Retro 35mm Film Rolls Hide a Tiny Digital Camera
▼ Summary
– The OPT100 Neo Film is a new retro-inspired digital camera designed to look like a 35mm film roll inside a canister and box.
– It is currently only available in Japan for about $40, but can be found internationally on sites like eBay at a higher price.
– The camera has very low specifications, including a 1-megapixel sensor for photos and a 0.3-megapixel sensor for video.
– It features a small LCD screen for framing and settings, expandable microSD storage, and a rechargeable battery with about an hour of life.
– Despite its poor ergonomics and low-quality output, its novelty and aesthetic are expected to make it popular, similar to the Kodak Charmera.
The world of digital photography continues to see a surge in nostalgic, novelty gadgets, with the latest being a camera cleverly disguised as a classic 35mm film roll. Following the success of models like the Kodak Charmera, the OPT100 Neo Film offers a unique twist by housing a basic digital camera inside a plastic film canister and matching box, creating a charming retro aesthetic. This device is currently a Japan-exclusive, priced at approximately 5,940 yen, or just under $40, though international buyers can find it on import sites like eBay, often at a higher cost.
When it comes to performance, expectations should be set very low. The camera is equipped with a 1-megapixel sensor, which is even less capable than the Charmera’s 1.6-megapixel chip. Video recording drops the resolution to a mere 0.3 megapixels. While it includes a few built-in filters and a flash, the resulting images are predictably grainy, low-resolution, and feature muted colors. It’s designed purely for fun, not for serious photography.
Storage is handled via a microSD card slot that supports cards up to 32GB. Power comes from a rechargeable battery that provides roughly an hour of continuous use, provided the flash is used sparingly. There is no optical viewfinder; instead, a small LCD screen on the back handles framing, photo review, and menu navigation for adjusting settings. The ergonomics are unconventional, with a side-mounted spindle acting as the shutter button, which can feel awkward to operate.
Despite its technical limitations and quirky design, the OPT100’s undeniable charm and novelty factor are likely to drive its popularity. Much like the Charmera, its appeal lies in its unique form factor and nostalgic presentation rather than its imaging capabilities. For collectors and fans of quirky tech, it represents a fun, conversation-starting piece that prioritizes style and a retro vibe over photographic fidelity.
(Source: The Verge)
