For years, young photo enthusiasts have been striving to add a nostalgic look to their photos. From smartphone camera filters to old hand-me-down point-and-shoot cameras, we’ve been chasing a look that just can’t be replicated. That is, unless you design a camera specifically to accomplish that goal. And that’s exactly what Kodak did with the Charmera keychain camera.
At this point, you may be familiar with this popular little keychain camera. After all, it’s one of the hottest new items on the market. As a functioning digital camera and a fun blind box collectible to boot, there’s more than one reason to love this little camera. With seven vintage designs and the image quality reminiscent of a single-use film camera from the 80s, it’s no wonder the Kodak Charmera is so popular.
It’s safe to assume that Kodak imagined that this keychain camera would be used for walks on the town, parties, and casual travel. After all, it can literally be thrown in your pocket or worn on your belt for quick access without garnering too much attention. I’m not sure they expected to see it on a wildlife photography excursion to the southern coast of Alaska in mid-winter.
This presents a question that many of us will be faced with at some point in our lives, and it’s a simple one-word question: Why? To that, I say, “Why not.” That’s the mentality I had when I took on this project and that’s the mentality we hope you consider when you're out taking pictures.
Having Fun
I believe it was David Burnett who said something along the lines of “every photographer should have a fun camera.” For context, he was referring to the Holga 120N, but the idea is something we all should consider. I myself owned a Fujifilm X100T (before it was cool) as a walk-around camera. As a wildlife photographer, this was definitely out of left field, but it was a joy to walk around the city with and snap fun pics. I’m no great street photographer, but often it’s in the process, not the results, where enjoyment is found.
Where the Charmera is concerned, we have an entirely different beast. This is no X100 or even G7X. It’s a keychain with a 1.6MP sensor and enough internal storage to fit two whole images! Now, it’s important to note that this isn’t a review. It’s quite impossible to review such an item, largely because it does exactly what it sets out to do, which isn’t much when compared to something like a G7X or even a smartphone. But here’s the thing: It doesn’t need to do much.
This is a keychain after all, and one designed to harken back to the single-use Kodak Fling from 1987. Portability and a retro aesthetic are what this modern take promises, and does it deliver. I took the Charmera out on only a few occasions, as the weather was overall gloomy and damp. When the sun was shining, so was the Charmera. As soon as I took it out, other photographers were drawn to this tiny rectangle. Suffice to say I wasn’t the only proud owner of one by the end of the trip.
You may be wondering what possibly could drive someone to visit Alaska in the dead of winter. The answer: a chance to see our nation’s now-official national bird, the bald eagle, up close. Many photographers go their entire lives chasing decent photo opportunities of this majestic bird of prey in local areas, and while great photos can be made in these scenarios, it’s always best to know your subject and go to environs where they are at their best.
You might be wondering: What business does a keychain camera have in this scenario? As mentioned, the answer is: fun. What makes the Charmera so much more practical than other “fun” cameras is the ability to bring it anywhere without worrying about space. Unlike a larger fixed-lens camera, the Charmera can fit in your pocket or on your keys. I simply tucked it in a small pocket of my bag and was on my way. No dedicated cases or weight limitations to worry about.
A challenge many photographers face when on a shoot, let alone when trying to use two different cameras or lenses, is using them. We often get caught up in the primary task at hand that we neglect to swap lenses or grab that second body for a different perspective. When the camera is always in hand, that becomes much easier.
And for those curious, yes, I did manage to photograph some bald eagles with this tiny camera. I did so by wearing the key ring as a ring around my pinky finger while I carried my main weapon, a full-size mirrorless camera with a 600mm lens attached. After taking some portraits of the curious birds, I’d slowly bring the Charmera up and snap some shots. The audible “click” of the shutter was extremely helpful in confirming I actually took an image, especially when holding the camera out in front of me.
Final Thoughts
In many ways, this is less of a review and more of a call to arms—so to speak. Like David Burnett, I believe that every photographer should have a fun camera, regardless of skill level or professional standing. Quality doesn’t matter. What does is the enjoyment you get from using such a camera.
You need a camera that reminds you why you picked one up to begin with, no matter how far along you are in your journey. One that just puts a smile on your face and makes you want to take fun photos. This can be anything from an old 35mm film camera to a Leica Q3—it’s not the specs that matter, it’s the feeling you get.
As artists, we’re always learning. Never discount the benefits of adding a new tool (or in this case, a new toy) to your arsenal, and always be open to new ways of doing things. To learn more about the serious and fun sides of photography, check out our other guides and articles. For all things photo, video, and audio, read more on the B&H Explora page!
