There are several ways to make a compact camera, but we’ve never seen anything like Lutra’s HOA A1 unit. Visually, it looks like an empty Polaroid with a large circular sensor module situated in the middle. Functionally? It’s a pretty standard camera, except the entire body acts as the viewfinder.
This is possible because Lutra has removed most of the body, leaving a large transparent space you look through to frame a shot. The company has several reasons for this, like the photographer making eye contact with a subject and other hippie sentiments, but mostly it’s because it looks unique.
HOA A1 for your HOA
The ‘HOA’ in HOA A1 stands for “Humans of Authenticity,” according to Lutra. Not “homeowners association,” which is the first thing that came to Stuff‘s mind. The camera… isn’t terribly complicated, unlike your typical homeowners association. There’s a 16MP Sony image sensor inside the circular bit, as well as a 26mm f/1.75 lens. Also included is a battery that’ll last up to 90 minutes. Beyond that, Lutra isn’t saying much about the camera’s capabilities. It’s (mostly) all about the aesthetic. Okay, fine, there’s also blockchain integration.
Before we get there, each image can be tagged with the photographer’s signature — this is called Signature mode — when an image is snapped. For further proof that a human was involved, the company also has something called ShootProof. The tech records image data on a blockchain as a photograph is taken.
“At the moment of capture, a certificate is automatically signed and issued.. You can view the blockchain details directly on the album page.” That’s one way to prove there was no AI involvement, we suppose.
Lutra is making just 100 of these units as a first batch, but you’re unlikely to buy one of them. For starters, they’re already sold out. If you could purchase one, it would cost R4,800 ($290). The Lutra HOA A1 is expected to launch on 21 December this year.
