Sony’s new camera allows visually impaired to enjoy photography to the fullest

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Sony’s new camera allows visually impaired to enjoy photography to the fullest
Sony developed a camera to allow the visually impaired to enjoy photographyImage credits- Sony
  • Sony Electronics launches a new retinal projection camera for the visually impaired.
  • The camera is equipped with a low-power laser projection system that enables individuals with visual impairments to view a clear image without the need for focusing.
  • The camera and projector bundle will be available in limited quantities in the US, starting this summer.
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Sony Electronics unveils the DSC-HX99RNV kit, a new camera kit designed to assist individuals with visual impairments to practice photography without needing to wear prescribed spectacles or lenses. The kit includes Sony's DSC-HX99 compact camera and QD Laser's Retissa Neoviewei, a viewfinder with laser retinal projection technology.

Sony is collaborating with QD Laser, a Japanese company, to launch the HX99 RNV Retina Projection Camera kit, a small camera equipped with an additional retinal laser housing. The laser projection system is intended to project a focused live-view image of the camera into the user's eye, bypassing the need for the eye to focus. This feature can greatly benefit individuals with visual impairments such as shortsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism, enabling them to view a clear image. Additionally, the laser projection is designed to consume low power.

The camera from 2018 has been updated with new tricks


The newly introduced laser technology is integrated into the Sony DSC-HX99 compact camera, originally released in 2018, and is considered an average model with an 18-megapixel sensor and a 24-720mm zoom lens. QD Laser's Retissa Neoviewer projector complements this camera setup.

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As per QD Laser's specifications, the Retissa Neoviewer utilizes an RGB semiconductor laser to project an image with 720p resolution and 8-bit color depth. The projected image offers a horizontal field of view of around 60 degrees, with a refresh rate of 60Hz. The battery life of the housing is estimated to be four hours. It charges using Micro USB instead of the newer USB-C.

Price & availability


The DSC-HX99 camera normally costs $474.99, Sony is providing the kit, comprising both the camera and laser projector, at $599.99, taking on most of the expense. The company aims to support the low-vision community with this initiative. However, Sony suggests potential buyers to try the kit before purchasing, as it may not be suitable for all visual impairments. The camera and projector bundle will be available in limited quantities in the US starting this summer.

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