Less is seemingly more with this Super8-esque super-simple digital video camera that records 6-second clips – I must say, I love the thinking

Aura6 camera with a white background. It is box shaped and black with a pistol-grip handle. — (Image credit: Aura6)

I don’t often find myself agreeing with super-basic cameras that tout extreme simplicity in the same vein as instant cameras, because, like instant cameras, they typically end up being one-use-and-done kind of devices with customers.

However, this forthcoming Super8-inspired video camera that is designed not only to replicate the nostalgic aesthetic of the legendary film cine camera, but also to be super intuitive with only the bare essential features. It looks to borrow heavily from the Camera Snap CS-8 cine-inspired camcorder that was launched last year, with both its looks and functionality.

The Aura6 is currently a Kickstarter project set to launch on October 13, and its creators are really touting the whole less-is-more approach. The camera, which is an obvious tribute to Kodak Super8, features a record button, an optical viewfinder, a built-in lens, and a detachable mic. That’s it – no LCD screen, no settings menu, and no switching between recording modes.

And while none of that stands out as anything truly different to what we’ve seen in countless point-and-shoot cameras over the years, it’s how the camera processes the digital footage that I really like.

The Aura6 only records up to 6-second clips and a “roll” can only be up to three minutes long, with the creators saying this is to “keep you in the moment.” But where the magic seemingly lies is the in-built functionality that automatically compiles your clips in the order you shot them into a final movie.

This, for me, is what could see the Aura6 could be a handy first foray into filming, or even a fun device for more experienced filmmakers looking to capture moments without being in “pro” mode. I have to say, I can really see the appeal with this camera, especially as it’s seemingly a perfect social media content generator.

While the device is geared toward simplicity, and a more premium-looking finish could put people off, the overall build of this camera does, to my eye, reflect throwaway cameras to an extent. Hopefully the $215 early-bird price means that it is sturdier than an instant film camera and has good longevity.

Anyway, the Aura6 goes live on Kickstarter October 13 at 12pm EST / 5pm BST Lisbon (Portugal) time. Are we about to see a flurry of more Super8-esque nostalgic short movies flood Instagram? Maybe…

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I’m a writer, journalist and photographer who joined Digital Camera World in 2026. I started out in editorial in 2021 and my words have spanned sustainability, careers advice, travel and tourism, and photography – the latter two being my passions.

I first picked up a camera in my early twenties having had an interest in photography from a young age. Since then, I’ve worked on a freelance basis, mostly internationally in the travel and tourism sector. You’ll usually find me out on a hike shooting landscapes and adventure shots in my free time.