TIME BEST INVENTIONS 2021
Because some moments deserve more than a phone shot.
A digital camera that shoots like film. No screen, no editing needed.
Since 2013 • 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 will always take a sharper photo. That's not what this is for.
You pick the tone before you shoot, the way you'd pick a roll of film.
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
Classic Mono
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.
Their shots. No edits.
Shot by customers, straight from the camera. Photos with character, not perfection.
by Kirsten K.
by Rebecca K.
by Hannah G.
@moe.elizabethhh
by Savannah K.
@cookie_maestri
by Jormir K.
by Natalie D.
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.
Same camera. Eight designs.
Digital, film-inspired, no screen, no editing. Pick the design that fits you and start shooting.
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 ShootThis thing has upped my photography game and has gotten me passionate about the art of photography again. I love the PaperShoot!
Hi Annika! Thank you — this is honestly the best thing we could hear. Falling back in love with taking pictures is exactly what Paper Shoot was built for: no screen, no editing, just you and the moment in front of you. If you ever feel like sharing your shots, tag us at @takenbypapershoot — we'd love to see where your camera takes you next.
The camera is a fun little thing. The instructions are not so great, as far as explaing anything. But, charge it, point it and shoot. Just do it. Looking forward to capturing some fun images.
I loved it, it's very easy to use! And to transfer the photos to your TV is super easy 😍
I’m enjoying this little camera a lot more than I initially thought I would. Even though small, the jpg images are easily editable in Lightroom. Looking forward to taking it out again soon!
best fun I have had with photography since the 70's!!!
Absolutely OBSESSED with this gadget! Not only is it pocket-friendly and super cute, the vibe is just EVERYTHING!
Love the camera and everything about this company.
I have really enjoyed this Classic Film Paper Camera. The pictures have been great and it's easy to use.
A couple things that could be better. The "viewfinder" is not the same as what the camera takes so it takes a little calibration to know you'll get a bigger picture.
And my only big gripe, to enable the date/time stamp on camera requires one to download software that requires an override to run on a mac. That made me very nervous. Even after doing research to show that there is no issue with this company, I didn't love it. And I fear many people less good at computers might have difficulty doing the update even if they weren't worried about the possible security issues.
The whole family LOVES this camera! It’s so easy to put together and use. We all pass it around to take pictures of our day and then I upload the pictures right to our computer. The old timey look on the photos are awesome. I real love it, I will be recommending this to all my friends.
It’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!
I love it!!
Most unique camera i’ve ever owned. i love the pictures it takes
The camera is very unique and I like the transparent look of this case as well as the moisture resistance. My only gripe is that swapping filter cards can be a bit hard with bending back the rubber frame
cool concept but i prefer my phone. the storage card and filter cards are hard to get to while its built and the view finder or lack thereof felt strange to me. and more stuff to carry.
Thanks for writing this out — it's a fair take, and phones win on instant and sharp every time.
On the cards: how you reach them depends on the shell. With the open-side shells the filter card pops out with a press, and with the full-frame silicone shell you pull the silicone edge back and press the same way — no disassembly for either the filter card or the SD card. It's only the full-frame brass shell that needs the screws loosened each time. If yours is the brass one, email us at service@papershoot.com and we'll walk you through the fastest way to do it.
On the viewfinder — that one's a deliberate choice rather than an oversight. It's not built to replace your phone: no settings to think about, and no editing afterwards, which is where the time goes back.
Amazing little camera!
'little' is the part we worked hardest on ；D
It’s a great case! Very fun!
Glad you like it!
Compact and perfect for taking along on adventures. Super easy to use and transfer the photos to your phone!
Paper shoot camera brings back the essence of photography.
I love this camera so much it is the absolute best
Super nice build quality. I do wish the laser cutting process would begin with boxes around the letters...pull off the protective cover in that space...and continue with the rest of the cuts. It took 20 minutes with a pushpin to clear out the fragments.
Thicker than the paper cases by quite a bit. But the cool factor is worth it.
Fun little camera! The photos add another dimension that isn’t captured when using a phone. Some of my favorite photos from our recent trip came from the paper shoot. My 8 y/o old son had fun using it too.
the cuteness, the creativity, the colors, the convenience! i'm obbbsessed. this camera has been perfect for capturing moments with a vintage, disposable feel but with the convenience of a digital camera!
and it takes up virtually no space with the fact that it's paper thin. i highly recommend!
Value for money. Takes nice shots and filters do work. Love it
I love the camera and am planning on adding more to it. My only complaint would be the screws. They tend to loosen on their own and I lost 3 of the 4 while at the beach for a day. They don't seem to tighten enough and loosen even more with constant camera use. Other than that, I love it.
Love it!
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.
