Necono Japanese Digital Cat Camera

I squealed with delight when I discovered this crazy kitty shaped camera on CrunchGear this morning! The Necono Digital Camera, made by the Tokyo-based company, Superheadz, is extremely small (10×3×3cm), and is meant to be carried around like a pet. You can order it online in Japanese for 15,750 yen ($191 USD), with the option of purchasing additional accessories, such as a matching carrying case.

Now as much as I love the camera, I found myself equally enamored with the page describing some of the reasons why you should buy it. So, presented without interruption, here are five (out of seven) reasons Superheadz thinks the Necono Digital Camera is right for you!

(The following is taken directly from their website, images and all.)

1. There is no need for you to say "Cheese!"

This little camera can capture natural and relaxed faces (actually the most difficult faces to capture as photographers may know). Anyone would become stiff by the tension when you are caught by a camera. With a big tough camera, the tension will be big and tough. And with a small camera, the tension will be a small one. But what about with a necono (or cat, in English) camera? Just like how a baby or a pet lightens up communication between a stranger, this camera is capable of transforming the relationship between you and your subject into a happy one.

2. Cat Shape

Its left eye is a lens and the right is a sensor. It allows you to take photos and movies like a cat is taking them. The camera does not carry a monitor , so you cannot see what you are about to take (Ed note: A monitor mount is in production, and will be available in the future). But it is not as complicated as it may seem. All you need is, a little effort to, be a cat. Then you will soon get used to it. Please experience the special excitement of a film camera, not knowing what you have caught. With the dedicated monitor "Monitor Ground" (sold separately), you can use it like an ordinary digital camera.

3. Sticks Everywhere

With magnets at its feet, it sticks everywhere, anywhere, anytime. You can shoot from high up and low down or even tilt it. All these unexpected shots are enabled by this simple magnetic mechanism. Self-timer mode, and interval mode which repeat shooting a photo every second will widen your possibility and creativity. Finding this kitten stuck here and there, will delight your daily life even while it is out of use. In fact, that is the lovable effect we cannot look down on.

4. Whimsical photos with quite a personality

Necono digital camera does not have any of the high qualities that the latest digital cameras out there would possess. Moreover, we may warn you that we cannot promise you infallibility under certain circumstance. Sometimes, it may take in too much light and cause a whiteout, or blur by the movement of your subject; it is “whimsical” and does not always capture what you intend it to. But just as a cat who may ignore your calls, this “whim” will make you love it even more and more. Loaded with a vivid color-mode and a bitter black & white mode.

5. Makes you want to carry around

Compact, light and cat shaped, how can you help from yourself from taking it along with you? A camera that makes you want to walk around with, just like your own pet; is our concept for this camera. Please carry it to wherever you go. You can attach a strap to the tail so it will not fall from your hand, neck or arm. You can always stay together.

Via CrunchGear / Superheadz