Made of (frequently veneered) wood, the first cameras resembled fancy elegant furniture rather than mechanical devices. Only the introduction of metal casings gave cameras their modern, industrial look. The shiny black lacquer often used to paint the cameras and the contrasting silver elements gave them an air of elegance and professionalism. After the invention of plastics (Bakelite, then polystyrene), cameras became lighter and more durable; they also began to take on an increasingly rounded shape. On the one hand, the popularity of the 'streamlined' look was rooted in the fascination with technological innovations (e.g., aerodynamics). And on the other hand, it allowed the camera to become an attractive gadget with a fantastical shape. Since the mid-20th century, the visual appeal of photographic equipment (e.g., multiple colour variations of the same camera) became nearly as important as technical upgrades and sometimes even more important. With the expanding photo-amateur market, eye-catching looks began to take priority. In the latest cameras, the previously separate functions (technical and aesthetic) are combined in a product that simultaneously represents technological advancement and an appealing look.