TIME BEST INVENTIONS 2021
Because some moments deserve more than a phone shot.
A digital camera that shoots like film. No editing. Find out later.
* 4.8 • NYT Wirecutter 2025 • Free US shipping
No App. Just the moment.
Real photos from real days — straight from the camera.
Why not just use your phone?
Your phone captures everything. Paper Shoot captures it differently.
Less checking. Less editing. More moments that already feel right.
How it works
- Insert batteries
- Choose a built-in tone or add a filter card
- Press the shutter
- Transfer by USB-C or SD
Everything you need is included.
Start shooting right away with the camera alone. No extra cards needed.
- 4 built-in film tones
- 20MP digital photos
- 32GB SD card included — space for 15,000+ photos
- Up to 300–500 shots per charge
- Transfer via USB-C or SD card
Ready to shoot out of the box.
No filter app. No editing later.
Real photos. Straight from the camera.
Built-in: 4 tones · Video · Time-lapse
Video & time-lapse require USB-C power.
Original
Black & White
Sepia
Blue
Time-lapse
Video
Optional add-on. Easy to swap.
One scene. Many moods.
Each filter card gives your photos a different feel — a real, physical card you choose before you shoot. Never an app or preset.
Want more looks? Add a 4-card bundle on this page and save.
Classic Film
Monochrome
Teal & Orange
Icy Chill
Optional add-on. Easy to swap.
Expand your camera — when you are ready.
Start simple. Add filters, cases, and add-ons anytime.
Switch Styles
Interchangeable cases let you make it feel like your camera.
Create Atmosphere
Effect lenses change the character of the photo.
Add Light
The ring light helps in darker scenes and low-light moments.
Explore More
Creative cards & add-ons add playful ways to shoot.
Simple now. Expand later.
The base camera already works on its own. Add-ons are optional — not required.
Shot by customers. No edits.
Shot by customers, straight from the camera.
No filter app. No after-the-fact styling. Just photos with character.
by Kirsten Kruk
by Rebecca Kilci
by Hannah Grogan
@moe.elizabethhh
by Natalie Davenport
@cookie_maestri
by Savannah Krista
by Yvonne Hanson
TIME
Photos come out with a filmlike quality but without film’s high price tag and environmental impact.
— Best Inventions 2021
Paper Shoot Camera
New here? Start with 1925 — our most-loved design, loved by thousands.
Our recommended starter pick — easy to use, easy to carry, and ready to shoot out of the box.
Same camera core inside — the difference is the design, material, and what’s included.
Paper Shoot Camera
A different kind of camera for a different kind of photo.
Shop Paper ShootIt’s absolutely amazing! The only issue I have is actually judging distance in the view finder, I hen I think I’m close enough I gotta be a little closer so it’ll actually focus on them, but apart from that it’s amazing!
Fantastic and lots of fun. I take this camera every where. I really enjoy the Photo booth sim
I bought this amazing camera for my son. He loves it! Very cool! Highly recommend!
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I brought this to a wedding weekend and now half my friends want one
The photos remind me of old Facebook albums from 2010 in the best possible way
I’ve started bringing this to dinners and nights out instead of using my phone camera. The photos feel way more authentic.
This thing has absolutely no business being this fun 😭📸
The imperfect look is exactly why I love it. Every photo feels like an actual memory instead of something staged for Instagram.
The film-like tones are SO pretty. Especially outdoors during golden hour. It gives early Instagram energy in the best possible way.
As someone who used to shoot film, this scratches that nostalgic itch without spending money on rolls and developing every month 😭
I wish the battery lasted a little longer, but overall I absolutely love the concept and aesthetic. People always ask me about it.
Brought this on a weekend trip instead of using my phone and honestly loved it. The photos feel way more personal and imperfect in the best way possible.
I originally bought it for a trip, but now I carry it almost everywhere.
It changed the way I take photos. Amazing.
Paper Shoot made me stop obsessing over retaking every photo.It’s honestly become my favorite travel companion.
Not for perfectionists — and that’s exactly why I love it.
I bought this because I wanted something different from using my phone amera all the time, and it honestly exceeded my expectations. Lightweight, easy to use, and the photos come out with so much character. Love
Really love the experience of using this camera. simple and fun, and the photos have a cool vintage vibe. I’ve been carrying it with me almost every weekend now
Great little camera if you’re looking for something simple and creative. I love not having to edit photos — just shoot and keep the moment as it is. The quality isn’t meant to replace a smartphone, but that’s kind of the point. Overall, really enjoyable to use.
Great camera that takes amazing photos! Wetook it to Bali and got some bangers!!
Overall, my experience with the Paper Shoot cameras was positive, and I would definitely recommend it. Some may even prefer the simplicity and aesthetic of Paper Shoot over the all-in-one convenience of the smartphone entirely. The brand's give-back story moved me deeply.
The most chaotic camera of 2025 — and I'm in love
I really love the concept here, and would actually encourage pretty much anyone — pro, expert, amateur or newbie — to give one a go. It's the kind of fun that film photography used to be, and the Papershoot offers a shooting experience that doesn't really have a parallel anywhere else in the digital or film world.
Love my papershoot! I love it so much I even went back and got some of their fun creative filters. Easy, fun, takes remarkably good photos. A quick color boost for the desire highlight effect in PP and the final products are stunning. Recommend for sure!
FAQ
Is the image quality actually good?
Yes — and intentionally so.
Paper Shoot uses a real digital sensor and carefully tuned optics to create photos that feel soft, warm, and natural, rather than overly sharp or over-processed like a phone.
It’s not trying to win a spec race — it’s designed to capture texture, light, and mood in a way that feels more like film than a screenshot.If you’re expecting clinical sharpness, this isn’t that camera.
If you want photos that feel human and timeless, it is.
No screen? How do I know if I actually got the shot?
You don’t — and that’s the point.
Paper Shoot is designed to remove constant checking, retakes, and distractions. You press the shutter, stay in the moment, and discover the photos later.
Most users find this surprisingly freeing — fewer photos, but more meaningful ones. You trust the moment instead of managing it.
Why not just use a filter on my phone?
Because filters imitate a look after the photo is taken.
Paper Shoot captures its look in-camera, using real light, a dedicated sensor, and carefully tuned optics.
There’s no app, no presets, and no editing pipeline.
What you see later isn’t a simulation — it’s what the camera actually captured. More importantly, using a separate camera changes how you shoot.
No notifications. No checking. Just the moment.
Does it work indoors or at night?
Yes, within reason.
Paper Shoot performs best in natural daylight, window light, and well-lit indoor spaces.
In low light or at night, photos will appear darker and more atmospheric — closer to film than to night-mode phone photography.
This is a creative choice, not a limitation. If you want a softer, moodier look, it works beautifully.
How long does the battery last?
Two fully charged rechargeable AAA batteries delivers approximately 300–500 photos, depending on usage.
Using standard AAA rechargeable means:
- Easy to replace or carry spares
- Simple to recharge anywhere
- No proprietary batteries
Reliable, travel-friendly, and low-stress.
Why is it priced higher than cheap cameras?
Because Paper Shoot isn’t designed to be disposable. Cheap cameras often use low-quality components and are meant to be replaced after a short time.
Paper Shoot is built with a real digital sensor, durable materials, and a modular system that lets you change shells, add features, and keep using the same camera for years.
You’re not paying for specs — you’re paying for intentional design, longevity, and a different way of photographing everyday life.
Shipping / returns / warranty
- 🚚 Free shipping
- 🔁 30-day returns if it’s not for you
- 🛡️ 1-year warranty for peace of mind
We want you to feel confident trying Paper Shoot — and comfortable keeping it.