Birbla

Discussion summary

A new transparent display camera priced at $29 has been launched, sparking discussions about its potential uses and technology. Users consider its function as a light meter, display visibility issues, and possible privacy features.

What the discussion says

  • Some see it as a low-cost, versatile device suitable as a light meter or for photography.
  • Concerns about display visibility without a strong backlight or polarized light.
  • Interest in integrating privacy screens or head-tracking for better usability.
“This product seems to be a light meter with a camera attached.”
— ThrowawayTestr
“It’s probably an LCD panel with the polarizer removed, so the UI needs a bright light behind it.”
— tencentshill

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  • Hacker News
  • This is probably an LCD panel with the polarizer removed, so the UI will require a bright/strong source of light behind it.
    by tencentshill
  • > Godox has apparently omitted Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for cost reasons.

    Seem like a questionable claim given that many microcontrollers support both of those.

    by fc417fc802
  • This also functions as a light meter for analog photographing. There are light meter apps on smart phones, but it is fun to measure through a lighter/simpler equipment.
    by TonyZYT2000
  • Great for kids to get started. Saves to SD so you don't fill your mobile storage with 12,000 beach photos from last holiday. Cheaper to lose/replace than ifone.

    I still have a LUMIX camera 10+ years for instant pics when travelling. Smaller than my wallet.

    by zoom6628
  • When I use a camera with an optical viewfinder, I feel more connected to my subject. Sure all the modern pro cameras are using EVFs now, and their performance is excellent, but I do think it’s a more disconnected shooting experience.

    Think about the optical chain.

    EVF: Subject —-> real time digital processor —-> screen —-> shooters eye

    OVF: subject —-> mirror/glass —-> shooters eye

    My hipster take is that makes shooting with an OVF a more “pure” experience. Not that it matters from the subjects POV though..

    Seems like a cool camera. I think I will pick one up for my daughter.

    by neon_diogenes
  • For those struggling to find tech specs: Apparently [1] it has a 2MP CMOS sensor, F2.4 aperture, 24mm equivalent wide-angle lens, and shoots a resolution of 1920x1080.

    [1] https://www.reddit.com/r/toycameras/comments/1ukcl55/godox_c...

    by atombender
  • I don't understand how this works. If it's a transparent display that just passes through light and adds some overlay information (like a viewfinder on d/SLR cameras of the old), then doesn't the frame change completely depending on the distance you're holding the device at in relation to your face?

    It can't be meant to be used with your arm fully outstretched, because that would be an impractically narrow field of view. So how do you "calibrate" your stance to make the capture match the FOV of the glass rectangle you're looking through?

    by zerobees

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