Kodak's trending Charmera keyring camera is a great gift idea – I'd preorder the 'blind box' now and hope it lands in time for the holidays

Kodak knows how to make a camera that sells, and its Charmera is doing just that! On its September release, the cheap digital keyring camera sold out in a day, and over a month later it is currently on pre-order.

I can see the appeal. Just $30 / £30 / AU$45 for a tiny, functioning digital camera that can easily attach to a keyring, that's made in six retro colorways, and is packaged in a 'blind box' so you don't know which one you'll get – it's got gift idea written all over it.

Chris George, Content Director of our sister site Digital Camera World, agrees – in his Charmera review he says, "This miniature digital camera will be the ultimate fun-and-affordable gift for photographers this Christmas".

The Kodak Charmera could just be the Black Friday antidote we need – no hunting around for camera deals – just pick up the Charmera at its affordable full price.

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While there's no guarantee when stocks will be replenished, there are plenty of leading retailers taking preorders, and placing an order quickly will increase your chances of getting one (or more) before the holidays.

I've included the best places to preorder a Kodak Charmera, below.

Where to buy

There are six versions of the Kodak Charmera – all bold, throwback colorways. However, when buying a Charmera, you don't know which version you'll get – it comes in a 'blind box' (see below). Personally, I think this approach only adds to the appeal.

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Retailers which we recommend that are taking preorders include the following:

US
Adorama: $29.99

B&H Photo: $34.99

UK
Amazon: £29.99

London Camera Exchange: £30

Wex: Pre-order £30

You should note that orders of the Kodak Charmera from any site are non-refundable.

Top alternative – the Camp Snap camera

Not convinced by the Charmera and its preorder status? I can't personally vouch for it yet until I've completed a review, though I'm already in for one myself.

My other cheap camera gift idea suggestion, that is available now, is Camp Snap – a screen-free digital reimagining of the single-use camera, which costs around $55 / £50 (see below).

Camp Snap comes with an inserted micro SD memory card that holds up to 2,000 pictures, and USB-C for image uploads. It's available in a huge range of colors, too.

Recently, Camp Snap also launched a personalization service, whereby you can customize the camera with a name on it, up to 10 characters long (see above).

A personalized Camp Snap costs $85 / £67 at Camp Snap.

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