game changer - the digital harinezumi

Over 10 years ago, when Lomo first started to make it's push into the USA. Digital photography was still in its infancy. Digital cameras were still only around 1-2 megapixels at the consumer level, if that. Cell phones lacked cameras. Previous to that the 'fun' cameras the toy cameras of the 90's were really the Pop Cam, and those disposable cameras that shot '3d' that required a special form of processing that created lenticular coated prints. Then you had the actual toys that happened to be cameras, the Fisher Price 'fax' camera, the PXL2000 video camera, etc.

Pop Cam at the Four Corners Dark store. 

It is very interesting then, roughly 10 years into the toy camera game, a Japanese company, Powershovel would introduce the incredible Digital Harinezumi in 2009. Mainly because, most people aren't even checking for vintage digital cameras these days. Not to mention, they are slow, hard to export pictures out of (or impossible) and most of the card readers are way out of date by now. It isn't impossible though, more on that another time.

However, Harinezumi not only  took care of many of those issues, like the media card, and speed. It also brought it to you in a fun, familiar package. The body is basically a roll of 110 film, highly pocket-able. It has an incredible color saturation, video (v1 no sound, v2 with sound) the second version also has a black and white option, even more fun. The sensor also does weird things when pointed at strong light, creating even weirder other worldly effects. Not to mention -and I think they changed this on v2- when taking photos, you cant actually see the framing in the photo, all the more to heighten the 'magic' of the film like experience.

If you don't have a Digital Harinezumi, and they ARE pricey, I would suggest you consider it at some point, it is a fun little camera, and a great addition to any collection. Factor in the cost of film and development these days and it will easily pay for itself over time.

Side note, the Four Corner's Dark store is fantastic, and they are great people, check out their great selection.