There’s something irresistible about the tactile experience of point-and-shoot photography that smartphones have never quite captured. Kodak knows this better than anyone — after all, they practically invented accessible photography with the original Brownie in 1900.
Now, the company that gave us “You press the button, we do the rest” is channeling that same spirit with the Charmera, a keychain-sized digital camera that pays homage to their 1987 Fling disposable camera for the modern age.
Miniature Marvel, Maximum Nostalgia
At just 30g (~1.05oz) and measuring just 2.28″ long, the Charmera is impossibly tiny — small enough that four units could fit comfortably in your palm. Despite its diminutive size, this pocket-sized powerhouse packs a 1/4-inch CMOS sensor capable of shooting 1.6-megapixel stills (1,440 x 1,080 resolution) and 30fps video. The 35mm f/2.4 lens won’t win any awards for optical prowess, but that’s entirely beside the point. This camera prioritizes character over anything else.
What sets the Charmera apart from other novelty cameras is its thoughtful attention to the analog experience. You get seven vintage-inspired filters and four distinctive Kodak-branded frames that can transform ordinary snapshots into something retro. The date stamp feature particularly nails the throwback aesthetic, automatically marking photos just like film cameras from back in the day. There’s even a small rear display for reviewing your shots.
Collectible Culture with a Purpose
Speaking to the modern-day collector, Kodak is releasing the Chamera in blind boxes, so you don’t know which of the seven you’ll get. Among the designs is a coveted transparent shell chase variant that showcases the internal components — a subtle nod to retro-tech minimalism. The 1/48 odds of scoring the clear version will likely drive collectors wild, though the base designs are compelling enough on their own merit.
The practical side hasn’t been forgotten either. USB-C connectivity handles both charging and file transfers, while microSD support (up to 128GB) ensures you won’t run out of space mid-shoot. The keychain form factor might seem gimmicky, but it solves the real problem of always having a camera within reach, which is something even smartphone photographers can relate to when their phone dies.
Spec Sheet
Image Sensor: 1/4-inch CMOS, 1.6MP
Lens: 35mm f/2.4
Video: 1,440 x 1,080 at 30fps
Storage: MicroSD (1GB-128GB)
Connectivity: USB-C
Weight: 30g
Dimensions: 2.28″ x 0.96″ x 0.79″
Filters: 7 vintage styles
Frames: 4 Kodak-branded options
Special Features: Date stamp, keychain attachment
Pricing & Availability
The Kodak Charmera is available for $30 per blind box or $180 for a complete six-unit set through Reto Pro’s official website. Right now, the cameras are sold out, but Kodak has promised restocks coming soon.
Recap
Kodak Charmera Keychain Cameras
The Kodak Charmera is a tiny keychain digital camera that reimagines the company’s 1987 disposable Fling camera with modern features like USB-C connectivity, vintage filters, and collectible blind-box packaging for $30.
