REVERSE ENGINEERING.
November 17, 2009
A friend linked me to this on Leonard Goh's asia.cnet.com blog the other day.
Japanese design firm Superheadz is well-renowned for its innovative film cameras such as the Blackbird, Fly and the cutesy Ikimono. However, the company has recently introduced its first digital camera, the Digital Harinezumi.
As with Superheadz's other snappers, the 2-megapixel Digital Harinezumi produces pictures with a soft, out-of-focus feel. The colors emulate that of Lomo shooters--often quirky and sometimes unsaturated. Although this snapper has an LCD screen, shutterbugs won't be able to use it to frame shots. Instead, the firm has incorporated a plastic viewfinder on top of the camera for that purpose. As for the display, it is reserved for viewing pictures only.
The Digital Harinezumi is also able to record videos, although the site did not mention what the video resolution is. What the company wants consumers to know is that the recordings have the vintage feel of old 8mm clips. Check out the video below to see the dreamy quality created.
silla-viento-peces from nick dangerfield on Vimeo.
Rather interesting concept - advancing technology to replicate older technology. Although the "Super 8" video feel does seem rather appealing, it makes you wonder whether developing a digital camera to emulate a 110 film camera, to recreate the 'out of focus' imagery (once originally considered a fault with the 110 film format) and even purposely leaving out features like a viewfinder is stepping forwards to step backwards. Is 'nostalgia' itself becoming so much of a trend that we're forgetting why we left it in the past?
It's a pretty cool concept, no doubt, but it makes you think if it simply makes more sense to use an old 110 format camera instead. What next, a digital camera with no review option? Now there's an idea.
It's not exactly taking a step back, but recreating a classical point-of-view with something more convenient.
Cause i am pretty sure trying to find, let alone using a Camera with 110mm Film is just a bit out of someones way, plus nobody is in the business of inconvenience!
Apologies, I should've been a little more descriptive - 110 film format cameras were those cheap little pocket Kodak/Fujifilm cameras they used to produce. I still remember sometimes only getting five usable photos from an entire roll. I think Kodak still manufactures them, perhaps not Fujifilm.
great post
i recently received a diana mini lomo from a friend
i really like it, though i've yet to develop anything...
it seems weird since now u can download all these programs and make your pictures have that toy camera feel
blurry and the colors are a bit out..
im hoping to invest in my first DSLR soon
but i still like a bit out of focus pictures the best
This is a good camera for the price. It is simple to use and takes clear, crisp pictures. Also, the battery life is good. And the price makes it affordable to take good pictures.