This Canon ‘Camera’ Can Transform Into Optimus Prime

Canon’s latest product may look like a high-end camera, but it’s a Transformer toy in disguise. 

Canon partnered with Japanese toy maker Tomy to develop(Opens in a new window) the Optimus Prime R5, a camera replica that can morph into the famous autobot leader. 

The $150 product is designed to look like a normal EOS R5 camera, although it’s about 20% smaller. But once you disassemble the camera lens and body, it can become an 8-inch Optimus toy, which can strike various poses. For example, Optimus can take the camera’s lens cover and use it as a shield.

On the downside, you can’t take photos with the product; the standard EOS R5 and its real camera components retails close to $4,000. However, owners will be able to surprise their friends with the toy.  

The companies also created a Decepticon model using the character Reflector(Opens in a new window), who transforms into a camera in the cartoon series. (In contrast, Optimus usually transforms into a semi truck.)

(Credit: Tomy)

Both models also come with little accessories the characters can wield. Optimus has been given his Matrix of Leadership and a miniature EOS R5 camera he can use to snap photos. Meanwhile, Reflector has his own Decepticon camera and a dimensional movement device known as “Quantum Dial.”

Tomy plans on releasing the toys in late February for 19,800 yen ($149). Pre-orders for the Optimus(Opens in a new window) and the Reflector(Opens in a new window) model start today at the toy maker’s Japanese e-commerce site. But it appears orders are only available to consumers within the country.