These kits, products and 3D printing templates help consumers make a camera that could be used for everything from home security and thermal imaging to hobby photography.
The rise of maker culture has inspired consumers to become creators who are familiar with the inner-workings of useful devices. At the same time, smartphone photography has become so widespread that many creatives are looking to differentiate themselves with a DIY camera that's more closely tailored to their needs.
These DIY camera projects can be made from a range of materials. For instance, the Pop-Up Pinhole Co.'s 'Viddy' camera is made from cardboard, while the 'The Focal Camera' boasts a laser-cut wooden frame and Pinhole Printed's 'Flyer' model is made from 3D-printed ABS plastic.
10 DIY Camera Projects
10
3D-Printed Pinhole Cameras
This 3D-Printed Camera Brings a New Perspective to Old Photography
9
DIY Thermal Cameras
The Thermocam Kit Allows Users to DIY Their Own Thermal Imaging Camera
8
DIY Vintage Cameras
The Konstruktor F by Lomography is a Modernized Vintage Product
7
DIY Security Cameras
This Microsoft Project Lets You Build Your Own Security Camera
6
Sophisticated DIY Cameras
'The Focal Camera' Teaches Anyone to Make an Advanced Cameras
5
DIY Camera Kits
This Pinhole Camera is Made from Durable Recycled Card Material
4
DIY Instant Cameras
The PolaPi Instant Thermal Camera Offers Instant Printing for Makers
3
Wooden Pinhole Cameras
These Cameras Offer a Unique Alternative to Digital Photography
2
Modular Imaging Blocks
The Cambits Imaging System Allows For Convenient Scientific Imaging
1
DIY Pinhole Cameras
The Viddy Camera is Made of Cardboard and Reclaimed Materials
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Photography Brand Multitools
The Conceptual Leica Multi Multitool by Marco Barbosa is Branded
Immersive Holographic Projectors
The Twelvetooo Mini Holographic Projector Has More Than 50 Themes
Upcycled Film Camera Designs
The FOTOFOTO OM-1 Presents a Revolutionary Camera Design
AI-Powered Smartphone Cameras
The Alice Camera Works on its Own or with a Smartphone
Portable Stabilizing Cameras
DJI's Osmo Action 4 is Great for Aspiring Photographers
AI-Powered Productivity Projectors
The Conceptual 'Lay' Portable AI Device is Packed with Sensors
High-End Imaging Action Cams
The QooCam 3 Captures 360-Degree Videos at 5.7K Resolution
Nostalgic Computer Graphic Cameras
Retrospekt and Polaroid Collaborated on a New Camera
Pro-Grade AI-Powered Cameras
The Fujifilm X-H2S Mirrorless Digital Camera is Feature-Rich
Cat-Inspired Camera Collections
Hello Kitty's Strawberry Kawaii Collection is Nostalgic and Fresh
Subtle Smartphone-Friendly Printers
The Conceptual Samsung Image Box Instantly Offers Keepsakes
Videography Smartphone Cases
The 90 Degree Instinct Case Transforms the Samsung Galaxy Flip
Vintage-Inspired Instant Cameras
Fujifilm Introduces the INSTAX MINI 99 Point and Shoot Camera
Miniature Spatial Cameras
The Blackmagic URSA Cine Immersive Camera Features Two Lenses
Attachable Eyewear Cameras
The VISOO Spatial Video Camera by Suosi Design is Immersive
Micro-Sized Vlogging Cameras
The Conceptual Sony VLOG-001 Has a Stabilized Three-Axis Design
Quad-Lens GIF Cameras
The Moment 3D Camera by Olga Orel Captures Scenes from Four Lenses
Branded Action Camera Go-Karts
The Conceptual GoPro GoKart by Sean Gao Captures the Action
Vibrant Retro Tech Collections
The Retrospekt x Miffy Collection Features Illustrious Devices
Generative AI-Powered Hand-Held Cameras
Kyle Goodrich's AI-Camera is Ground-Breaking
Smartphone Photographer Sling Bags
