Maker Builds Nostalgic Digital Video Camera, Resembles Disposable Fujifilm QuickSnap

Abe, the maker behind the YouTube channel “Abe’s Projects,” set out to build a digital video camera that looks and feels like an outdated camcorder from the early 2000s, or a Fujifilm QuickSnap. While modern smartphone cameras can produce ultra sharp footage, older video often leaves a more lasting impact on us due to its grainy texture and soft level of detail. Abe was inspired by historical snippets like Thomas Edison’s 1900 footage of a Paris exposition.

He began with parts developed for other applications, primarily drone flight. A small analogue camera from Readytosky, initially designed for first-person view drones, takes footage and outputs a simple composite signal that retains the raw, unpolished look of vintage video, replete with minor distortions and color shifts found in earlier equipment. Abe then added a RunCam Mini DVR unit to record the composite signal onto a microSD card at a resolution of 640 by 480. That relatively low resolution is a big contributor to the final output’s blocky appearance and compression marks; in short, it resembles all of those ancient camcorders we used to use.

Early tests were performed with all of the components simply hooked together on a bench, and the power source was set to roughly 8 volts to provide a consistent feed. The colors were initially rather accurate, but the composite nature resulted in some bleeding and noise, which adds to the retro vibe. Abe then designed a special circuit board for the on-screen text overlays. He selected the MAX7456 processor, which is ideal for showing monochrome graphics on video streams. Pairing it with a Seeed Studio XIAO RP2040 microcontroller allows him to create a simple menu, a timestamp, or a personalized message directly into the video feed, all thanks to some CircuitPython code that ensures everything functions smoothly.

Soldering the board required some caution with a portable iron, and a few temporary headers came in handy during debugging. Once everything was in working order, the overlays looked great against the softer video background. A 1200mAh 9-volt battery provides power, which is then reduced to 5 volts using a buck converter. What I believe is a nice touch is a magnetic reed switch that activates the camera when the covers slip in, so there are no buttons to get in the way.

For the body, Abe used a 3D printer to keep things economical. All of the sections click together with tongue-and-groove connections, creating a pleasing shape that can be held in one hand. The grips are now slightly longer, and there is a gold accent around the screen driver board. The record button is a button from an old flashlight, which is conveniently located for easy access. Abe later made several design changes, including swapping out the individual camera and DVR components for a single TurboWing Cyclops 3 module that captures, records, and even has a microphone integrated in. He added a 60-degree lens to correct the fisheye distortion and a microSD extension to make card swaps easier. without having to open up the case.
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