I don’t often find myself agreeing with super-basic cameras that tout extreme simplicity in the same vein as instant cameras, because, like instant cameras, they typically end up being one-use-and-done kind of devices with customers.
However, this forthcoming Super8-inspired video camera that is designed not only to replicate the nostalgic aesthetic of the legendary film cine camera, but also to be super intuitive with only the bare essential features, has caught my eye.
What's more, it looks to borrow heavily in terms of both looks and functionality from the Camera Snap CS-8 cine-inspired camcorder that was launched last year – a camera which my colleague, Hillary Grigonis, loved for its simplicity and retro footage.
The Aura6 is currently a Kickstarter project set to launch on October 13, and its creators are really touting the whole less-is-more approach. The camera, which is an obvious tribute to Kodak Super8, features a record button, an electronic viewfinder, a built-in lens, and a detachable mic. That’s it – no LCD playback screen, no settings menu, and no switching between recording modes.
And while none of that stands out as anything truly different to what we’ve seen in countless point-and-shoot cameras over the years, it’s how the camera processes the digital footage that I really like.
The Aura6 only records up to 6-second clips in 4:3 aspect ratio and at 18 frames per second. A “roll” of footage can only be up to three minutes long, with the creators saying this is to “keep you in the moment.” But where the magic seemingly lies is the in-built functionality that automatically compiles your roll in the order you shot the clips into a final movie.
This, for me, is what could see the Aura6 could be a handy first foray into filming, or even a fun device for more experienced filmmakers looking to capture moments without being in “pro” mode. I have to say, I can really see the appeal with this camera, especially as it’s seemingly a perfect social media content generator.
While the device is geared toward simplicity, and a more premium-looking finish could put people off, the overall build of this camera does, to my eye, reflect throwaway cameras to an extent.
Hopefully the early bird price – $179 (excluding sales tax) or approximately £163 in the UK (where sales tax is 20%) – means that it is sturdier than an instant film camera and boasts longevity.
Anyway, the Aura6 goes live on Kickstarter October 13 at 12pm EDT / 5pm BST. Are we about to see a flurry of more Super8-esque nostalgic short movies flood Instagram? Maybe…
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Here’s our pick of the best film cameras as well as our roundup of the best cameras for filmmaking, which only includes digital models.
