PetaPixel has featured many DIY camera projects, but none quite like engineer and photographer Wen-Ting Zhang’s open-source full-frame mirrorless camera Sitina S1.
Zhang, who documents the project on his YouTube channel, started the project in 2017. During that time, the camera design changed significantly, but the mission of the project remained the same. It’s about building a full-frame camera like no other. Photographers can build on that.
In an interview with DPReview, Zhang explained that he originally thought the project would take about a year. But “engineers are usually bad at estimating how long something will take,” he says. The idea to build a camera for himself began in middle school when Zhang said he couldn’t afford to buy a real camera. My first attempt didn’t work out, but I eventually saved up enough money to buy a Nikon D90. However, he told DPReview that he still had a desire to build cameras.
As of 2024, the project is still underway, but Zhang has come very far. His full-frame Sitina S1 is built around a 10.8-megapixel Kodak CCD sensor, chosen because it is affordable for enthusiasts and allows Zhang’s camera to use an electronic shutter. It has become. After all, the construction of mechanical shutters is quite complex. The 3D printed Sitina S1 camera body has a short flange distance and can accept E-mount lenses.
Chan admits that there are still problems with the latest prototype and that it will be another year or two before the camera is “practical and useful.” But he hopes to solve the problem and sell Cityna in kits that DIY photographers can assemble themselves. “It’s not for commercial purposes,” he told DPReview, “but I want people to play with it, and my efforts on this project won’t be in vain.”
Sample image: Wenting Zhang Sample image: Wenting Zhang Sample image: Wenting Zhang
Regarding this effort, Zhang acknowledges that the camera in its current state has some issues and needs further development, but he says that it is difficult to believe that he has built a practical open source full-frame camera. It’s worth focusing on what is a great accomplishment. Major camera manufacturers spend years developing new cameras, employing hundreds of people, and spending millions of dollars. With the help of friends, Zhang built a working digital camera. That’s really amazing. Plus, the Sitina S1 is a beautiful camera, so it’s not bad.
Image credit: Image provided by: Wenting Zhang
