26/01/2026

LYFE MONDAY | JAN 26, 2026

23

GADGET REVIEW

Ű BY AMEEN HAZIZI

T HE Kodak Charmera knows exactly what it is and never pretends to be anything more. This is not a camera meant to replace your phone or impress pixel peepers. It is a novelty first, a fashion accessory second and a functional camera somewhere after that. First impressions, size At first glance, it is hard not to smile. The Charmera is tiny, playful and undeniably cute. Measuring just 58mm wide, 24.5mm high and 20mm deep and weighing only 30g, it is small enough to hang off a keychain, belt loop or bag zipper without ever getting in the way. In fact, it is so compact that it can easily be mistaken for a vape from a distance. Design is the camera’s strongest selling point. Sold in a blind box format, the Charmera comes in seven different designs, each visually distinct. The clear casing is the rarest, with roughly a one in 48 chance of getting it. There is no hiding the fact that Kodak is tapping into the blind box trend, but at least the designs are genuinely charming. Even the common versions feel deliberate rather than disposable. Photo, video basics Functionally, the Charmera does take photos and videos, though expectations should be kept firmly in check. It uses a 1/4-inch CMOS sensor paired with a fixed 35mm f/2.4 lens, producing images at 1,440 by 1,080 resolution or about 1.6 megapixels. Photos are saved in JPEG format while videos are recorded in AVI at 30 frames per second. Storage is handled via a micro SD card supporting between 1GB and 128GB, though no card is included in the box. The results are soft, lo fi and unmistakably toy-like. That can be a flaw or a feature depending on what you are looking for. The very wide fixed lens and basic exposure settings mean there is little control or consistency, but becomes unexpectedly fun. Clips have a rough, imperfect quality that feels like found footage from the 1990s or early 2000s, the kind of grainy home videos pulled from an old hard drive. That same charm comes with limitations. With no built-in stabilisation and such a small, lightweight body, getting smooth footage is difficult and any hand movement is immediately visible. Everyday use The Charmera comes with seven built-in photo filters, a USB-C charging cable and a keyring accessory. Charging is handled via USB-C and power comes from a built-in 200mAh rechargeable battery. A small indicator light glows red while charging and switches off once fully charged, while a blue light indicates when the camera is powered on. Using the camera reinforces the idea that this is more toy than tool. The screen is tiny, roughly the size of the images lean naturally into a retro aesthetic without trying too hard. Video is where the Charmera

The camera’s blind box format mirrors trends more commonly seen in

collectible toys than consumer electronics. – PICS FROM KODAK

Charming little camera

o Tiny Kodak device prioritises nostalgia over function a fingerprint, and is just enough to confirm that a photo has been taken. The viewfinder is simply a hole in the body and serves no real function. The built-in flash is extremely weak, to the point where it is difficult to imagine a scenario where it would be genuinely useful. Who it is for There is a clear attempt to appeal to Y2K-obsessed Gen Z and millennial users who crave retro-looking tech packaged with modern conveniences. In that sense, with the right adapter. Transferring directly to a Lightning iPhone is less straightforward and likely requires additional accessories, though this could not be fully confirmed. Build quality concerns Build quality is where the illusion starts to crack. The unit tested showed signs of inconsistency, including a non-responsive button, occasional random shutdowns and a noticeable rattling sound when shaken. The body is made from ABS plastic and while it looks good, it feels cheap in hand and does not inspire much confidence over long-term use. Value is difficult to pin down. On one hand, it is a fun, eye-catching object that works exactly as advertised. On the other, there are cheaper alternatives online that offer similar novelty appeal and even dashcams with better image quality. For actual photography, a the Charmera does feel like a bridge between old and new, even if the technical side remains very basic. File transfer works via USB-C when connected to a PC or compatible phone

This image uses one of the Charmera’s seven built-in filters, which applies a retro-looking frame. phone will outperform it in every way. On that note, buyers should ensure the Charmera is covered by the seller’s warranty, as defects do occur. At the time of review, the tested unit had been sent in for a warranty claim. Blind box expectations The blind box element adds a layer of fun but it is best approached

The Charmera harks back to the Kodak Fling launched in 1987 as the company’s first single-use camera.

than performance. It is charming, playful and visually appealing but technically underwhelming. Think of it as an accessory that happens to take photos, not a camera that happens to be cute. If that sounds like your kind of thing, it delivers exactly that and nothing more.

casually. This is not something worth gambling heavily on. Each design is unique enough to enjoy without chasing the rare variant. Verdict Ultimately, the Kodak Charmera lives up to its name in spirit rather

A sample photo taken with the Kodak Charmera highlights its low resolution and soft rendering. – PICS BY AMEEN HAZIZI/THESUN