Rewindpix Teases Film-Inspired Digital Compact Camera
Rewindpix is an upcoming digital compact camera project developed by photographer and designer Xiao Liu, positioned as a response to what its creator sees as the speed and screen dependence of contemporary digital photography. The project draws on the physical conventions of compact film cameras, combining mechanical controls and an optical viewfinder with a simplified digital workflow.
The camera’s design references classic models such as the Agfa Optima, with a boxy body, a Xenon flash, a prominent shutter button, and a mechanical winding lever. A large optical viewfinder is a central element of the concept, intended to provide a bright, unobstructed framing experience that avoids reliance on electronic displays. On the rear, a one-inch LCD is limited to showing basic information such as the selected shooting mode, remaining frames, battery status, and Wi-Fi connectivity. Image playback on the camera itself is not supported.
Rewindpix operates around two main shooting modes. In Camera mode, users select one of three built-in looks—Sunny Warm, Breezy Cool, or Simply Mono—and shoot without further interaction. Film mode imposes additional constraints: once a look is selected, it is locked in for 36 frames, mimicking the behavior of a roll of film. The camera can store more than 1,200 images internally and is rated for approximately 300 shots per charge. After completing a “roll”, images are accessed through a companion mobile app, which functions as a digital “darkroom.”
The integrated app allows users to browse photos, apply or adjust film-inspired profiles, and load custom looks onto the camera. At launch, more than 20 preset profiles are planned, with options modeled on familiar film stocks as well as stylized color palettes inspired by filmmakers. Users can also create their own profiles by adjusting parameters such as white balance, contrast, grain, and exposure, with the intention of minimizing post-processing after capture.
Hardware specifications are modest by current standards: Rewindpix uses a 13-megapixel 1/3.06-inch sensor paired with an f/2.2 glass lens. A front filter thread allows for the use of physical filters, and the shutter button can be swapped for different designs. The camera relies on a short processing delay after each exposure, during which the winding action occupies the user while the image is processed internally.
According to Liu, the project grew out of dissatisfaction with existing film-inspired digital compacts, including small optical viewfinders and noticeable shutter lag. Rewindpix is intended to slow the shooting process by removing immediate image review and emphasizing physical interaction, anticipation, and composition rather than rapid feedback.
The camera is currently in a prototype stage. Sample images released by the team show output from the built-in profiles as well as app-based film simulations, with further examples expected as development continues. Rewindpix is planned to launch via Kickstarter, with a pre-launch page already active. Shipping is tentatively scheduled for 2026. Early backers are promised a discount relative to the eventual retail price, though final pricing has not yet been disclosed.
