In the growing field of screen-less digital cameras, the camera that started this sensation has decided to add a bit more incentive to hesitant prospective buyers.Camp Snapis the Camp Snap. And the prospective buyers are chiefly parents.

Not just any parent, mind you. But a parent whose offspring will be entering that summertime rite of passage: attending camp. The concept makes sense; rather than burdening a child with a smartphone, let them use a low-cost digital camera to preserve all of those camp memories.

And if that camera is lost or broken, it’s not a traumatizing loss. Rather its becomes yet another “life lesson.” Kinda like camp, learning to get along with others, while enjoying the great outdoors…a couple of major life lessons.

Now, layering on the parental guilt, Camp Snap has upgraded the entry level camera with a new, improved “Pro” model. Besides a handful of specification improvements, this new Camp Snap Pro camera carries a higher price tag, as well.

Priced at $99 versus $69.95 for the OG Camp Snap, the Camp Snap Pro has now entered into a direct pricing competition with the very capable LCD “screen” equipped camera, the Kreate KR48. Does the Camp Snap Pro have enough capability to fend off this competition? Let’s find out.

“Hello Muddah, Hello Fadduh, I am Here at Camp Granada”

Allen Sherman’s hilarious 1963 song about a homesick child at Camp Granada, sets the stage for a kid using a camera at camp. Ideally, a camp camera should be lightweight, easy to hold/operate, and convenient to carry throughout the day/night. [Don’t forget those memorable late night campfire songs and delicious S’mores!]

Remarkably, those three requirements, make the Camp Snap Pro a “no-brainer” win versus the Kreate KR48 camera. Sure the Kreate camera will take better photographs and includes an LCD screen, but the KR48’s small size and slippery exterior makes it an easy “pass” for being a competitive camp camera.

As far as the Camp Snap Pro goes, there are several specification upgrades that warrant its higher price. First, and foremost, the increase in image resolution to 16MP, over the original camera’s 8MP resolution, is a big win for recording camp adventures.

Furthermore, the better quality 3-position (OFF, Low, and High) Xenon flash system will help to ensure that the late night pillow fight is properly recorded in all of its feather-flying glory. Remember, photographic proof means that there’s no denying that a perfectly frozen expression of terror didn’t happen!

Finally, there is one mention about build quality that bears close examination. The Camp Snap Pro is ridiculously lightweight. In fact, it’s so petite that it feels cheap and breakable. Regardless, that’s actually the virtue of the Camp Snap Pro. In the small hands of a tug-a-war participant, light, cheap, and plastic are all huge benefits.

While this camera is extremely portable, the finish will take some scratches, dirt, and dents. Thank goodness, you don’t have to worry about breaking a glass LCD! A protective filter for the lens, however, is a must.

Adding a Chiaro 37mm UV filter for $3.95 will guarantee that camp photographs are still possible after an inevitable camera drop. Preventing those drops can be safeguarded by also purchasing the Camp Snap Camera Bag.

This bag is better made than the camera. Featuring a removable shoulder strap, a belt loop, and an unexpected magnetic closer (no, hook & loop cheapness, here), the Camp Snap Pro case, priced at $19.99, is like camp camera insurance.

“How will my camp photos look,” you ask? Here are sample photographs taken with the Camp Snap Pro. This sampling includes photographs made with each of the four built-in camera filters.

While the kids are away at camp, you don’t want to admit that you secretively miss them, right? But you do miss them and you would love to be able to actually “see” all of their adventures when they return home, right? There’s no better way to relive that “camp life” than with photographs. Using a camera that delivers on that desire without breaking the bank could help make this year’s camp…priceless.

Enjoy.

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