Retro comes in a tiny package with the OPT100 Neo film camera

Retro-inspired film cameras like the Kodak Charmera are all the rage right now, but there's a new model that's set to be the latest to break the internet* - the OPT100 Neo Film camera.

The funky little device puts a playful spin on the classic 35 mm film roll by transforming it into a tiny digital camera.

At first glance, the Neo looks like an ordinary film canister from the analogue era. Hold it in your hand and it feels just like that old roll of film you might still have tucked away in a drawer.

But look a little closer and you will see a small lens, a rear screen (really!), and a shutter button cleverly hidden in the film spool.

According to product listings, the OPT100 Neo Film weighs just 25 grams and measures roughly 47 mm by 25 mm by 25 mm. It features a very early-era-of-digital 1 megapixel sensor capable of capturing stills at 3760 × 2128 pixels and can also record video.

Files are stored on a microSD card of up to 32 GB and can be transferred to a computer or smartphone via USB‑C.

Battery life is limited to about one hour of continuous use, making it ideal for casual snaps rather than long outings.

The design leans heavily on nostalgia for the analogue era. Alongside the classic film look, it comes in retro colour options such as black and yellow, white and orange, and a multicolour edition, and its small size and bright colours make it easy to carry in a pocket or attach to a keychain.

The OPT100 Neo Film is currently only available in Japan, priced at around 5940 yen, roughly 40 AUD, but some buyers outside Japan are already importing the camera through online marketplaces.

Of course postage and import fees will push the price higher, but the quirky appeal is attracting enthusiasts willing to pay for a slice of nostalgia.

As you'd expect, image quality of the NEO is likely to be lacking, and will not rival a smartphone or a dedicated camera. Photos are grainy and low‑resolution, although many users say this just adds to the charm. 

You can find the quirky cameras on Amazon Japan where they can also be shipped internationally via sites like ZenMarket.

*may not break the internet