# Recyclable DSLRs Kiel Johnson Crafts Amazing Cardboard Cameras By Michael Hines | Published 2010-09-05 | Eco Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cardboard-cameras References: [ecofriend.org](http://www.ecofriend.org/entry/american-artist-creates-incredible-cameras-from-cardboard/) & [hyperbolestudios](http://hyperbolestudios.com/kieljohnson.com/cameras.html) I'm currently in the market for a new camera, and Kiel Johnson's cardboard cameras seem to be right in my price range. Johnson is an American artist who has recreated everything from [Polaroid](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gingerbread-camera) cameras to 8 mm ones in stunning cardboard fashion. The level of detail in these cardboard cameras is truly impressive. They look ready to [point and shoot](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/modular-camera), despite being made out of a material that craps out when rained on. Check out the gallery above to see a ton of shots of these cardboard cameras, and be sure to click on the links to see more great work from Kiel Johnson. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 5.9/10 - Popularity: 88% | Activity: 82% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 70% men, 30% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Eco](https://www.trendhunter.com/eco) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Cardboard Cameras:** The use of cardboard as a material for creating functional cameras presents an opportunity for sustainable and affordable photography equipment. - **Detailed Replicas:** The level of detail in these cardboard cameras showcases the potential for creating realistic replicas of various objects using unconventional materials. - **Artistic Digitization:** Kiel Johnson's artwork demonstrates the advancement of digitally capturing and transforming physical objects into artistic creations. ### Who This Affects Most - **Photography Equipment Manufacturing:** Exploring the production of cardboard cameras could disrupt the traditional photography equipment manufacturing industry, by offering eco-friendly and affordable alternatives. - **Craft and Hobby Retail:** The popularity of cardboard cameras opens up opportunities for craft and hobby retailers to provide DIY kits, enabling individuals to build and customize their own functional cameras. - **Art and Sculpture Exhibitions:** Incorporating Kiel Johnson's cardboard camera sculptures in art and sculpture exhibitions can introduce unique perspectives on the intersection of photography, craftsmanship, and sustainability. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Stone Paper-Made Cameras](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/paper-shoot.md) - [Recycled Guitar Prototypes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cardboard-guitar-1.md) - [Reusable Disposable Cameras](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/flashback.md) - [Cardboard-Inspired Ceramic Household Art](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cardboard-collection.md) - [Functional Gingerbread Cameras](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gingerbread-camera.md) - [Eco-Friendly Film Cameras](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lensfayre.md) - [Industrial Interchangeable Lens Cameras](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/interchangeable-lens-cameras.md) - [Wooden Camera Renditions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wooden-sony.md) - [Upcycled Waste Material Furniture](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cardboard-furniture-design.md)