Much more than a simple visual style, pixel art is a language capable of turning technical limitations into pure creativity. The term was only coined in 1982 by Adele Goldberg and Robert Flegal at the Xerox Palo Alto Research Center, yet the concept of pixel art already existed in the 1970s, when technology imposed low graphic resolution due to limited hardware resources and monitors capable of displaying a far smaller number of pixels compared to today.
 

Carlo Andreini, an Italian designer, photographer, and self-taught programmer, has introduced an unconventional camera to prove that photography isn’t just about chasing megapixels but rather capturing reality from one’s own perspective. In fact, Pixless is a digital camera announced through a crowdfunding campaign that fits in the palm of your hand and can capture 0.3-megapixel pixel art images using the full-frame OV5640 sensor with a 35mm f/2.4 focal length lens and the ESP32-S3 processor. On the back, there is a 1-inch monochrome OLED display in place of the classic viewfinder, and it’s powered by a non-removable 820mAh battery that provides up to 6 hours of use on a single charge.
 

Unlike the already well-known Game Boy Camera, which takes grayscale photos at a resolution of 128 x 112 pixels, Andreini’s device produces 256 x 128 pixel photos with a palette of up to 64 colors, delivering more advanced and refined image processing. It can also accommodate a micro SD card, even though its built-in memory lets you store up to 36 shots.

It can be pre-ordered starting at $72 (about €70), and the first deliveries are expected worldwide beginning in April.