The Kodak Charmera has returned in a new 'Millennium Edition' with six Y2K-inspired colorways and additional photo filters and frames, but is otherwise the same mini digital camera as the original, according to TechRadar. Priced at $34.99 / £34.99 / AU$54.99, the 30g keychain camera features a 35mm f/2.4 lens and a 1/4-inch CMOS sensor that captures 1.6MP JPEG photos and 1440x1080p video at 30fps.
Product Specifications and Design
The Charmera Millennium Edition is identical in hardware to the original 1987-styled camera, according to TechRadar. It uses a tiny 1/4-inch CMOS sensor and produces "some of the worst-quality 1.6MP JPEG photos and 1440x1080pixel 30p video you'll see," which TechRadar notes is part of the camera's charm. New to this edition are additional photo filters and frames that mimic the tech interface of the Y2K era, including camcorder and Microsoft Internet Explorer 5 aesthetics.
The camera comes in six new colorways: the article images show a range of colors including a shiny silver limited edition. The seven versions (six standard plus one limited) are displayed in the provided photo.
Pricing and Blind Box Mechanics
According to TechRadar, pricing remains the same as the original: a single Charmera costs $34.99 / £34.99 / AU$54.99 and is sold in a 'blind box', meaning the buyer does not know which colorway they will receive. For collectors, a 'Whole set' box containing all six standard colorways is priced at $209.94, which TechRadar notes is exactly the same as buying six individually—no discount, but ensures collectors get each version. Additionally, there is a limited edition seventh look: a shiny silver version, with a 1 in 49 chance of receiving one.
Nostalgia and Market Success
TechRadar reported that the original Charmera was a "marketing masterstroke" and sold out in a single day on its November 2025 release. It has inspired a wave of low-cost miniature alternatives, including the even-cheaper Photo Creator Mini Digital Camera series 3, making the timing right for Kodak to return with a fresh offering. The Millennium Edition builds on the '1987' original by targeting Y2K nostalgia, doubling the available varieties from 6 to 12 in one swoop (plus two limited edition versions, one for each model).
Comparison: Original vs Millennium Edition
| Feature | Original (1987 Edition) | Millennium Edition |
|---|---|---|
| Colorways | 6 standard + 1 limited | 6 new Y2K + 1 limited silver |
| Photo filters/frames | Standard set | Additional Y2K-inspired filters |
| Price (single) | $34.99 / £34.99 / AU$54.99 | $34.99 / £34.99 / AU$54.99 |
| Blind box | Yes | Yes |
| Whole set price | — | $209.94 (all six) |
| Weight | 30g | 30g |
| Lens | 35mm f/2.4 | 35mm f/2.4 |
| Sensor | 1/4-inch CMOS, 1.6MP | 1/4-inch CMOS, 1.6MP |
| Video | 1440x1080p 30p | 1440x1080p 30p |
| Limited edition odds | — | 1 in 49 for silver |
Future Possibilities
TechRadar speculates that Kodak might take inspiration from the quirky Fujifilm Instax Evo Cinema, which has a unique Eras dial covering decades, and suggests that the Millennium Edition may not be the last we've seen of new Charmeras. The article notes there is "really no need for Kodak to improve the specs and features" as people buy the camera for the vibe, not its capabilities. However, the form factor might eventually need to be tweaked to mimic other types of camera, such as the Chuzhao Mini TLR, depending on how far back in time the next edition goes.
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