Camera Gear

WLV-01: A Modular Digital Camera Made to Be Hacked

C$20,948

pledged of C$15,000 goal

17 backers

19 days to go

8 reward tiers

Back on Kickstarter ↗

About This Project

The WLV-01 is a fully modular, hackable, minimalist mirrorless camera that's officially powered by Raspberry Pi and fully 3D printed. It features interchangeable full spectrum and true monochrome sensors ranging from 1/1.2" to Micro 4/3, with options including the Sony IMX585, IMX294, and IMX492. The camera is designed for intentional shooting with no image review on-device, a minimal UI, and built-in film simulations. It supports manual lenses via Sony E-mount and C-mount adapters, uses standard 18650 batteries, and includes a 4-inch Waveshare display. The WLV-01 has been shipping since November 2025 and comes as either a DIY kit with all digital files or a fully assembled and calibrated camera. This campaign funds sensor supply and FCC certification for the new Micro 4/3 sensor variant, with worldwide shipping estimated for December 2026.

Key Highlights

 ▸ Fully modular design with interchangeable sensors from 1/1.2" to Micro 4/3, including color and true monochrome options 

 ▸ Powered by Raspberry Pi 5 with full spectrum sensors for infrared photography and built-in film simulations 

 ▸ Shipping product since November 2025 with established build process and positive Phoblographer review 

Technical Specs

Spec	Details
Sensor sizes	1/1.2" to Micro 4/3 (IMX585, IMX294, IMX492)
Processor	Raspberry Pi 5
Display	4-inch Waveshare DSI touch display
Lens mount	Sony E-mount (manual), C-mount adapter included
Battery	Standard 18650 cells
Video	1080p/4K
Connectivity	WiFi for wireless transfer and remote web interface
Construction	3D printed (HTPLA filament)
Certification	Powered by Raspberry Pi licensed product
Shipping since	November 2025

Reward Tiers

backers

Supporter (no reward)

USD0

Make a pledge without a reward. Support the project because it speaks to you.

backers

Digital Files — Bring Your Own Sensor

CAD85

~$62 USD

STLs, camera software, flashable image, full BOM, build guide, and Pi HQ sensor mount STL. Source your own parts and build it yourself.

backers

IMX585 Color Sensor — 1/1.2"

CAD360

~$260 USD

Sensor cartridge only. Full spectrum color, 8.3MP, Burst SR up to 20MP. Print body and bring your own components.

backers

IMX585 Mono Sensor — 1/1.2"

CAD400

~$289 USD

True monochrome sensor cartridge only. 8.3MP, no color filter array. Print body and bring your own components.

1 backers

IMX294 Color Sensor — Micro 4/3, 47MP

CAD670

~$484 USD

Full spectrum Micro 4/3 color sensor cartridge only. 11.7MP binned / 47MP unbinned. Print body and bring your own components.

backers

IMX585 Color — Complete Camera

CAD1,025

~$740 USD

Complete assembled and calibrated camera with IMX585 color cartridge, printed body, Pi 5, battery HAT, and 4" display. Digital files included.

backers

IMX585 Mono — Complete Camera

CAD1,065

~$768 USD

Complete assembled and calibrated camera with IMX585 mono cartridge, printed body, Pi 5, battery HAT, and 4" display. Digital files included.

2 backers

IMX294 Color — Complete Camera

CAD1,335

~$963 USD

Complete assembled and calibrated camera with IMX294 color cartridge, printed body, Pi 5, battery HAT, and 4" display. Digital files included.

Risks & Challenges

The camera has been shipping since November 2025 with an established build process, so production risk is low. The main risk is sensor supply — excessive demand spikes could cause delays, which have been factored into delivery timelines. FCC certification for new Micro 4/3 sensors is low risk since all other components are individually certified.