Lytro - new type of digital camera

[Einion]

Just heard about this:

http://www.wired.com/gadgetlab/2011/10/lytro-camera/
http://www.imaging-resource.com/NEWS/1319175378.html

The technology could revolutionise photography for the hobby (not to mention elsewhere). Could this be the best type of camera for our purposes, eventually?

Einion

 

[PegaZus]

Looks interesting. The Mac only format is going to turn a lot of people away, IMO. I've got both OSs, so that wouldn't be an issue for me. Still a little pricey, and I'd have to play with one at home first to decide if it was worth it. Good read however.

 

[freakinacage]

mental, absolutely mental

 

[Einion]

The Mac only format is going to turn a lot of people away, IMO.

I'll say! Mac-centric creator I guess; but not a great idea in terms of promoting early sales.

Einion

 

[kathrynloch]

While I think it's absolutely cool and love the shape, the second article mentioned the concern over resolution. The company is only saying "HD quality" but no specifics. For us, we not only need the light but the res too. Since you can adjust the focus, I guess it eliminates the need for a tripod. lol! At least the Windows version is in the works.

 

[alextheartist]

It wont eliminate the need for a tripod, because if I'm understanding it right, it saves the image in a way in which the depth of field/ apature focus can be changed. So if you dont keep it steady, you will still have an overall blurred picture.

So you can change the focus of a steadily captured picture, but you cant make an unfocused because of camera shake.

 

[freakinacage]

It wont eliminate the need for a tripod, because if I'm understanding it right, it saves the image in a way in which the depth of field/ apature focus can be changed. So if you dont keep it steady, you will still have an overall blurred picture.

So you can change the focus of a steadily captured picture, but you cant make an unfocused because of camera shake.

makes sense to me

 

[Einion]

No tripod mount. But yes, you do need to hold the Lytro steady by some means to prevent motion blur. This is why I said eventually

Einion

 

[alextheartist]

Yeh, I guess I meant by not doing away with a tripod, I actually meant not holding the camera steady

Its a nifty bit of kit and I would quite like to have a play with one at some point. It would be interesting to see the softwear for editing and how that all works.

 

[QuietiManes]

Hrm...sounds like a whole lot of hype and misdirection. I don't think it will ever be considered useful...most people can light, focus and click without needing the extras in the image file. I don't know, maybe it's my Apple bias putting me off but it's like it's trying to solve a problem no one has. Like those people using the "other guys" products in infomercials.

It's certainly interesting though, seeing all these old technologies coming to life as other tech improvements make them viable.

 

[Einion]

Hrm...sounds like a whole lot of hype and misdirection. I don't think it will ever be considered useful...most people can light, focus and click without needing the extras in the image file.

But the point is to create a point-and-shoot where no focussing of any kind is required at the time the image is recorded, while still allowing you to selectively focus afterwards....

A lot of people already consider this 'useful', I suppose what matters is whether it's cost-effective enough, and the images are good enough, to gain wider acceptance.

Einion

 

[Avelorn]

Didn't see any full size samples but even eyeing the small ones I suspect the image quality might be lacking a bit at the moment. In a couple of years I think the technique will be ripe for harvest! I imagine you will be able to choose background blurs, even "replicate" some lenses etc.