# Building Block Cameras The LEGO Pinhole Camera is a Fully Functional Picture Taker By Meghan Young | Published 2011-04-21 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lego-pinhole-camera References: [psfk](http://www.psfk.com/2011/04/lego-pinhole-camera-pic.html) & [code.google](http://code.google.com/p/legocamera/) As I look at this LEGO Pinhole Camera, I can’t help but be amazed yet again at how versatile these [toy building blocks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lego-9) are. Not only can they be played with innocently by children, allowing their imaginations to run wild, these toy bricks can also form [fully functional creations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lego-typewriter) such as counter tops, cameras and more. Created by Russian LEGO enthusiast and electronics designer known only as ‘bshikin,’ the LEGO Pinhole Camera actually takes photos. It uses a [NXT](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/eyemoo-nxt-epaper-s1) light sensor to calculate shutter speed and snaps the picture with a servo-operated flap, while also tracking the remaining film left. Although the LEGO Pinhole Camera may seem rather clunky to tote around, this creation is so unique, it may be worth it. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 0.8/10 - Popularity: 6% | Activity: 9% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 70% men, 30% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) > [Photography](https://www.trendhunter.com/photography) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Lego-inspired Gadgets:** The rise of LEGO-inspired gadgets such as cameras and smartphones opens the door for creative and playful product innovation. - **DIY Electronics:** DIY electronics enthusiasts are integrating toy building blocks like LEGO into their designs for unique and personalized inventions. - **Smart Toy Market:** Toys that integrate technology and creativity, like LEGO-inspired camera designs, are shaping the future of the smart toy market. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Toy and Game Industry:** The toy and game industry can incorporate building blocks like LEGO into their product lines as a way to marry traditional play with emerging technology. - **Consumer Electronics Industry:** Consumer electronics manufacturers can explore the potential of incorporating building blocks into their product designs to create new and unique gadgets. - **Photography Industry:** The photography industry can explore the use of DIY toy building block cameras as a quirky and playful alternative to traditional camera designs. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Vintage Building Block Cameras](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lego-ideas-polaroid-onestep-sx70-camera-set.md) - [Block Puzzle Microscope Sets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/functional-microscope.md) - [Vintage Projector Puzzle Kits](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/magic-lantern.md) - [Functional Gingerbread Cameras](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gingerbread-camera.md) - [3D-Scanning Block Devices](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ascand-for-lego-3d-scanner.md) - [Lego-Centric Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/brick-my-world.md) - [Toy Brick-Inspired Studios](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/curving-block.md) - [Building Block Tiny Houses](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lego-tiny-house.md) - [Old Film-Honoring Puzzle Collectibles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tribute-camera.md)