Sony’s 'Wind-Up' Digital Camera December 23, 2007

Read more Digital cameras , Gadgets , Gizmodo UK , Mobile Devices , Portable Media , Technology

It may sound like a wind-up but Sony has been showing off a digital camera with an innovative hand-crank – or spinning wheel – that powers the camera.

The odd-looking Odo – nothing to Star Trek DS9’s shape-shifting copper - was on show at the Eco Products Expo in Japan, to highlight just how environmental friendly our digital snappers can become.

Spinning the wheel on top of the device for 15 seconds will generate enough juice for a shot. LED indicators show when your spinning has charged the device enough. In the photo after the jump, it may look like someone has dunked it in a mini flower-pot but since the Odo has no display of its own – power-saving, you know – this is the USB cradle so you can view the shot on a PC.

It’s a 3MP device and before you ask what the hell adults would do with something this hamstrung, Sony points out that its likely audience would be kids just starting out in the 'Embarrassing Shots Of Your Parents' club.

Obviously, this is a one-off at the moment with no plans for production so it's cute, green, and largely useless.-Martin Lynch

[Macnn]