South Korean technology startup Lutra has introduced a new product line under the brand Humans of Authenticity (HOA). The first device in this series is the HOA A1, a digital camera that removes the viewfinder screen to allow direct visual contact between the photographer and their subject. The company announced the device on its website, noting that it is currently fine-tuning color profiles and tone in collaboration with professional photographers.
Design and Hardware Specifications
The HOA A1 features a large, open viewfinder window that dominates the front of the device. This design choice replaces the traditional LCD screen found on most modern digital cameras. The lens and image sensor are positioned near the center of this window, allowing the user to frame shots while looking through the glass. This setup is intended to help photographers maintain eye contact with their subjects, creating a more intimate and immediate shooting experience.
Under the hood, the camera is equipped with a 16-megapixel Sony sensor measuring 1/2.53 inches. It is paired with a fixed 26mm lens with an f/1.75 aperture. The body includes a small LCD display on the rear, but this is strictly for status information such as battery levels and remaining shot counts. The interface is minimal, relying on a shutter button located on the top edge for operation.
The device is reminiscent of other screen-free cameras like the Godox C100, but the HOA A1 distinguishes itself with its specific optical layout. The transparency of the viewfinder is the primary differentiator, aiming to reduce the barrier between the photographer and the scene.
Launch Details and Pricing
Lutra has confirmed that the HOA A1 First Edition will launch on December 1. The initial production run is extremely limited, consisting of only 100 units. Preorders have not yet opened, but the company has set the price at 360,000 South Korean won. For customers in the United States, this translates to approximately $289.
The company has not yet released sample images or extensive technical documentation regarding the camera’s performance. The focus so far has been on the physical design and the user experience of shooting without a screen.
Wireless Transfer and Blockchain Authentication
Transferring images from the HOA A1 does not require a USB cable or the removal of a memory card. The camera connects to Wi-Fi and uses a tap-to-transfer feature. Users can move photos to their smartphones by tapping the device against the phone. While the camera does not need an internet connection to capture images, Wi-Fi access is required to view and download the shots.
A unique feature of the HOA A1 is its integration with a system called ShootProof. This system authenticates every image captured by the camera using an anonymous certificate recorded on a public blockchain. This process appears to be mandatory for all photos taken with the device. Additionally, the camera offers a signature mode that can be toggled on or off. When enabled, users can add their name to an accompanying app, which then overlays a signature in the corner of each photo.
Source: The Verge
