# Transforming Camera Toys Canon Announced a Partnership and Toy Line with Transformers By Colin Smith | Published 2022-08-10 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/transforming-camera-toys References: [gizmodo](https://gizmodo.com/canon-dslr-replica-transformers-optimus-prime-reflector-1849394318) & [youtube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=5&v=l0WLpchHndI&feature=emb_logo)  [Canon](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/amlos) announced a new partnership with the Transformers brand in order to create a line of transforming camera toys. The toys were designed through a collaboration with [Takara Tomy](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tomy-company), which has previously worked on creating hybrid transformer toy models. The Canon-branded toys will feature 'Optimus Prime,' the most recognizable Transformers character, as well as 'Reflector' a lesser-known character who originally transformed into a camera in the cartoons. It is important to note that, while the toys will be able to transform from a seemingly realistic Canon camera into a mechanical humanoid-camera hybrid, the toys will not function as a genuine camera in either mode. According to Canon, these toys are based on the Canon [EOS R5](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dual-fisheye-lens) model. The two toys are currently available for preorder in Japan with an official launch date set for September 28th, 2022. Image Credit: Takara Tomy ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.6/10 - Popularity: 13% | Activity: 53% | Freshness: 12% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Gen Alpha, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) > [Gadgets](https://www.trendhunter.com/gadgets) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Transforming Camera Toys:** Opportunity to explore the market for creative camera toys that combine toys and photography. - **Hybrid Collaborations:** Opportunity to create hybrid toys by partnering with non-toy brands. - **Character-based Toys:** Opportunity to expand the toy market by creating character-based toys that appeal to nostalgia. ### Who This Affects Most - **Toy Industry:** With this partnership, the toy industry can explore opportunities to integrate different industries and create hybrid toys. - **Camera Industry:** Canon's partnership with Takara Tomy brings attention to the camera industry and offers new perspectives on the purpose and design of cameras. - **Entertainment Industry:** Canon’s venture into character-based toys can open up opportunities for cross-brand advertisements and licensing, offering new revenue streams for entertainment companies. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Video Projector Camera Toys](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/photo-creator-video-projector-camera.md) - [Transforming Crossover Dinosaur Toys](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/transformers-x-jurassic-park.md) - [Future-Forward Videocall Cameras](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/amlos.md) - [Cartoon Franchise Collab Collectibles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bape-and-transformers-1.md) - [Camera and Lens Announcements](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lens-announcements.md) - [Auto Cartoon Plushies](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/transformers-reversible-plushies.md) - [Collectible Mini Cameras](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/photo-creator-mini-cam.md) - [Car-Branded Toy Collectibles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/starbase.md) - [Selfie-Based Action Figures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/formlabs.md)