This camera-and-thermal-printer combination is not a new idea…Nintendo released their Game Boy Camera and Printer as mass-market devices in 1998. What’s exciting is that we no longer need the resources of a giant corporation to create something similar …inexpensive computer power and open source software make infinite customization possible!

In this project, we’ll replace chemical film with more modern electronic parts: a Raspberry Pi computer and camera paired with a diminutive thermal printer , all working off a battery. Press a button, get a print!

“Instant photography” with Polaroid cameras was a thing up through the 1990s until ubiquitous digital photography took hold…though, like vinyl music, the medium has since made a nostalgic resurgence.

4 (four) Panasonic Eneloop rechargeable NiMH batteries. Yes, this is actually important, not a shill…we tested with other cells and they lacked the same “oomph.” Additionally, the Eneloops hold a charge much longer when stored.

Yes, this is actually important, not a shill…we tested with other cells and they lacked the same “oomph.” Additionally, the Eneloops hold a charge much longer when stored. NiMH battery charger.

You will also need the usual electronics project items: soldering iron and related paraphernalia, some bits of wire, etc. Optionally, you can add an LED (any color) and resistor (100 Ohm or thereabouts) as a status indicator.

Some prior Raspberry Pi experience is assumed — downloading the OS, writing an SD card, basic system and network configuration, etc. You can search the Adafruit Learning System for related guides if any of this is unfamiliar.

During setup, you will temporarily need a monitor, keyboard and network connection. The Model A+ may require using a USB hub and a wireless adapter…if you already have a working Raspberry Pi system that’s networkable, it may be easier to borrow that for the software setup, then move the card over to the A+ board.

Creating an enclosure for your camera is a DIY project. We’ll upcycle the box the thermal printer comes in, but you might want to create something fancier than that…maybe 3D printed, or even fit into an old camera body.