With the rise of smartphones, photography has become easier for everyone. However, a small company from Japan is taking a unique approach to memory capture. The Kyu camera, which launched in Japan in late 2024 and is now up for pre-order in the U.S., aims to redefine our interaction with digital memories through a distinct design philosophy that emphasizes simplicity.
What Is the Kyu Camera?
Established in Kyoto in 2022, Kyu isn’t just another camera maker; it seeks to change how we keep our unforgettable moments alive. Its flagship product, the Kyu camera, is a sleek, orb-shaped device designed by a former Canon employee, with input from designers and engineers across various camera brands. It strips away the complexities of today’s cameras to focus on one fundamental goal: capturing meaningful experiences.
The Kyu camera features a minimalist design with a 13-megapixel main sensor on the back and an 8-megapixel front camera. The front interface includes a 1.5-inch circular LED touchscreen, a small microphone, and a single button. That’s all there is to it.
This simplicity is intentional, allowing users to focus solely on capturing moments without navigating a steep learning curve or complex settings. The limitations of the Kyu camera enhance its uniqueness. A significant restriction is that users can record a maximum of nine seconds per video, limited to 27 clips each day. This is by design: the number nine (“kyu” in Japanese) emphasizes the balance between capturing a memory’s essence and keeping content manageable.
Both cameras record in 1080p at 30 frames per second in a 1:1 square aspect ratio. While it may not match the latest smartphone cameras, the video quality is sufficient for its intended purpose. This aligns with Kyu’s philosophy: the emotional significance of a memory is more important than technical excellence.
The Kyu camera does not take still photos; it exclusively records video. All controls are accessible through the single button.
“As we think about future updates for Kyu, what we choose not to include is just as crucial, if not more so, than what we do add,” the company mentions. “For instance, we intentionally don’t provide video editing tools, there are no ads, and no continuously scrolling feeds filled with emotionally charged content. The ‘Kyu app’ helps organize and share your recorded clips effortlessly.”
When you’re finished capturing moments, you can easily remove the 32GB memory unit from the camera’s base and connect it directly to your phone via USB-C to transfer footage. The camera integrates with the Kyu app, allowing you to arrange your video clips by date and even create highlight reels automatically from your recordings.
The camera’s unique spherical design, which symbolizes the interconnectedness of memories, does present a minor concern: its smooth, rounded edges can make it feel precarious to hold. Future designs could benefit from ergonomic features such as finger grooves, rubber grips, or the addition of a wrist strap to enhance usability.
Kyu Camera Review: The App Experience
Like many modern cameras, the Kyu camera is paired with an app that enhances the overall experience. After taking videos, you can easily detach the memory unit and connect it to your phone. The app automatically recognizes the memory unit and begins downloading the videos. Although the download speed isn’t as fast as I would prefer, it’s convenient to set it and let it run until the process is finished.
At first, I found the app somewhat perplexing, but I realized this was more about my own misunderstanding rather than flaws in the app itself. Currently, the app lacks clear instructions for users, which can be a bit irritating. However, this issue can be easily addressed, so I won’t criticize the company at this point.
After a detailed discussion with the company founder during my review, the app’s thoughtful design choices became clearer. Kyu does exactly what it promises — no more, no less. Unlike conventional social media, the Kyu app offers a closer sharing experience, where your memories are accessible only to the people you invite. Additionally, the app features the ability to compile your clips into automatically generated highlight reels, which aids both creators and everyday users in forming cohesive narratives from their daily experiences.
Kyu Camera Review: A Specialized Capture Device
In a time where we are overwhelmed by digital content, the Kyu camera presents a unique alternative to creating content just for the sake of preserving memories. By limiting the amount we can capture, it encourages users to be more mindful and purposeful with the moments they choose to immortalize. While some may see these restrictions as limiting, others might appreciate having a device that helps them focus on what truly matters in their lives.
The Kyu camera doesn’t aim to compete with your smartphone or high-end cameras. Instead, it seeks to create its own niche: mindful memory capture for you and your close ones. For those feeling buried under endless camera rolls and social media content, this could be the perfect reset they need.
“Ordinary days spent with friends feel fresh and exciting during those younger years. Those fuzzy memories can be captured and cherished through Kyu,” states the company. “You can share them with loved ones and revisit them countless times. Simple recordings evolve into treasured memories that tell your story. We designed this camera to help capture those moments in the best way possible.”
The main question is whether it successfully achieves its goal. Used to relying on my smartphone for similar outcomes, I found the Kyu to be somewhat excessive. With my phone, I can accomplish a lot of what Kyu offers, simplifying the number of devices I carry, minimizing steps necessary for usable footage (since it’s already on my phone), and providing the flexibility to share what I capture directly with friends or on social media without needing the Kyu app.
It seems that Kyu is targeting my generation, but I suspect it may actually be more appealing to an older audience that isn’t as attached to their phones (thanks to its simplicity and automatic features) or to a younger crowd who aren’t “creators” and appreciate the easy, automated process.
The Kyu camera is priced at $299 and is now available for pre-order in the U.S. With 400 units already shipped in Japan, the company plans to begin U.S. deliveries in July 2025, although specific dates may vary.
The Kyu Camera Fully Embraces Its Niche
Eventually, the Kyu Camera will be part of a broader ecosystem of interconnected products. The company is developing a companion product called the Kyu Touch, which is a physical device meant for viewing content captured with the Kyu Camera. Like the camera itself, it will have a specific design and purpose.
The company’s philosophy mirrors the concept of Japanese cooking: rather than enhancing a dish with added ingredients, the aim is to see how much can be removed while still achieving a delicious outcome. Kyu has stripped down to its most essential purpose — a single task — which contrasts sharply with how most cameras and electronic devices are designed today. It is highly specialized, but that means it might not adjust well to varying needs or preferences.
This will either deeply resonate with some users or completely turn others away. It’s challenging to see a middle ground.
Are There Alternatives?
While one could claim the Kyu competes with every smartphone and camera available, labeling it as such oversimplifies its uniqueness. Yes, it’s a camera, but it offers a distinctive user experience not found elsewhere. The closest reference might be Snapchat’s original concept, which restricted clip length, but simply stating “captures short video clips” doesn’t sufficiently convey Kyu’s functionality, nor does it create fleeting memories by design.
Kyu aims to prevent memory FOMO, ensuring all clips are preserved if you want them to be. In that regard, it resembles a blend of Meta Ray-Ban smart glasses and Snapchat, but it operates independently from any major public social network.
Should You Buy It?
Possibly. The price is at a point where potential buyers may hesitate before clicking the “buy” button, and you need to fit a specific profile to value what the Kyu camera offers. However, if this unique approach to memory preservation resonates with you, there’s nothing else quite like the Kyu camera.