The Shiftcam Workflow Sling Addresses Mobile User Needs
Psychedelic Light Projectors
Kino retro projector inspired by psychedelic bands
Stacked Stone Camera Projectors
'The Nostalgia of Now' by Josh Schwefel is Naturalistic
Half-Frame Film Cameras
The Pentax 17 Has a Magnesium Body Construction
Smartphone-Powered Telescopes
The Vaonis 'Hestia' Supports Advanced Stargazing at a Low Cost
Retro Hybrid Instant Cameras
Leica's New SOFORT 2 is a Hybrid Camera and Printer Device
Modular Point-and-Shoot Cameras
The 'Keepsake' Modular Camera Concept is Customizable
Micro-Sized Mirrorless Cameras
The 'Yashica - I'm Back' Has Interchangeable Lenses and More
Celebratory Photography Camera Models
The Fujifilm Instax Mini Evo Camera Comes in Two New Colors
Pro-Grade Creator Camera Models
The Blackmagic Cinema Camera 6K Captures Precision Footage
Creative Vlog-Specific Cameras
The Sony ZV-1 II Ambitiously is Equipped with Multiple Features
Compact Body Cameras
The 'PhoneCam' Lets You Capture Footage Of Illegal or Threatening Behaviour
Rugged Storage-Equipped Camera Caps
The PolarPro Defender Body Cap is Made with 6061 Aluminum
Content Creator Camera Kits
The GoPro HERO13 Black Creator Edition Comes as Part of a Kit
Retractable Camera Lens Smartphones
The HUAWEI Pura 70 Ultra Captures Stunning Images and More
Camera-Centric Chinese Smartphones
Vivo's 'X100 Pro' Offers Best-In-Class Photography Specs
Functional Fashionable Camera Straps
Seam Straps Have a High-Quality, Handmade Construction
Online Creative Course Platforms
Coursera Partnered with Illinois on an Online 3D Printing Course
Easy Installation Security Cameras
The Ring Stick Up Cam Pro is Made with 19% Recycled Materials
Pocket-Sized Gimbal Cameras
The DJI Osmo Pocket 3 Captures 4K Footage and More
Pro-Grade Macro Smartphone Lenses
The Moment 75mm Macro Lens Offers 10-Times Magnification
Palm-Sized Digital Cameras
The Fujifilm Instax Pal Brings Back the Spontaneity of Photography
Sculptural Pebble-Shaped Cameras
The 'Ditto' Camera Concept Captures with Holographic Effect
AI-Powered Mirrorless Cameras
This Full-Frame Camera Features AI-Assisted Subject Tracking
Textured Quad-Camera Smartphones
This iPhone 17 Concept by Mohamed Mahdy Has an Industrial Form
Nostalgic 90s-Style Film Cameras
The Moment Long Weekend 35mm Film Camera is Retro
Pro-Grade Smartphone Photography Controls
The MIOPS 'SPARK' Maximizes Photographer Capabilities
Pro-Grade Smartphone Cameras
The 'SwitchLens' Transforms a Device into a Professional Camera
Foldable Structural Security Cameras
The Psync Genie S Camera is Box-Shaped with a Lid
Retro Doll-Themed Cameras
Retrospekt's Barbie Film Camera Collection is Nostalgically Vibrant
Child-Friendly Camera Concepts
The Camera for Kids Concept Reimagines the Digital Camera
Memory-Making Retro Camera Concepts
The Polaroid Duo Modular Instant Camera is a Sleek Concept
Hybrid Smartphone Photography Systems
The Beaverlab Tech Excope DT1 Enhances Existing Setups
Vintage Camera Experiences
Nikon’s Vintage Pop-Up Diner Teases the Past at Yorkdale Mall
Beer-Branded Disposable Cameras
The Retrospekt x PBR Single-Use 35mm Film Camera is Nostalgic
Proprietary Smartphone Camera Apps
The Apple Final Cut Camera App Offers Ample Adjustment Features
Analogue-Like Digital Cameras
The Leica M11-D Has a Screen-Free Form
Smartphone-Powered Camera Processor Systems
The Ninja Phone Makes Use of Smartphone Power
Retro Full-Frame Cameras
Nikon's 'Z f' Camera Blends Old-School Aesthetics & Futuristic Features
Digital-to-Analog Photo Printers
The 'Jollylook EYE' Converts and Prints Smartphone Photos
