Kodak has released a miniature camera so small it can be attached to a keyring, yet it is still capable of shooting both photos and videos. The new Kodak Charmera, launched in collaboration with Reto Pro, weighs only 30 grams and is smaller than an AirPods case. Despite its size, the device has already drawn strong demand, selling out on the Reto Pro website shortly after launch. A restock is expected.
The camera is sold in a blind box format for US$29.99 each, or as a complete set of six for US$179.94. Each box contains one of seven designs, including a secret edition featuring a transparent shell that reveals the inner workings of the camera. According to Reto Pro, the odds of receiving the limited transparent version are one in 48, while the standard designs are more common at one in six.
Whichever design is chosen, every Charmera includes a keyring attachment, designed to be clipped onto a belt loop or bag, along with a USB-C cable for transferring images and videos to other devices.
Features inspired by Kodak’s past
The Charmera’s design pays tribute to Kodak’s Fling, a single-use camera first introduced in the 1980s. The retro-inspired device captures 1.6-megapixel still images at 1,440 x 1,080 resolution and records video at 30 frames per second. While the picture quality is not designed to rival modern smartphones or digital cameras, the emphasis is on fun and nostalgia rather than professional-grade photography.
Users can personalise their shots by applying Kodak-branded frames, vintage-style filters and an optional date stamp. This creative aspect, combined with its portable form factor, is likely to appeal to younger audiences as well as collectors who enjoy quirky gadgets.
Collectable craze meets modern tech
Much of the excitement surrounding the Charmera stems from its collectable nature, echoing the popularity of Labubu toys, which are known for being both playful and highly sought after. The blind box packaging adds an element of surprise, making the cameras more than just functional devices.
Although its low resolution and small sensor mean it cannot compete with high-end cameras, the Charmera is expected to find a niche similar to the cult following of the Game Boy Camera in the late 1990s. By blending modern connectivity with a retro style, Kodak has created a novelty gadget that doubles as a conversation piece and a practical tool for quick snaps and short videos.
For now, fans eager to get their hands on the Charmera will need to wait for the next restock, as initial supplies have already sold out.
