Transparent camera replaces viewfinder with glass window for portraits with eye contact
Lutra has redesigned the compact camera from the ground up. The result is certainly unusual, as the camera has hardly any buttons, only a tiny display for adjusting settings and a transparent pane instead of a traditional viewfinder. When the camera is held directly in front of the face, the frame is supposed to show roughly what will appear in the photo.
Anyone who has used the transparent Godox C100 ($45 on Amazon) knows that it is not possible to judge the photo's framing precisely this way, since the distance between the eyes and the camera is not always the same, and even small differences in distance change the framing dramatically. Technically, the camera is as simple as can be, as Lutra uses a 16-megapixel Sony sensor in the 1/2.53-inch format, paired with a 26 mm f/1.75 lens.
Autofocus is not supported, but according to Lutra, it is not necessary either, as all objects at least 10 centimeters away from the camera should be in focus. The battery lasts for 90 minutes of continuous photography, or eight hours in standby mode. Photos can be transferred wirelessly to the companion smartphone app.
The app can also verify photos via a blockchain, using a system called ShootProof. This is intended to allow photographers not only to verify that an image is a photo rather than an AI-generated image, but also to prove who took it.
Pricing and availability
The Lutra HOA A1 camera is expected to launch on December 21, 2026, priced at $289. The first production batch comprises just 100 cameras. Those interested can leave an email address on the manufacturer's website to receive updates.
Source(s)
Add as a preferred source on Google
