Interested in exploring film photography? Kodak's new $35 camera is an excellent option to begin with.

      This retro-inspired Kodak EC35 camera keeps film photography refreshingly straightforward.

      If you've been interested in film photography but hesitated due to cost, Kodak has introduced a camera you should consider. The Kodak EC35 is a reusable 35mm point-and-shoot camera priced at just $34.99, making it one of the most budget-friendly options to explore film photography.

      Created by Reto Project under the Kodak label, the EC35 maintains simplicity with a lightweight design, automatic flash, and a compact body that fits easily in your pocket. Its release coincides with the growing interest in analog photography, providing newcomers a cost-effective alternative to disposable film cameras.

      What makes the Kodak EC35 suitable for beginners?

      The EC35 is built for easy use, allowing you to start taking photos without the hassle of complicated settings. It includes a 25mm two-element acrylic lens with a fixed f/10 aperture and a 1/100-second shutter speed, perfect for everyday snapshots, street photography, and casual portraits.

      Its built-in automatic flash operates on a single AA battery, assisting in low-light conditions, while the optical viewfinder makes framing effortless. You will need to manually wind and rewind the film, giving you a tactile analog experience without unnecessary complexities. Unlike the more expensive Kodak Snapic A1, the EC35 omits features like double exposure and zone focusing, keeping it accessible for beginners.

      What makes this camera convenient to carry?

      One notable aspect is the sliding lens cover, which also serves as a shutter lock to prevent accidental photos when the camera is stored in your pocket or bag. This design is reminiscent of classic compact cameras like the Olympus Stylus series, a feature that many film enthusiasts still value today.

      Weighing just 102 grams, the Kodak EC35 is available in seven colors: butter yellow, lavender, powder blue, blush pink, avocado green, midnight black, and vanilla white. You can purchase the camera for $35 or opt for a $45 bundle that includes a strap and a 24-exposure roll of Kodak Ultramax 400 film.

      If you're seeking an easy and affordable introduction to film photography, the EC35 ticks nearly every box without overwhelming first-time users. For those who prefer digital options, Kodak’s small $35 Charmera keychain camera provides a similarly nostalgic experience with low-fidelity digital images instead of 35mm film. Additionally, Yashica has recently launched a pocket-sized competitor featuring a flip screen for selfies.

      Manisha Priyadarshini is a tech and entertainment writer with over nine years of editorial experience.

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      The Kodak Charmera is barely a camera, yet I continue to use it.

      I purchased the Kodak Charmera in part for a portable digital camera and in part for a charming collectible. The Charmera comes in a blind box, so you don’t know which version you’re getting until you open it. There are several retro Kodak-style designs available, along with a transparent secret edition that seems to be a popular choice.

      I asked the store clerk to pick a box for me for better luck, and it worked out. I ended up with the yellow variant, inspired by Kodak's original 80s disposable camera. While the transparent model is definitely the desired collectible, the yellow version feels like the authentic Kodak choice. It resembles a tiny toy camera that has escaped from a souvenir shop, found a keyring, and is now accompanied by you wherever you go.

      This new $30 keychain camera is coming for Kodak Charmera with a flip screen for selfies

      Yashica's new camera enhances toy photography fun.

      Tiny digital cameras are trending, and Yashica has introduced its own adorable toy photography experience. The company’s new Funtastic Keychain Camera is exactly as its name suggests: a miniature digital camera small enough to attach to your keys, bag, or lanyard. The popular Kodak Charmera serves as the clear comparison, as it has become a viral collectible in the form of a tiny blind-box keychain camera.

      Now, Yashica's version joins the novelty-camera category, adding a very useful feature: a 180-degree flip screen.