Starbucks Drops a Retro Digital Camera, and It Might Just Challenge the Kodak Charmera

Starbucks is stepping into unexpected territory this holiday season, and it is not another drink on the menu. The company quietly released a retro style compact digital camera in China, and people are already buzzing about it. With a price that is cheaper than a coffee date and a design that looks more stylish than most budget cameras, this little gadget is shaking things up. Honestly, it might even give the Kodak Charmera a run for its money.

The Starbucks Retro Digital Camera launched at only 198 yuan, which converts to roughly US$ 28 or around Php1,655. It is a surprisingly low price for something that looks like it came from a specialty camera shop. The body has a leather style finish and comes in two classy color combinations, burgundy paired with gold or green paired with silver. Considering how many cameras stick to the usual plain black look, Starbucks really went for personality here.

Aside from the design, the most interesting part is the dual sensor setup. One sensor sits in the spot where a viewfinder would usually be, giving users a dedicated selfie camera. You frame yourself on the rear screen just like you would on a phone, then switch to the main sensor for regular shots. It is a simple idea but genuinely clever for a compact, low cost camera.

To add more fun, the camera includes nine nostalgic photo frames and retro filters that lean into the Y2K aesthetic. There is also a working shutter button and a built in flash, although the top dials seem to be more for style than function. Details about the manufacturer remain unclear, but China has plenty of companies that produce affordable digital cameras, so the collaboration could have come from anywhere.

What is clear is that the camera has become a hit in China. Resellers have already started listing it at higher prices, which usually means demand is strong. With the resurgence of small, lo-fi digital cameras, this Starbucks release arrives at the perfect time. If this ever makes it to the Philippines, expect it to trend fast, especially since many people are already collecting devices like the Kodak Charmera. Starbucks might not have meant to enter that space seriously, but they accidentally created a strong competitor.

(via Yanko Design)