Focus Free Camera

[BrianMDoucette]

This sounds VERY interesting if it actually comes to market, a focus free camera... hmmm

Article: http://ca.gizmodo.com/5814337/lytro-is-a-focus+free-camera-that-will-change-how-you-take-pictures

You focus the image after you take the shot, ie in post process...

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[Troy]

Sounds very interesting indeed. But surely if it captures everything from the scene, it will need to capture a large number of single images all at once? Or one extremely large file. Will be interesting to see how this works out.

[BrianMDoucette]

Uses some kind of physics hokus pokus called the 'light field effect' (there is an explanation on the product site). The inventor says he will have it on the market by the end of the year and he hope to market it at around $500.00US. I will keep my eyes on this one...
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[Troy]

If it works well, then $500 could be a bargain! Obviously will depend on the other features of the camera though.

[4colourprogress]

Genius invention, This will totally turn the compact camera market on it's head but that's all, I can't see the technology migrating over to the DSLR market nor would I want it too.

[Troy]

Genius invention, This will totally turn the compact camera market on it's head but that's all, I can't see the technology migrating over to the DSLR market nor would I want it too.

Completely agree Chris. Was just talking to Debbi about it, and i think it would just promote lazy photography. Click now, think about it later sort of thing.

Hopefully it will just be a gimic for the compacts, like 3D photos.

It says in the press release that it will help 'save time on focusing'. How much time does it really take?

[BrianMDoucette]

I think it would just promote lazy photography.
Click now, think about it later sort of thing.
Hopefully it will just be a gimic for the compacts, like 3D photos.

I agree (but there are already a lot of lazy photogs out there as is ), I personally think it will be a short term gimic for phone and compact cameras.
I can't see how it would work for nonstatic scenes or subjects.

my 2 Cents,
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[Troy]

Let's just hope it isn't a gimic that all of the major manufacturers jump on board with. Just like the compact system camera nonsense