The invention relates to a handheld device (10) and an according method for optoacoustic imaging of an object, comprising an irradiation unit (2b) for irradiating the object with electromagnetic radiation (5), in particular light, and a detector unit (1 a, 1 b) for detecting acoustic, in particular ultrasonic, waves generated in the object upon irradiation with electromagnetic radiation (5), wherein the detector unit (1 a, 1 b) comprises an array (1 a) of detector elements. In order to ensure an acquisition of high-quality tomographic optoacoustic images from different depths within the object at a simple overall design, the handheld device (19) is provided with a recess (6), in which the irradiation unit (2b) and the array (1 a) of detector elements are provided, wherein the detector elements are arranged in the recess (6) such that the surface normals of at least a part of the detector elements are directed to a region of interest on or within the object.
