Cappy Camera versus Your Phone

Most of us are carrying around phone cameras that can zoom in on the surface of the moon or capture action shots of Miss Swift from the nosebleeds at the Eras tour—so why would you buy a digital camera?

We get it! Almost everyone in our lives has asked us this question at some point. One of the easiest counters is: Why do some people still collect vinyl records or movies on VHS? Why paint when you can use your iPad? Sometimes, it’s just nice to have something separate from our core devices. That’s it! Simple, really.

Personally, I love the click of a button. There’s something so tactile and satisfying about it—it’s the same reason I got a really clacky keyboard. When I take a photo, I want to feel that click. If that’s not your thing, no worries! We just think there’s a group of people who enjoy having something they can hold, something with a singular artistic purpose—and maybe a little nostalgia sprinkled in.

There’s also something intentional about carrying a separate camera. When I bring my Cappy, it sets the tone that I’m here to take photos. Whether it’s stopping to appreciate nature or capturing my friends mid-laugh, I’m always happy I brought something that isn’t my phone. Let’s be honest, whipping out your phone on a camping trip or hike can kill the vibe when you’re trying to stay present.

Part of what I love about using disposables or film photography is the suspense—you don’t know what the photos look like right away. It’s like a tiny time capsule. That’s why, by design, there’s no screen on the back of our camera for instant feedback. No more “Ugh, I look terrible, take it again!” It’s about capturing the moment as it was, authentic, in a world of editing. I might be dating myself here, but remember when your friend would upload an entire album to (gasp!) Facebook after a night out? Every single damn photo that was taken over the evening was there, with a carefully chosen album name (“Can we pretend that airplanes in the night sky are like shooting stars ⋆｡°✩”). The blurry shots, the unflattering angles, everything. Did I love that it was all public? Maybe not. But I loved that it felt like a real homage to the night, bottled up in flashes. That’s the feeling we’re trying to bring back. A little delayed gratification and a lot of whimsy.

The barrier to learning film photography can be expensive and time-consuming. And with disposable cameras, it adds up quickly—plus, all those gray, grainy blob photos are often disappointing when you only typically get 27 shots. Not to mention the environmental impact of all that single-use plastic. We love the look and feel of film, so we wanted to make it more accessible. If you want to shoot film, shoot film! We’re not here to tell you what to do or what’s best—just to offer another excellent option.

So, do what feels right for you! Cappy could be the perfect addition to your camera collection, if you’re ready to give it a try!