Sony unveils hand-powered camera

Sony unveiled a prototype digital camera shaped like a pizza cutter with a wheel that can be turned to generate enough power to take pictures. The “Twirl N' Take” camera generates enough electricity for one snap if the wheel is moved for some 15 seconds, according to a Sony official. “A digital camera similar to that used in mobile phones is installed in a handle attached to the wheel, which is equipped with a power-generating device,” she said. “Moving the wheel and taking pictures would appeal to children but the company has no immediate plan to commercialise it”, she added. As the camera has no screen monitor, users must connect the device to a computer to see their pictures. The camera is the latest addition to Sony's “odo” line of hand-powered prototypes aimed at raising environmental awareness. Other products include a “Crank N' Capture” video camera, which is charged by cranking a lever and a “Spin N' Snap” camera, which has a hole to enable users to spin it with their finger.