Micro 4K Video Cameras
Insta360 Debuts a New Miniature 4K Camera Complete with Find My Technology
Hovering Selfie Drone Cameras
Zero Zero Robotics' Hover Camera X1 is a Miniature Drone
Tea-Filled Smartphone Lenses
Gold Peak Tea Created a Golden Hour Clip-On Smartphone Lens
Emotive Smartphone Camera Covers
Yifan Hu Designs the Emoji-Inspired Smartphone Accessories
Pocket-Sized 3D Scanners
The INSPIRE 3D Scanner by Revopoint is Versatile and Compact
High-Power Palm-Sized Telescopes
The Konsivy Pro 4K WiFi Telescope Supports Hobbyist Needs
Budget-Minded Point-and-Shoot Cameras
The Leica D-Lux 8 Has an Interface Inspired by its Q Line
Elongated Smartphone Photography Lenses
The SANDMARC Probe Lens Captures Unexpected Perspectives
Tape Crafting Kits
Curious Universe's Nano Tape Magic Kits Create Fun Crafts for Kids
Lightweight Content Creator Cameras
Panasonic's LUMIX S9 is Compact and Convenient
Portable Selfie Printer Systems
Canon Introduces its New Selphy QX20 Printer On the Go
Smartphone Gimbal Attachments
Buddiesman Presents the Snappy Mobile Attachment Tool
Pro-Approved Smartphone Lenses
The Latest Moment T-Series Mobile Lenses Elevate Photography
AI-Powered Security Cameras
The U-tec U Home Ulticam Cameras Recognize People, Pets and More
Wide-Angle Instant Cameras
The Fujifilm Instax Wide 400 Instant Camera Has a Chunky Construction
Content Creation Smartphone Accessories
ShiftCam 'SnapSeries' Mobile Creator Gear is Intuitive
AI-Powered Camera Accessories
The Arsenal 2 Intelligent Camera Assistant Offers Auto Enhancement
Screen-Free Digital Cameras
The Camp Snap Camera Holds up to 2,000 Photos in its Storage
Easily Maneuvered Outdoor Cameras
The Duo Camera by Dami Seo and Taeyang Kim Separates Features
Revamped Color-Blocked Cameras
MAD Paris and Casablanca Drop a Reimagined Contax G2
Vlog-Friendly Compact Cameras
Sony Introduces the ZV-E10 II Camera with New Upgrades
Doll-Inspired Retro Instant Cameras
Mattel and Kodak Join Forces on a Barbie Instant Camera
Portable Photobooth Printers
The HP Sprocket Photobooth is Debuting at CES 2024
Miniature Ink-Free Photo Printers
The Canon IVY 2 Features ZINK Technology and More
Modernized Video Cameras
The Kodak Super 8 Camera Revives the Brand's Analog Hardware
Comprehensive 3D Printing Resources
'Udemy' Offers Engaging Online Courses on 3D Printing
Creative Manual Instant Cameras
Polaroid Unveils the New I-2 Camera with Instant Film
AI-Generated Selfies
DreamBooth Creates Realistic Images Based on a Set of Photos
Color-Changing Instant Cameras
The Fujifilm Instax Mini 99 Uses LEDs for Visual Effects
Remixed Stealthy Camera Concepts
Wencheng Zhang Creates the Leica M Reimagined Concept
Image-Based Homework Help
Answer Lens Can Uses AI to Answer Homework Questions with a Photo
Camera-Branded Photography Apps
The Leica LUX App Brings the Brand's Prowess to the iPhone
Mirrorless 4K Compact Cameras
Samuel Mello Medeiros Designs the Yashica I'm Back Camera
Luxury Handheld Camera Bags
KidSuper Designs This Louis Vuitton-Branded Camera Bag
Portable Holographic Displays
Looking Glass Go Shares Memories as 3D Holograms, Not Photos
Polaroid-Inspired Poetry Cameras
The Poetroid Uses AI To Print Poems Similar to a Polaroid
Brand Photography Marketplaces
VSCO Unveils a New Marketplace for Photographers to Find Work
Rechargeable Instant Print Cameras
Kodak SMILE+ Digital Instant Print Has a Filter-Changing Lens
Hybrid Instant Cameras
The Leica Sofort 2 Combines Analog Charm with Digital Convenience
Customizable Content Effects
Google Introduces New Editing Features to the Photos App
