Lytro - Light Field Photography

[SoftLink]

https://www.lytro.com/camera
(hope the link works as I'm registered to their news flashes)

Have you heard about it?
Would/will you buy one ($499 for 16GB, $399 for 8GB model)?

As a new technology it needs to prove itself somehow, of course. And if used to the "traditional" design & controls of D/SLRs and compact cams, this new approach will take some getting used to for sure.

What do you think?

[Dr.Brian]

Interesting. I'll have to read about that when I have some time.

[GradyPhilpott]

I read about that on dpreview and I frankly find it to be quite exciting, while most of those who post to that site found little to say good about the camera.

I think this is a great breakthrough, although there are aspects I don't understand yet, and I hope to live to see this technology fully developed.

[masterserg]

I loved this comment from Ken Rockwell (www.kenrockwell.com) about it...

"Considering that the people who most need this, casual cell-phone snappers, need it least because those cameras have huge depths-of-field, I wouldn't invest in this."

[SoftLink]

I would take Ken Rockwell with a grain of salt or two.
The idea is not umlimited depth of field but post event control over it. The classic (D)SLR photographer will likely frown upon this as it takes away the challenge of the perfectly composed shot somehow.

[masterserg]

Originally Posted by SoftLink

I would take Ken Rockwell with a grain of salt or two.
The idea is not umlimited depth of field but post event control over it. The classic (D)SLR photographer will likely frown upon this as it takes away the challenge of the perfectly composed shot somehow.

Yeah I know ... I love Ken's site though ... It helped my photography immensely ... his opinions, well ... love them or hate them ... no in-between :)

Personally, I'd rather wait and see until there is a viable camera (with proper resolution which might be far far away yet) ... but I can't be bothered to spend too much time behind the computer chasing I don't know what .... I'd prefer to think about what I want to capture and try to get it right in camera rather than hoping that it will turn out later ...

[KJacques]

I think a camera like this will appeal the most to people who don't have a clear idea of what they are wanting to do with their pictures. So many pictures I see are mediocre pictures to begin with that are enhanced mostly through Photoshop type work or other trickery... HDR, multi shot stitching, etc. I'll have to see more detail on this technology and how it can benefit my own photography before I see if it is useful or just another gimic.

Personally, I think most photographers would benefit more from a fully manual camera and learning how to see and create light than one like this.

[GradyPhilpott]

I respect Rockwell's opinion also, but a camera that shoots photographs that can have the point of focus adjusted after the fact is going to have a lot of appeal to a lot of folks who are just point and shooters.

Let's face it, even if it never advances beyond the "toy" phase, the prices are well within the range of a lot of "toys" that people find amusing and interesting. Most cell phones these days are 80% toy and 20% business.

And no one, including Rockwell, knows where this technology will lead.

[rr-nyc]

I think its a bad mistake that he hasn't licensed the technology out to a larger company like Canon nikon - Even Kodak for that matter.

I think the technology is incredible but how far can he take this before a bigger company developed something like or better. Would he even have the resources to fight off the bigger companies that will inevitably put him out of business?

[skyedog]

will love to see some shots

[SoftLink]

Originally Posted by rr-nyc

I think its a bad mistake that he hasn't licensed the technology out to a larger company like Canon nikon - Even Kodak for that matter.

I think the technology is incredible but how far can he take this before a bigger company developed something like or better. Would he even have the resources to fight off the bigger companies that will inevitably put him out of business?

I think that's what patent rights are for.

Originally Posted by skyedog

will love to see some shots

If you followed the link above and clicked on Picture Gallery in the top menu you would get there (eventually). ;-)
You place your mouse on the spot in the photo you want in focus, click and you should see the result. In theory, at least, somehow it doesn't work for me at the moment. Now it works:
http://www.lytro.com/living-pictures...282?&_suid=957

PS: Recommend the CEOs disseration. Quite interesting read and explains how it works. Easy to find.
PPS: Any new technology development in the field must be exciting news. So let's keep an open mind, shall we?

[GradyPhilpott]

http://www.lytro.com/living-pictures

[masterserg]

Originally Posted by GradyPhilpott

I respect Rockwell's opinion also, but a camera that shoots photographs that can have the point of focus adjusted after the fact is going to have a lot of appeal to a lot of folks who are just point and shooters.

Let's face it, even if it never advances beyond the "toy" phase, the prices are well within the range of a lot of "toys" that people find amusing and interesting. Most cell phones these days are 80% toy and 20% business.

And no one, including Rockwell, knows where this technology will lead.

Good post Grady.

[brkanand]

Very interesting to read! Thank you!