Sony has partnered with Retissa, a company that has designed technology to assist individuals with low vision, to create a special camera kit for those struggling with visual impairments. The Sony DSC-HX99 RNV kit consists of the pocket-sized HX99 camera and the QD Laser Retissa Neoviewer. This innovative technology is a viewfinder that can project digital images directly onto the user’s retina through laser retina projection. A crystal-clear image is projected onto the retina via a low power, full-color laser beam.
Visual impairments should not hinder individuals from pursuing their hobbies or interests. Unfortunately, not all products cater to those with low vision, which is why Sony has developed this camera kit. Photography is a highly visual medium, but not always user-friendly for individuals struggling with visual impairments. Therefore, producing a product that can be used by individuals regardless of their visual status is highly valuable. Sony’s camera kit is one such product.
In other words, the user’s retina becomes the screen, so even if the user has poor vision, they can still see clearly through the lens without glasses or corrective lenses. Additionally, the user doesn’t need to view the image through an LCD screen or virtual screen because this technology delivers light directly to the eye.
Underneath the hood, the camera is equipped with a Sony Cyber-shot travel zoom camera with a 30x zoom lens equivalent to 24-720mm, paired with an 18.2-megapixel 1/2.3-inch image sensor. It is capable of recording video in 4K/30p and has Eye AF with fast autofocus features.
This technology is the first of its kind, and it will be highly beneficial to those with low vision who still want to pursue their passion for photography. According to Yanko Design on Monday (March 20), Sony plans to collaborate with schools for the blind in the US and Japan and offer the kit at a discount of only $600 (Rp9.2 million), taking up only a portion of the cost.
In conclusion, the partnership between Sony and Retissa has resulted in an innovative camera kit that can provide individuals with low vision with the opportunity to explore and enjoy photography. This technology is a significant breakthrough and opens up new possibilities for individuals with visual impairments.
