This Cheap Retro Camera Used By Taylor Swift Has Way Better Reviews Than You'd Expect

Taylor Swift has been a major trendsetter for years. In addition to making cottagecore a thing, the famous singer has also popularized a particular analog-inspired camcorder. Spotted rocking what seemed to be a classic Super-8 camera during the Kansas City Chiefs game in December 2025, fans quickly identified the nostalgic-looking piece as the CS-8 by Camp Snap.

As a $200 novelty camera, it doesn't really stand out for raw power. Yet, CS-8 has been attracting rave reviews from both users and camera-centric outlets. So, what gives? Why is this little Super-8-inspired camera a hot item among the "youths"?

It's not just Taylor Swift's badge of approval or the video quality. As a point-and-shoot with five on-board vintage filters, it delivers passable results with its 2.7k video sensor (on par with other action cameras in its price point). However, its primary selling points are the retro design that nails the physical look of the original Super-8 and its tactile approac that does away with screens by replacing everything with dials and classic analog meters. Many users pointed out that despite the end results not replicating era-appropriate video, the way the vintage-tinged camera captures the analog experience itself is spot on. Put those together, and CS-8 offers a unique workflow that prioritizes the "journey" over fidelity.

Retro gadgets are making a comeback. While shooting instant cameras is relatively cheap (each photo costs a dollar or two), a roll of Super-8 plus processing and scanning will run you around $150. Fortunately, you can get an approximation of the vintage experience with the CS-8 without all the hassle and the cost.

Designed as an eerily accurate replica of the original Super-8 camera, the CS-8 features a 2.7k video sensor, an f/2.0 lens, and an 8x zoom. This is in line with what you see in most smartphones, so the smartphone-native shooters will be familiar with the experience. The difference is that some users say the videos the CS-8 produces remind them of early '00s digicams.

Specs aside, the main draw is the design and its intended workflow. For starters, there's no screen, meaning that you can't see the videos until you transfer them to the computer. So how do you operate it without a screen? CS-8 has a physical viewfinder to help with shooting, but everything else you do with a set of dials. In addition to an on/off dial, one is reserved for choosing a series of on-board retro filters, and it lets you pick your aspect ratio (9:16, 16:9, 1:1, and 4:3).

The trigger button is particularly interesting. Just like with the original Super-8, holding down the trigger starts recording. Once you release it and press it again, the button creates a new video file. Similar to other popular hybrid cameras, such as the Fujifilm Instax Mini Evo, it prioritizes the in-the-moment approach. The CS-08's dedication to this philosophy is most apparent when you sneak a peek at its era-appropriate meters used for tracking battery life and SD card space.

If you're an analog purist who wants to emulate jittery film footage, you'll be disappointed by the CS-8. At the end of the day, the Camp Snap CS-8 is a novelty item that represents a fun little camera you can take around town for b-roll or simply to make fun videos with your family. Just like old analog cameras can be great decorative pieces or a conversation starter, busting out a CS-8 will likely turn heads and make the moment that much more special.

Some users are critical of the fact that the end results are not that different from smartphone footage. On the other hand, some are satisfied with the camera, praising CS-8 for getting quite close to nailing the original Super-8 in terms of both operation and the videos it produces. Your familiarity with the medium will ultimately determine if this little cam is "vintage" enough, but the reason why these cameras are popular isn't that they simulate all the intricacies of Super-8. Rather, most reviewers praise them for their simplicity. CS-8 is basically there to slow you down and allow you to enjoy the process. 

The on-board filters may not provide the complete package, but you will likely find videos more memorable than those you made with a smartphone. Why? Because chances are, you were more intentional when shooting with a bulky piece of equipment that prioritized style over function. Ultimately, this might be why the CS-08 was reviewed so well: the nostalgic design and the fact that users quickly associated positive emotions with the videos they produced while wearing a cool-looking "analog" camera.