” These devices prioritize the experience of shooting over technical perfection—and when used well, the results can be surprisingly good.

At this price, Camp Snap isn’t trying to compete with Fuji, Sony, Nikon, or Canon. It lacks an adjustable aperture, image stabilization, or auto focusing (or manual focus, for that matter). However, it also lacks endless menus, and the only settings are flash on/off and a filter dial (i.e., film simulations). Think about it as a digital version of the disposable camera. And that’s the key. It is simple by design, and that simplicity unlocks a shooting experience that higher-end cameras can sometimes stifle.

From Summer Camp to Cult Classic
The Camp Snap story started with a mix of parental frustration and nostalgia. Founders Brian and Melanie Waldman realized that when they sent their child to summer camp, the “no-screen” policies meant even basic digital cameras were off-limits. As they say, “ after a couple of summers of sending our kids to camp with disposable cameras and only a handful of worthwhile photos, we realized there had to be a better option.” Finding no screen-free alternative, they began tinkering, and in 2023, they released the original Camp Snap ($70). It was a big hit with their core audience, but many photographers who picked it up wanted more.

Listening to Their Fans
Camp Snap listened to the photographers, and late last year, they released the Camp Snap Pro with better resolution (16MP vs 8), a better flash, and some other asked for updates.

The Pro’s retro styling (and lower shutter lag!) makes it feel less like a “toy” and more like a legitimate tool for photographers.

The Beauty of Shooting Simple
I reached out to the company for a test unit because I loved the idea of shooting without a screen to cut out distractions. What I found went deeper than that: while losing the screen helped me focus on my subjects, the real game-changer was the total lack of settings. Since I couldn’t fiddle with menus or second-guess my exposure, I spent all my energy just looking for light and subjects.

There are definitely limitations. The biggest hurdle is the limited dynamic range. Because there’s no screen, I didn’t realize how the sensor handled light until a few outings—but once I saw and analyzed my results, I started instinctively gravitating toward the specific scenes where this camera actually shines.

Final Thoughts
If you want a deeper dive into technical specs, there are plenty of hardware reviews out there. But for me, the value is in the change of pace. The Camp Snap Pro has changed how I see and respond to a scene. It’s an “unserious” camera that has made me a more serious observer.

Check out some of my results below, and if you’re interested in picking one up, please use my affiliate link.

If you already have a Camp Snap or Camp Snap Pro (or if you want to see one in action), I’ll lead a San Francisco photo walk dedicated to the Camp Snap on Monday, February 16th (President’s Day). Respond or email me for more on this.

Have you used an “unserious” or “mindful” camera? What did you think? Leave a comment and let me know.