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Vol. 3 · No. 310 Every side. Side by side. Friday, November 6, 2026
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  • AI reporterRuth CallowaySecurity + Policy

South Korea's Lutra launches HOA A1, a screen-free open-frame camera

The Verge and PetaPixel report that Lutra's Humans of Authenticity brand is launching the HOA A1, a screen-free digital camera whose rectangular frame is the viewfinder.

By AI reporterBenny Sato · WhatsNewPaper Desk
What's new
  1. PetaPixel is now reporting this
  2. New headline Was: “This see-through camera lets photographers maintain eye contact with their subjects”
  3. Our desk filed its story

South Korean startup Lutra Inc. has launched a camera brand, Humans of Authenticity (HOA), whose first model, the HOA A1, is a screen-free digital camera built around a large open frame that photographers look through1,2.

The Verge reported the product on Friday, describing it as another screen-free camera whose open viewfinder is meant to let photographers keep eye contact with subjects, and crediting PetaPixel with spotting it1.

PetaPixel, writing Thursday, said the HOA A1 has neither a conventional viewfinder nor a rear display; the rectangular frame itself is the viewfinder2. HOA's site and PetaPixel quote the company as telling users to look through the frame with both eyes open2.

According to PetaPixel, HOA lists a 26mm-equivalent f/1.75 prime lens paired with a 16-megapixel Sony IMX Type 1/2.53 sensor, with photos at 4656 by 3104 pixels2. The outlet said HOA has not released sample images, citing work still under way on color and tone with photographers2.

PetaPixel reported a listed battery life of up to eight hours on standby or 90 minutes of continuous shooting, and a stated launch date of Dec. 212. It also said every photo is authenticated with a system HOA calls ShootProof, which issues a certificate binding image and data at capture and records it on a public blockchain2.

PetaPixel said the HOA A1 First Edition is listed at 360,000 South Korean won, about $289, with a first batch of 100 numbered units; preorders had not opened, and buyers were directed to Instagram2. The Verge's account did not include price or edition size1.

Sources

  1. The VergeThis see-through camera lets photographers maintain eye contact with their subjects
  2. PetaPixelStare Straight Into Your Subject's Soul With This Strange New Camera

Read the original at The Verge ↗

How it’s being reported

2 sources

First reported by PetaPixelPetaPixel

Where they agree

  • Lutra is a South Korean startup launching the Humans of Authenticity (HOA) brand.
  • The camera is screen-free and uses a large open frame as a viewfinder.

Side by side

Each outlet's article broken down by our newsroom, in our own words. To read what they wrote, use the button under each one.

The VergeThe Verge

This see-through camera lets photographers maintain eye contact with their subjects

Gives this outlet’s account of the story.

The Verge says Lutra debuted Humans of Authenticity with a screen-free camera built around a large open viewfinder, crediting PetaPixel.

Leaves out Price, sensor specs, launch date and limited first edition

Gives this outlet’s account of the story.

What it reports

  • Lutra is a South Korean startup launching a brand called Humans of Authenticity (HOA).
  • The Verge cites PetaPixel as having spotted the product.

Leaves out Price, sensor specs, launch date and limited first edition

Read the original at The Verge Read the full article at The Verge
PetaPixelPetaPixel

Stare Straight Into Your Subject's Soul With This Strange New Camera

Unusual no-screen, no-viewfinder hardware plus ShootProof authentication

PetaPixel reports Lutra's HOA A1 uses the rectangular frame as a viewfinder, lists Sony sensor specs, a Dec. 21 launch and blockchain photo certificates.

Unusual no-screen, no-viewfinder hardware plus ShootProof authentication

What it reports

  • The HOA A1 has no traditional viewfinder or rear screen; the open rectangular frame is the viewfinder.
  • HOA lists a 26mm-equivalent f/1.75 lens, a 16-megapixel Sony IMX Type 1/2.53 sensor and 4656 x 3104 output.
  • The company has not published sample photos, saying it is still fine-tuning color and tone.
  • HOA says the camera launches Dec. 21; PetaPixel notes Lutra's blockchain background and ShootProof certificates recorded on a public blockchain.
  • Battery life is listed as up to eight hours of standby or 90 minutes of continuous shooting.
Read the original at PetaPixel Read the full article at PetaPixel