Tom Fasano

I recently got my hands on the KODAK Charmera, and honestly, it’s the most “fun” I’ve had with a camera in a long time. It’s a tiny digital keychain camera inspired by the 1987 Kodak Fling (the world’s first single-use camera), and it really leans into that “point-and-shoot” simplicity.

Part of the charm is the mystery—the Charmera comes in a blind box. There are six retro designs, plus a “Secret Edition” with a transparent shell. I was hoping for the classic 1987 yellow-and-rainbow look, but honestly, every version nails that 80s/90s aesthetic. I ended up with the blue one, and I’m happy with it.

Despite being about the size of a matchbox, it’s a fully functional digital camera. It shoots 1.6MP photos and 1440×1080 video. Now, don’t expect 4K clarity here—the whole point is the “imperfect” look. It has a fixed lens and a tiny LCD screen on the back that reminds me of the early digital era.

I took it for a spin around the house, and of course, I had to test it on the Christmas tree. I captured a short clip of the tree lights. Because the camera has that distinct 30fps “jerkiness” and a 4:3 ratio, the footage looks like an old home movie from thirty years ago. The way the lights bloom on the lens gives it a warm, fuzzy glow that my iPhone just can’t replicate.

The Charmera isn’t about professional specs; it’s about the feeling of a “captured moment.” It’s grainy, it’s a bit blurry, and it has that classic orange date stamp (optional) in the corner—and that’s exactly why I love it. It turns a snapshot of my Olympia SM3 into a piece of digital nostalgia.

A Phomemo thermal print

Front side of the enclosed brochure

Back side of the brochure