Web Analytics RiceHigh's Pentax Blog: No More AF is Needed, Out-focus or Not, the Camera Records it All!

Friday, October 21, 2011

No More AF is Needed, Out-focus or Not, the Camera Records it All!

I first read this Engadget report few days ago, then Dpreview has also reported it yesterday. So, I did more research about what it is. Frankly, in the very beginning, I was a bit susceptible that if it is yet another paper/vapourware that will have no real product come into the world and never.

So, here comes the sectional structure diagram of a real product as it reports:-



And more about the inventor Lytro, which more information can be found at their website, for example:-



And some more illustrations: http://www.lytro.com/pictures/lyt-8/

At last, if you still won't believe it (just like me before), here is a latest YouTube demo by the CNet:- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JDyRSYGcFVM



After all, this is not a paperware. It is a real product with selling price(s)! At about $400 for the cheaper version, will YOU buy this Kaleidoscope-alike Toy or Pentax'? (Yes, I mean the Q!)
Time (UTC +0800):
標籤： , , , , , , ,

Comments (10)

Loading... Logging you in...
Dashboard | Edit profile | Logout
  • Logged in as
0 Vote up Vote down
Markus's avatar

Markus · 700 weeks ago

I think this is coolest thing since the invention of polaroid film.
0 Vote up Vote down
Simon's avatar

Simon · 700 weeks ago

I take a picture and afterwards I choose the focus plane, right ? Is this really a benefit for joe sixpack ?
Btw, there is a company (http://www.raytrix.de/), which use this technique to make even 3D videos, see a demonstartion here: http://www.cczwei.de/index.php?id=tvissuearchive&...
0 Vote up Vote down
Ben's avatar

Ben · 700 weeks ago

I understand the new technology allows them to determine the angle the rays are hitting the sensor which would allow you to determine the distance from the camera of each pixel. But how does that allow of change of focus after the shot?
Is this not just a fixed focus lens with a fixed large aperture that basically takes a photo where everything is in focus and afterwards in software applies a blur based on the distance of the objects (if you click on something close it blurs far objects, if you click on something far it blurs close objects)?
Or am I missing the breakthrough in science/optics?
+1 Vote up Vote down
bandymelis's avatar

bandymelis · 700 weeks ago

It seems to be a kind of invention for the fools who cannot decide where they should have their focus plane at the moment they take an image. In other words, for those who do not know what they want.
1 reply · active 700 weeks ago
0 Vote up Vote down
Ying's avatar

Ying · 700 weeks ago

Indeed, 50 years from now, we will have smart phones that take 100fps 150MPixel Light field pictures because no one can think for themselves, and the phone is indeed smarter than the human.

Sad.
0 Vote up Vote down
Art's avatar

Art · 700 weeks ago

It's more than just deciding focus point at the time of taking picture. This camera allows you (and friends/family) to "explore" the photo later on the computer by clicking on various different parts.

It's a neat concept.
0 Vote up Vote down
Chris's avatar

Chris · 700 weeks ago

Totally fascinating, and after having looked into the thesis (link above posted by J_T, I guess pages 14-18 and 24-25 suffice to get the idea) I have to say, no rocket science but a really neat idea. Lytro deserves credit for making a product out of that idea.

@Ying: for 100fps 150MPixels in light field, I am afraid basic physics dictates that this will not work. You need many more (100 times?) sensor pixels than your final image will have, and with such tiny pixels and short shutter time, you will get thermal noise and maybe even an issue with low photon statistics, I don't know (and don't want to calculate right now).

Because of that, high-resolution images will for many years continue to require normal sensor images and therefore focusing. Which is part of the fun when looking through a viewfinder.
0 Vote up Vote down
mike's avatar

mike · 700 weeks ago

I like this concept, but i think, that image quality will be pretty same, as today essential cell phones with camera.

Second "problem" is camera... I don´t know only people, who want so big and strange compact camera. It´s very nice concept, but today face is useless. Few year later maybe came new generation... with possibility take classic high quality pictures and lower quality light field. And small compact body to pocket.
0 Vote up Vote down
Chris's avatar

Chris · 700 weeks ago

When it comes to pricing and design, the Lytro guy has learned from Apple. SIMPLE user interface, fixed built in memory card, and you get 8GB more for $100 more. Another iGod in the making?

Post a new comment

Comments by

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)