Sony Introduces Innovative Camera Kit to Help Photographers with Visual Impairments
Sony has recently announced an innovative new product designed to help photographers with visual impairments: the DSC-HX99RNV camera kit. This retinal projection camera system combines Sony's HX99 compact camera with a QD Laser Retissa Neoviewer, a specially designed viewfinder that utilizes laser retinal projection technology.
The camera kit comprises the digital Sony camera Cyber-Shot DSC-HX99 in combination with the RETISSA NEOVIEWER. The RETISSA NEOVIEWER displays the imagery that the camera records directly onto the retina, eliminating the need for the eye to focus.[0] This is a major breakthrough in accessibility technology that allows people with low vision to take pictures of various scenes with a camera.
The DSC-HX99 on its own was originally released in 2018 and features an 18-megapixel Type 1/2.3 backside illuminated sensor that is supported by built-in image stabilization.[1] It also has a 24-720 mm (30x) zoom lens, what Sony categorizes as “high power.”[2]
The RETISSA NEOVIEWER viewfinder is what truly powers the experience, as it projects a digital image directly onto a photographer's retina. Sony notes that the technology won’t work for everyone, but for those who it does, the viewfinder will allow them to use the HX99 to see faces, read signs and capture photos and videos.[3]
Sony has gone out of its way to make the camera kit as accessible as possible, bearing a portion of the costs and offering the new kit for $600. The company will limit purchases to one per person and is also working with American and Japanese schools to provide the device to low-vision individuals.[1]
The DSC-HX99RNV camera kit is an incredible example of how technology can be used to make life easier for people with disabilities.[1] It not only provides a new way for those with visual impairments to capture photos, but it also opens up a whole new world of possibilities, allowing them to enjoy photography in ways they previously couldn’t.
The kit is set to make its debut this summer and will be available in limited quantities directly from Sony.[4] We can’t wait to see what impact this product will have and what other innovations Sony has in store for us in the future.[1]
0. “Sony RETISSA NEOVIEWER Introduced – An EVF for Visually Impaired Users” CineD, 6 Mar. 2023, https://www.cined.com/sony-retissa-neoviewer-introduced-an-evf-for-visually-impaired-users
1. “Sony's $600 Camera for Visually Impaired” Global Village space, 14 Mar. 2023, https://www.globalvillagespace.com/tech/sonys-600-camera-for-visually-impaired
2. “Sony launches retinal projection camera kit to aid photographers with visual impairments” imaging resource, 13 Mar. 2023, https://www.imaging-resource.com/news/2023/03/13/sony-launches-retinal-projection-camera-kit
3. “Sony made a $600 point-and-shoot camera for the visually impaired” Engadget, 13 Mar. 2023, https://www.engadget.com/sony-made-a-600-point-and-shoot-camera-for-the-visually-impaired-174915137.html
4. “Sony Launches New ‘Retinal Projection Camera Kit' Developed For The Visually Impaired” SlashGear, 13 Mar. 2023, https://www.slashgear.com/1226687/sony-launches-new-retinal-projection-camera-kit-developed-for-the-visually-impaired
