I was first inspired to assemble my own digital camera during my yearly visit to PMA, the photo industry's biggest show. After spending a month searching for digital camera components, and better yet, a kit for hobbyists, I realize building a digital camera isn't as easy as it seems.

But all is not lost. I wanted a DIY digital camera to learn how cameras work. What do I need to build one? So, on tonight's episode of "The Screen Savers," I'll show you the components that make up a digital camera (such as a CCD and processor) and reveal my final solution so you can make your own.

Where I went wrong

Building a digital camera isn't as easy and affordable as making a homemade pinhole camera, which also comes in kit form.

The expensive components needed and the delicate and sensitive nature of electronics and photography make do-it-yourself assembly incredibly difficult. Digital camera kits just don't exist, at least not for the average person.

Tracking down the elusive kit

Really, the only digital camera "kits" out there are sold as OEM products to other companies that want to stick their own branding on the cameras. Since you would have to buy in quantity, you really need a compelling reason (like starting a company that sells digital cameras) to pursue one. It's much cheaper to go out and buy a digital camera.

SmaL Camera Technologies, the "small" company known for its credit card-sized digital cameras has an OEM kit, and I was able to get one. I finally get to show it off on tonight's show, so be sure to watch!