Kodak Charmera: Two-minute review
The Kodak Charmera is a viral sensation, a $30, 30g keychain digital camera that sold out on its release day last year. Its popularity is undeniable, and it’s back in stock just as I write this review. However, it might be sold out again by the time you read this.
This tiny, retro camera is designed to easily attach to your keyring and comes in six vibrant 1980s-inspired colors, plus a limited edition transparent version. The surprise element of receiving a random color adds to its appeal as a gift.
Upon unboxing, I was slightly disappointed to find the black version with a rainbow front, which wasn’t my first choice. Nevertheless, the package included a nice poster, a collector card, and a small charging cable.
After charging the Charmera, I tucked it into my pocket for weeks. It captures 1.6 megapixel JPEG photos and HD video (1400 x 1080p at 30fps) through a fixed 35mm f/2.4 lens. It features seven photo filters, four animated borders, and stores images on a micro SD card (sold separately). The tiny internal battery is rechargeable via USB-C.
The Charmera has a small 16:9 LCD screen, which feels even smaller since images are captured in 4:3. It also includes a minuscule LED light for close-ups and a tiny viewfinder, which is surprisingly functional.
Menus are straightforward; you can switch between photo, video, or date settings using three buttons on the back. The power button also serves as a back button, while the shutter button captures photos and videos. It takes just a minute to get the hang of it.
Everything about the Charmera is diminutive: its size, screen, and image quality. Using it is quite fun in the moment, and I found myself charmed by its quirky nature.
However, the charm fades when you connect the camera to a computer to view the images. The photo quality is among the worst I’ve encountered in my years of digital photography. With a resolution of just 1.6MP and limited dynamic range, the images are more like abstract impressions than clear photographs.
Despite its shortcomings, I believe the Charmera's unique design will keep it in my daily carry for months. It serves as a conversation starter and a whimsical way to capture moments, provided its tiny battery doesn’t die when you need it.
The Kodak Charmera may not be the best compact camera available, but it’s a charming, retro gift for photography lovers. It’s a fun novelty that could be more useful than many other gifts.
Kodak Charmera: Price and Availability
- Announced in November 2025 and sold out in a day
- Priced at $30 / £30 / AU$54.95
The Charmera is available for $30 / £30 / AU$54.95 for a single 'blind box', or you can purchase the entire set of six for $180 / £180 to guarantee all colorways. There’s a 1 in 48 chance of getting the limited edition transparent version.
While some retailers have increased prices, you should still be able to find the Charmera at its original price through various links.
Kodak Charmera: Specs
| Sensor | 1/4-inch |
| Resolution | 1.6MP |
| Video | 1440 x 1080p at 30fps, AVI format |
| Lens | 35mm f/2.4 |
| Screen | Really, really small |
| Viewfinder | Even tinier |
| Dimensions | 58 x 24.5 x 20 mm |
| Weight | 30g |
| Battery life | 200mAh, rechargeable |
| Memory | Micro SD (1GB to 128GB) |
Should I buy the Kodak Charmera?
Buy it if...
You’re looking for a cheap gift for a photography lover. I can think of several people who would appreciate a Charmera.
You want a compact camera that isn’t your phone. Weighing just 30g and about the size of your thumb, the Charmera is an easy sell.
Don’t buy it if...
You expect decent photo quality. The Charmera produces some of the worst quality photos I’ve seen in a long time.
You need a reliable camera. Its short battery life is a significant drawback.
Also consider
Camp Snap Camera: A digital version of the single-use camera, available for around twice the price of the Charmera. It’s a larger, screen-less 4MP shooter with a retro design. Read my Camp Snap Camera review.
How I tested the Kodak Charmera
- I received the Charmera last year and have kept it.
- I've used it sporadically over a couple of months.
- I've experimented with various color filters and animated borders.
In summary, I’ve taken hundreds of photos in various lighting conditions and tested its features. While the image quality is predictably poor, the short battery life is particularly disappointing.
First reviewed January 2026