A concept designer explored the possibility of an Apple stand-alone camera for professionals. The Apple ProCam is loaded with features, like 8K support and a built-in picture printer.
All this raises the question, is this a product that makes sense for Apple to make?
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Apple ProCam is … interesting
Sometimes concept devices are based on leaks coming from Apple or its suppliers. That’s not the case for the ProCam. It’s a thought experiment by Antonio De Rosa of ADR Studio. “I don’t follow the rumors or the leaks,” the designer told Cult of Mac. “I like to explore how the Apple Tech Language could be applied to different objects.”
When asked his inspiration for this project, De Rosa said, “I had experience designing the Polaroid Socialmatic a few years ago, and I always thought printed photography is not only a nostalgia operation. Pictures resonate when you print them, and to have a device that merges high level optics and tech with a fast printing system could be something cool.”
The device De Rosa dreamed up includes features not available from an iPhone camera, like a built-in StyleWriter Compact inkless printer and support for adding pro-grade camera lenses.
Photo: Antonio De Rosa/ADR Studio
But De Rosa also included familiar features in the Apple ProCam, like Siri and an M1 processor. Plus there’s a scroll wheel that’s a mix of old and new. It looks like an Apple Watch’s Digital Crown but includes a miniature touchscreen so it can easily be repurposed.
Photo: Antonio De Rosa/ADR Studio
Not completely out of the blue
While the Apple ProCam might seem like an odd product idea to explore, there’s some history behind it. The Apple QuickTake was one of the first consumer digital cameras. However, that product totally bombed back in 1994.
Today, Apple makes a camera used by many professional photographers. It’s called an iPhone. (Maybe you’ve heard of it.)
The iPhone’s photographic success is probably the main reason Apple won’t make an 8K stand-alone camera for professionals. Even if it is an interesting concept.
