Completely new camera technology

[Fine_Art]

I read this article (linked below) on The Economist where some guys from Stanford had developed a new type of camera system. It captures all the light going through a lens then uses software to retroactively pick bundles of light to focus it all later. Imagine taking fast shots with wide open lenses without focusing. Later in post processing you decide what depth of field you want, focused from where to where.



http://www.economist.com/node/21527019

http://www.Lytro.com

[Schewe]

Old news...

So, exactly what struck you are "interesting"?

[torger]

Problem with this technology is that resolution is extremely low. Small web pictures is what you can do with it, so it is a toy rather than a tool. But it is indeed interesting that light field technology is finally implemented in a real product.

[Fine_Art]

It will grow to bigger sensors just like DSLRs did. They only have to get it big enough for internet marketing pictures for it to keep going.

Why is it interesting? The biggest problem in sports photography or wildlife is missing focus on a moving target. If this gets to a decent size many costs in the camera are wiped out replaced by the cost of the microlens array. It is a very disruptive tech.

[Fine_Art]

Actually if the sensor gets big enough for a HDTV it can also revolutionize digicams. In current 3D tech you still focus on what the camera person tries to focus on. With eye tracking this can focus on whatever the person viewing the screen wants to look at.

[MichaelEzra]

you should patent this;)

[louoates]

I've been speculating about this sort of thing for some time. Within five years or so traditional lenses will be phasing out in favor of digital lenses. Ten years from now traditional analog lenses will be found only on ebay.

[Mike Guilbault]

I hope I can retire by then!

[rcarpenter3d]

Yeah I think that technology will take a lot of the fun and skill  out of being  a successful photographer. When I’m in the field I find myself hunting my prey, my photo. I don’t think it would feel the same for me if I just had to point and click with no real effort of getting all dialed in before I get closer to the butterfly that is about ready to take off.

Anyway, my opinion.
 

[Plekto]

But since the professional field is now mostly focused upon digital (post) processing anyways and just wants the optimal image (very pragmatic about it for the most part), anything that allows them to eventually just take a shot and deal with it later will be welcomed. 

I see this taking over in about ten years.

[ckimmerle]

But since the professional field is now mostly focused upon digital (post) processing anyways and just wants the optimal image...

That is a ridiculous assumption. A true professional uses post-processing as finishing tool, nothing more. The vast majority of work comes before the shutter is event tripped, not after we return to the office.

[fotometria gr]

That is a ridiculous assumption. A true professional uses post-processing as finishing tool, nothing more. The vast majority of work comes before the shutter is event tripped, not after we return to the office.

+1. As C.Bresson used to say: "The photographer should be able to "see" the PHOTOGRAPH before he even captures it". Note: A photograph is only the printed image, NOTHING ELSE. Regards, Theodoros. www.fotometria.gr

[jeremypayne]

Note: A photograph is only the printed image, NOTHING ELSE. Regards, Theodoros. www.fotometria.gr

Note: You are living in the 20th century ... move on!

[fotometria gr]

Note: You are living in the 20th century ... move on!

No! I live on the 21st century! .....You move on!  Perhaps your suggestion is to abandon books as well..., I am sure your 20th century ideas are very advanced!  Cheers,Theodoros. www.fotometria.gr

[feppe]

No! I live on the 21st century! .....You move on!   Perhaps your suggestion is to abandon books as well..., I am sure your 20th century ideas are very advanced!   Cheers,Theodoros. www.fotometria.gr

You missed the point entirely. No smiley.

[fotometria gr]

You missed the point entirely. No smiley.

You missed to say what the point was...  Some more smiley therefore Regards, Theodoros. www.fotometria.gr

[feppe]

Tell me this is a joke.

[fotometria gr]

Tell me this is a joke.

NO... its the OP as usual with you... Regards, Theodoros. www.fotometria.gr

[fotometria gr]

I've been speculating about this sort of thing for some time. Within five years or so traditional lenses will be phasing out in favor of digital lenses. Ten years from now traditional analog lenses will be found only on ebay.

I'm sorry, ...no offense meant, but there is no such thing as "digital" lenses, "Digital" as a word of promoting, is used from the industry to trick consumers that the resolution is higher and can cope with  the "much better" digital sensors. It has been done before with "digital speakers" (not the ones with active amps on them) "digitally remastered" (you know.. the ones that cropped the frequencies with the noise) and elsewhere...., you 'll find many not "digital" lenses that are more "digital" than the "digital" equivalents (take my Zeiss for Contax645 for example). Regards, Theodoros. www.fotometria.gr

[Fine_Art]

This technology shouldn't take too long to develop, its basically mimicking what nature has already done.

If they can figure out the neural net of a bug all our cameras become obsolete.