The Ziegel from Bonzart is a small, take-everywhere camera that screams fun, and that’s something we all sorely need.
It’s been a long time since I have been as excited about a camera as I am about the ZIEGEL from Bonzart. There are so many identical cameras on the market these days, and honestly, it can be quite hard to get pumped up about them. Fortunately, one company out there remembers that the pure joy of photography is something everyone should experience. The ZIEGEL from Bonzart is a small, interestingly styled digital camera that’s completely customizable. It also sports some incredibly unique features that will make even the most hardened photographers crack a smile. Join us after the break to find out more about the Indiegogo backed ZIEGEL camera from Bonzart.
So, what exactly is the ZIEGEL, and who the heck is Bonzart? Well, Bonzart is a Japanese startup that was founded in 2012. Their first camera was the worldâs first twin-lens digital camera called the AMPEL. Now, the company has almost met its funding goal on Indiegogo for their next camera, the ZIEGEL. The ZIEGEL (which means tile in German) is named after the streamlined design of traditional Japanese rooftops.
Bonzart describes the ZIEGEL as a camera that’s purely for the joy of capturing a picture wherever inspiration strikes. Now, that, to me, already sounds appealing. No talk of specs, no claims about autofocus performance, no going on about sensors. That’s refreshing. However, we know the gear heads will want to hear about specs. So, we’ll go into that next.
ZEIGEL Technical Specs
The ZIEGEL sports an 18 Megapixel sensor. The sensor is paired with a fixed focal length f2.8 lens. The lens has a five-element design and a built-in ring light. However, there is an additional lens you can buy that can shoot both wide-angle and macro. The shutter speed is locked to 1/60th second. ISO goes up to ISO 800. There’s a self-timer, an LCD screen, and a single SD card slot. Powered by 3 AA batteries, the ZIEGEL weighs just 0.38lbs.
Looking at the specs and the camera’s design, you might wonder if an instant print camera and a digital point and shoot had a night of amore. Complicated menus are out, easy to use physical controls are in, and we’re totally fine with that. This camera is simple by design because the makers intend for you to have fun. You can even customize the camera with different faceplates, straps, and stickers. Yes, stickers! Have fun, express yourself. Photography doesn’t have to be serious all the time.
The ZIEGEL Is a Breath of Fresh Air
Let’s be honest. Sometimes, it can just be hard to find inspiration. We can become tired of the technical side of photography, and we can forget to have fun. This is why I am so excited about this unique little camera. It’s a take everywhere, have no worries camera that will likely put you in touch with your creative side.
The built-in ring light and optional lens look like they could easily introduce photographers to macro photography. The eight built-in art filters (standard, vivid, emerald, retro, black and white, sepia, comic, and duo blue) will allow you to experiment with color. The camera can do in-body double exposures and even video so that you can capture life’s little moments. This year has been a drag, so it’s nice to see something that wants to inspire fun.
Do you want to learn more about the ZIEGEL camera from BONZART? Head over to their Indiegogo page. The campaign has already raised $114,307 at the time of writing this. You can get in on the ZIEGEL action for just $117. $179 will get you a camera and an additional faceplate. Shipping should occur in December.
