Affordable New Gadget Hits Market: An modern camcorder, resembling the iconic Super 8, now available for less than $200/$200
The Camp Snap CS-8, a digital camcorder that harks back to the iconic Kodak Super 8, is now up for pre-order. This vintage-inspired device delivers a unique shooting experience, blending the charm of the past with the convenience of modern technology.
Priced at around £147 in the UK, the CS-8 offers a nostalgic design with its boxy black and silver body, pistol-grip handle, and recording trigger. One notable absence is an on-camera screen; instead, it features a viewfinder for framing shots, and playback must be done on an external device.
Key specifications and features of the CS-8 include an f/2 lens with 8x zoom capability, a sensor size that is yet to be disclosed, and a frame rate of 18 frames per second to emulate the authentic Super 8 film feel. It comes with an included 4GB SD card and an analog SD card meter to indicate remaining space.
The CS-8 boasts a USB-C rechargeable battery, supporting up to 500 shots per charge, and an analog battery meter showing the charge level. It offers four aspect ratio options and five built-in vintage filters. Zoom control is handled by separate rocker switches, and it has a built-in speaker for audio capture, although detailed audio specifications are not available.
For connectivity, the CS-8 features a USB-C port for charging and file transfer. The design philosophy behind the CS-8 is to encourage "living in the moment" by avoiding on-device playback.
Hillary K. Grigonis, who leads the US coverage for Digital Camera World, has more than a decade of experience writing about cameras and technology. Her work has appeared in various publications including Business Insider, Digital Trends, Pocket-lint, Rangefinder, The Phoblographer, and more. Grigonis is also a licensed drone pilot.
The CS-8 is priced at $199 USD, and while international pricing has not been shared yet, it is expected to ship approximately one month after pre-order. The footage from the CS-8 is intended to be retro, with a lower quality compared to modern camcorders.
This retro-style digital camcorder is a perfect choice for those who appreciate the vintage Super 8 style shooting without the complications of modern camera menus or playback screens. The CS-8 is currently available for pre-order.
- The Camp Snap CS-8, a modern take on the classic Kodak Super 8, is equipped with an f/2 lens that offers an 8x zoom capability, blending the aesthetics of the past with the convenience of technology.
- For videographers seeking a unique shooting experience, the CS-8 boasts a sensor size yet to be disclosed, aiming to deliver an authentic Super 8 film feel with a frame rate of 18 frames per second.
- Instead of an on-camera screen, the CS-8 features a viewfinder for framing shots, with playback only available on external devices.
- Award-winning technology journalist Hillary K. Grigonis has reviewed the CS-8, praising its vintage design and the charm it brings to gadgets and photography.
- Apart from its USB-C charging port and battery meter, the CS-8 also includes four aspect ratio options, five built-in vintage filters, and a built-in speaker for audio capture.
- Priced at around £147 in the UK or $199 USD, the CS-8 offers a nostalgic view into the world of past technology, promising a retro video experience that differs from modern camcorders.
