Croz: A Revival of Pure Photography

Calvin Sio's DIY Digital Camera Brings Back the Joy of Capturing Moments

In a world where complex camera features have become the norm, designer Calvin Sio takes a step back to the basics with Croz, a DIY digital camera that aims to bring back the pure joy of photography. This unique design, which won the Silver A' Digital and Electronic Device Design Award in 2018, combines an elegant aesthetic with a simple operation, allowing users to focus solely on creativity and capturing the world around them.

The inspiration behind Croz lies in the simple fact of taking photos for the sake of recording and having fun. Calvin Sio and his team at Hyle Design Macau have created a camera that strips away the buzzing functions of modern photography, allowing users to witness scenes directly through the viewfinder and capture touching moments instantly.

One of the unique features of Croz is its exchangeable cases. The whole assembly can be completed in just four simple steps, making it a truly DIY camera. The outer shell of Croz is a combination of wood and brass, materials that are natural and environmentally friendly. The use of these materials also allows for a touchable print and change in color over time, showcasing the hidden interaction between users and objects.

The technical specifications of Croz further emphasize its simplicity and elegance. The camera is compact and lightweight, with a length of 118 mm, a width of 88 mm, and a thickness of 15 mm. It weighs just 260 g, including batteries. All operational functions can be carried out with just two buttons: a 3-in-1 shutter clicker for turning the camera on and off and shooting, and a switch button for choosing different photo effects.

The design process of Croz was not without its challenges. As Calvin Sio notes, the unpredictability of the camera, whether it's off colors, wrong focus, or vignetting effect, makes each photo one of a kind. This unpredictability gives the camera a life of its own, making photography a fun and exciting experience.

In conclusion, Croz is a testament to the beauty of simplicity and the joy of capturing moments. It's a camera that brings back the essence of traditional photography while incorporating modern inspiration. It's a camera that invites users to interact with it, to understand it, and to create memories with it. It's a camera that, in its own unique way, brings photography back to its roots.


Project Details and Credits

Project Designers: Calvin Sio Kai Tong
Image Credits: Calvin Sio Kai Tong
Project Team Members: Hylé Design Macau
Project Name: Croz
Project Client: Calvin Sio Kai Tong


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