100: The Limited Run of Korea's New Screen Free Camera

A new digital camera from South Korean startup Lutra will hit the market on December 1, 2026, with a production run capped at 100 units. The device, called the HOA A1, is priced at 360,000 South Korean won, which equals $289 for U.S. buyers. Preorders have not yet opened.

The camera is designed to remove the digital screen between the photographer and the subject. It features a large open viewfinder that positions the lens and sensor near the center of the window. This setup allows users to maintain direct eye contact while composing a shot, a method Lutra says helps photographers feel more present.

The hardware specifications are modest by modern standards. The A1 uses a 16 megapixel Sony sensor measuring 1/2.53 inches. A fixed 26mm lens with an f/1.75 aperture is paired with the sensor. The rear LCD display is small and only shows battery life and remaining shot counts.

Image transfer relies on Wi-Fi rather than cables or memory cards. Users tap a smartphone against the back of the camera to view and download photos. An internet connection is not needed to capture images, but Wi-Fi is required to transfer files to a personal device.

The camera includes a feature called ShootProof that authenticates every image using an anonymous certificate on a public blockchain. This authentication is standard and not optional. A separate signature mode allows users to overlay their name in the corner of each photo via a mobile app.

Lutra is currently fine tuning the color and tone of the A1 in collaboration with professional photographers. The official website has not yet released extensive technical details or sample images. The final image quality may change before the limited buyers receive the units.

The design draws comparisons to the Godox C100, though the HOA A1 takes a different ergonomic approach. PetaPixel first noted the concept. The device aims to reduce the distraction of staring at a small back screen during capture.