Sony RETISSA NEOVIEWER Introduced – An EVF for Visually Impaired Users

by Jürgen MoorsMarch 7^th, 2023

Sony introduced an amazing new electronic viewfinder for visually impaired users at this year’s CP+ Camera & Photo Imaging Show in Japan. The Sony RETISSA NEOVIEWER uses a QD Laser to help people with low vision to use a camera. Let’s have a closer look at this unique and revolutionary new product.

We here at CineD talk a lot about the technical details of new cameras, exciting fast lenses, and all sorts of tools that help you cultivate your unique creative expression. This comes from a love of visual storytelling. But what about visually impaired people who don’t have the eyesight that most of us take for granted?

Did you know that an estimated 250 million people worldwide suffer from low vision? There is a range of conditions that can significantly affect daily life – difficulty seeing clearly, sensitivity to glare, and limited mobility because of a narrow visual field. Even with the use of corrective eyewear like glasses or contact lenses, visually impaired people still may not be able to use a camera in a conventional way.

Sony DSC-HX99 RNV RETISSA NEOVIEWER kit

The Sony DSC-HX99 RNV RETISSA NEOVIEWER camera kit was developed as part of the “With My Eyes Project” project aiming to improve the visual experience of people with low vision. The kit comprises the digital Sony camera Cyber-Shot DSC-HX99 in combination with the RETISSA NEOVIEWER. The RETISSA NEOVIEWER projects the scenery captured by the camera directly onto the retina, skipping the focusing of the eye. This enables individuals with low vision to capture a range of scenes using a camera and is a significant advancement in accessibility technology.

The DSC-HX99 is a small compact camera with a ZEISS® Vario-Sonnar T* lens with 24-720mm zoom, an 18.2 Megapixels sensor, and the capability of recording 4K videos in 3840×2160. The RETISSA NEOVIEWER housing wraps around the back side of the camera and is connected with an HDMI cable at the bottom. For further information about the small compact camera, please check out Sony’s website.

Saved still images and videos can also be shared by retrieving the data using a USB cable. The combination of the DSC-HX99 camera and RETISSA NEOVIEWER provides people with low vision a unique shooting experience – a new visual experience that was previously difficult to achieve with the naked eye alone.

How does it work?

Laser retinal projection is a completely new technology. Colors are created using semiconductor laser projection of the three primary colors of light: red, green, and blue. The laser light is guided through the center of the pupil by a small mirror (MEMS mirror) that moves at high speed onto the retina, where a full-color image is projected. It’s an ultra-compact projector that uses the retina as a screen, but it uses a scanning method similar to old CRT TVs, and the image is recognized as an afterimage.

By projecting directly onto the retina, it is less susceptible to myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism, presbyopia, etc., and you can see without using the focus adjustment function. Additionally, the sense of resolution in the periphery of the visual field increases, so even those who have lost central vision (retina function) can make the most of the remaining part.

Sony’s supports the “With My Eyes Project”

Sony wants to fill the world with the power of creativity and technology. They reinforce this project to support the visionary motivation of all creators, and they use technology to expand opportunities for all people to show their creativity.

By providing a viewfinder specialized for Cyber-shot DSC-HX99 with QD Laser, more people can appreciate the joy of creating and sharing shots. Furthermore, both companies will continue to work closely with each other to improve accessibility to realize a world where everyone can be themselves and share their excitement.

Key specifications Sony DSC-HX99 RNV

• Projection method: Laser retinal scanning
• Light source: RGB semiconductor laser R:635nm、G:520nm、B:450nm Typ.
• Horizontal viewing angle: approx. 60-degree angle
• Aspect ratio: 16:9
• Resolution: Equivalent to 720P (1280×720)
• Color: 8bit full color (256 levels)
• Operating time: about 4 hours
• Charging time: about 3 hours
• Refresh rate: Approx. 60Hz
• Image input: 1080p/60p and 720p/60p, PAL mode is not supported
• Battery Type: Lithium-ion battery
• Input: DC5V (USB Micro-B) Max.1.5A
• Capacity: 3.6V/3200mAh(12Wh)
• Size: width 137mm/5,4 inch x height 120mm/4,7 inch x depth 103mm/4,1 inch
• Weight: 330g/11,64 oz
• Digital still camera: Sony DSC-HX99

Pricing and availability

Unfortunately, the retinal projection camera kit DSC-HX99 RNV will only sell in a limited number of Sony stores in Japan. The sales price is 109,800 yen (incl. VAT tax) or around $1,000 (incl. VAT tax). The kit will be available after March 24, 2023.

Additional information in Japanese is available here.

What do you think about the RETISSA NEOVIEWER? Is it a step in the right direction for more people to enjoy a creative life with a camera? Please share your thoughts by leaving a comment in the section below.