DIY and vintage camera enthusiast Max Vega did a full-scale conversion of a Barbie camcorder from 2001, turning the hot pink toy into a fully functional modern camera, all while maintaining the charm of the camera’s lackluster imaging capabilities.

“What happens when you take a 2001 Barbie camera and transform it into a fully functional high-tech video rig?” Vega asks. In his case, what happens is entertaining and fascinating. Vega bought the camera — without the receiver it needs to work as designed — for a mere $15 online. He then spent another $25 or so to purchase the parts required for his conversion project, including moving the camera from recording to a wireless receiver connected to a full-size VHS, which is not very easy to work with in 2024, to a MiniDVR recorder.

As Hackaday explains, the MiniDVR is vital to the project. This module allows the camera to record digitally to an SD card.

Beyond this clever upgrade, Vega also switched the camera to a rechargeable battery, powered via USB-C, so the camera didn’t require the typical pile of AA batteries to operate. This battery provides sufficient power for the camera module and the MiniDVR. By adding the USB-C port to the camera, Vega can also charge it without removing the battery cover.

Vega’s video is especially useful for other DIY enthusiasts because the creator showed every step in the process, testing the camera along the way. If someone had the same components, including Vega’s custom DIY $9 video monitor, it would be pretty simple for them to make the same modifications, provided they’re able to solder and have a voltmeter handy.

Vega says he was inspired by a video made last year by The 8-Bit Guy. In his video, seen below, The 8-Bit Guy did a deep dive into the Barbie camcorder and explained how it works. It’s a great companion piece to Vega’s video.

Vega, a musician, plans to shoot some music videos with his new modified Barbie camera, and the look of the footage will definitely give his projects a distinct, nostalgic flavor. “The video looks awesome, at least for me,” Vega explains.

Image credits: Max Vega