In the age of digital photography, photographers on the go know that keeping charged is an essential consideration. Whereas most cameras use batteries for power, Sony recently revealed a unique looking device that is powered by kinetic energy! The latest in the company’s Odo line of green gadgets, the Twirl n’ Take camera is charged by giving its circular head a spin.
Resembling a magnifying glass or flower, the Twirl n’ Take’s rolling head provides power by transforming kinetic energy into electricity. The device apparently takes decent photos, although it takes about 15 seconds of rolling to charge for a picture The camera is installed in the handle, and as the device has no screen, one uses the hole as a viewfinder.
As an extension of the Twirl n’ Take’s floral form, Sony decided to create a cute flowerpot to act as the camera’s docking station. In addition to its battery-free design, the camera is composed of biodegradable vegetable-based plastics. Needless to say, we want one!
Via Clean Technica
I really like the concept the fact that it has no screen means that you have to think through your composition and lighting as you would if you were using a film camera.Its a shame that people who have posted before me are so negative about this idea.
I haven’t understood how this gadgets work and how to operate it
and what the relative between it and a battery
http://www.canon-digital-camera-battery.co.uk/batteries/sony-dsc-p200b.htm?
This is exactly why I have a huge beef with the going green movement and capitalism. Just because something is green it seems it doesnt matter how poor the design is. Things still need to serve a useful and practical use. Dyson is someone who shows how a vacuum can be designed in a way that is efficent and effective.
-Chris
http://www.loxii.com
I find the concept very interesting. Though this would definitely make for a lousy camera, I would love to see this sort of technology incorporated into more serious cameras in the future. It’s useless now, but who knows where this sort of tech would lead us in a few more years of development.
While I usually applaud every effort to green our environment, Sony is joking with this \’camera\’, isn\’t it?
15 seconds of spinning to charge for each photo; no viewfinder; no screen; no flash (?)… As a toy, a curiosity, it might have some value, but as a \’real\’ camera? It won\’\'t even work as a gadget for kids as, without a screen, I can\’t see anyone being impressed with it.
Producing green products is always commendable, but those products have to be functional. This thing isn\’t. I dread to think of the resources used in developing it. Now that is waste!
Sorry,. I NEVER advocate waste, but I\’ll be sticking to my planet-killing, battery powered camera.
If this is the best our scientists can come up with to help us save the world, then God help us.
Steve N. Lee
author of eco-blog http://www.lionsledbysheep.com
and suspense thriller \’What if…?\’