# Modernized Retro Cameras Diego Monge's 'AE-1 Program Digital' Camera From a 1981 Canon SLR By manzil | Published 2010-05-01 | Lifestyle Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ae-1-program-digital References: [crunchgear](http://www.crunchgear.com/2010/04/29/sweet-canon-ae-1-hack-makes-this-classic-film-slr-all-digital/) & [canonrumors](http://www.canonrumors.com/2010/04/canon-ae-1-d/) Diego Monge has turned a 1981 [Canon](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/im-back-film) AE-1 SLR camera into the 'AE-1 Program Digital' Camera, modifying this classic camera into an uber-modern version with 9 megapixels, an image stabilizer, and 4 gigabytes of internal memory. The original camera was designed for film rolls, and Diego Monge's modification has turned an arguably outdated gadget into a revamped supercamera of sorts. See a video of the 'AE-1 Program Digital' Camera in action above. **Implications** - [Retro revival](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/polaroid-flip1) is appealing to consumers because it provides relief from the bells and whistles of today's consistent technological advancement. An ideal retro revival piece, however, combines [modern tech capabilities and old-school aesthetics](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fujifilmxe5) in order to satiate consumers' logical and emotional desires. Companies that master this combination will fare well in today's market. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 5.3/10 - Popularity: 55% | Activity: 95% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 90% men, 10% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle) > [Life](https://www.trendhunter.com/life) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Retro Revival:** Opportunity to revive old-school products with modern tech capabilities and aesthetics. - **Modernized Cameras:** Opportunity to modify classic cameras with upgraded features for enhanced performance. - **Nostalgia Tech:** Opportunity to tap into consumer nostalgia by infusing modern technology into retro gadgets. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Photography:** Opportunity for photography companies to develop modernized retro cameras. - **Consumer Electronics:** Opportunity for consumer electronics manufacturers to create products that blend nostalgia and innovation. - **Design and Fashion:** Opportunity for designers and fashion brands to incorporate retro-inspired tech into their products. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Digital Film Rolls](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/im-back-film.md) - [Revive Modern Film Cameras](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/analogue-af1.md) - [Revived Analog Cameras](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lomo-mca.md) - [Sleek Analog Film Cameras](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lomoapparat.md) - [Nostalgic Computer Graphic Cameras](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/retrospekt-and-polaroid.md) - [Retro-Futurism Video Cameras](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/super-8-camera-concept.md) - [App-Connected Upcycled Film Cameras](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/digi-swap.md) - [Modernized Video Cameras](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kodak-super-8-camera.md) - [Adorable Mini Instant Cameras](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/retro-digital-toy-camera.md)