Digital Disposables Shootout: Camp Snap Versus Paper Shoot Camera (Review With Sample Images)

A new category of digital camera has emerged - the Digital Disposable. Infinitely reusable digital cameras that look and feel like disposable film cameras of yesteryear. The top two choices of the class are the $139 Paper Shoot Camera and the $65 Camp Snap. Which is the better choice for your needs? This in-depth look will provide everything you need to know to make an intelligent purchase decision including sample images I've taken with each.

[@otaythen]

Helpful video. Thanks!

[@Joe_VanCleave]

I have the Paper Shoot with the smaller pixel count sensor. It does automatically shut off after about 10 seconds. The biggest issue I see with image quality opus lack of exposure control. I found rigging an ND filter in front of the lens can tame those bright daytime scenes.

[@davistalhone9482]

Joe there's no power switch though, right? I know mine is always on/ ready to take a pic anytime I press the shutter. No standby mode or anything unless you know a hack. Also that's brilliant. The Paper does always seem overexposed to me. Would love to hear more about your custom ND.

[@Joe_VanCleave]

@@davistalhone9482 On my Papershoot the camera goes into sleep mode after about 10 seconds. The way you can tell is when you press the shutter it takes a few seconds for it to record an image. Right after, you can take additional images without any delay. But then if you wait 10 or more seconds it goes back to sleep mode. The ND filter is nothing special, just a fixed ND8 I had. You could use a variable ND but then you’d have to mark the filter with where you have it set, for consistent results. As it is, the ND 8 works okay in bright sun. I’m not surprised if yours works differently, I doubt the factory does any calibration from one sample to the next. These sensors could also be rejects that couldn’t be sold to a higher end product.

[@davistalhone9482]

@@Joe_VanCleave These are very valid points and that would explain the huge swing in quality I've noticed in Paper Shoot shots around the web. They say the 18mp board solves a lot of issues of the 16 but I can't drop another $150 to find out for sure lol

[@karmaplays4857]

flashback or campsnap