Pocket-Friendly UHD Action Cams
The V8S Pocket 5K Action Camera Features an IP68 Rating
Power-Unlocking Camera Apps
The Photon Camera App Captures Pro-Grade Images
Functional Gingerbread Cameras
Dmitri Tcherbadji Created a Camera That Shoots with Instant Film
Camera Gear Product Displays
GoPro Has Announced a Significant Retail Expansion at Best Buy
Portable Game Device Cameras
The Game Boy Mini Camera by Christopher Graves has a Custom Board
Timeless Photo Books
Photos by Artkive Uses an App to Turn Cluttered Camera Rolls into Photo Books
Smartphone Filmmaker Accessories
The Beastcage 16 Transforms the iPhone 16 Pro Max
Thermal Print Portable Cameras
The P-Series Thermal Print Camera by DPP is Made for Children
AI-Powered Action Cameras
Insta360’s Ace Pro Action Camera Utilize Leica Engineering and AI
Lens-Integrated Travel Cameras
This Medium-Format Camera Offers High-End Travel Photography
Tomato-Red Retro Cameras
Retrospekt’s New Hello Kitty 35mm Camera is Inspired by Summer Picnics
Vintage Building Block Cameras
The LEGO Ideas Polaroid OneStep SX-70 Camera Set Arrives in 2024
Vintage Projector Puzzle Kits
The LEGO Magic Lantern by Norders is a Functional Projector
Durable Filmmaker Camera Lenses
The SIRUI Night Walker S35 Cine Lens Series is Budget-Friendly
Custom Photo Puzzles
Make Your Puzzles Enhances Customer Experience of Its Services
Accessory-Focused Action Cameras
GoPro Launches its HERO13 Black with a Variety of Accessories
Miniature Action Wireless Cameras
The Insta360 Go 3 is an Action Camera with a Display Feature
Old Film-Honoring Puzzle Collectibles
LEGO Presents the Walt Disney Tribute Camera Set
Kid-Friendly Portable Projectors
Little Tikes' Story Dream Machine Supports Early Literacy
Portable Action Cameras
GoPro Releases the New Hero 12 Black with an Extended Battery Life
Connected Infrared Camera Devices
The FLIR E8 Pro Has Ignite Cloud Connectivity
Mirrorless 60-Megapixel Cameras
Leica Introduces the SL3 Camera with 8K Video Quality
Transformational Cell Phone Tools
The Make-Roscope Transforms Your Phone into a Microscope
Fixed-Lens Digital Cameras
Fujifilm Released its 'X100VI' Following its Viral TikTok Camera
Instant Camera Collections
Prinics Launches the New 'Era' Product Line Inspired by Kodak's History
Elongated Photo Printers
The HP Sprocket Panorama Creates Photo Booth Strips and More
High-End Instant Cameras
The Polaroid I-2 Fuses Analog and Modern Photography Technology
Downward-Facing Digital Cameras
Logitech Releases a Camera with an Articulating Arm
Affordable Spatial Camera Lenses
Canon Introduces its Small RF-S7.8mm F4 STM Dual Lens
Vintage Photo Camera Apps
mood.camera Brings Back Nostalgia in a Digital Age
Photo Editing Mobile Expansions
Capture One Launches its Platform on Mobile Devices
Video-Friendly Makeup Tools
Rad Camera Applies Virtual Makeup to Enhance Appearance on Video Calls
Animal-Perspective Video Cameras
A Team of Researchers Develop a Special Imaging System
Multi-Coated Glass Lens Cameras
Lomography Debuted a New Instant Camera with High-Def Photos
Introductory Connected Device Kits
Arduino's Plug and Make Kit Supports Beginner-Level Projects
3D-Scanning Block Devices
Ascand for Lego 3D Scanner Brings Everyday Objects to Life
Retro-Tinged Polaroid Cameras
Fujifilm's New SQUARE SQ40 Celebrates Vintage Photo Formats
Digital Photo Booth Experiences
Pixely is a Tool That Can Elevate Any Social Occasion
Anticipating Camera Tools
RecordBack: PreCatch Camera Captures Moments Before They Occur
Essential Smartphone Repair Kits
This Hyper Tough Cell Phone Kit Features 17 Efficient Tools