Light-Field Camera

[far-trader]

Now I know what to call it!

Recall the photo analysis Deckard does in "Blade Runner" with the image manipulation post rendering that is (was) super spooky cool? Refocusing at different depths of field and angles and such? Well, we're closer to that, on a consumer level (might have been out before for professional use) with the imminent release of a Light Field Camera. Excuse the commercial link, it's the first of it I've seen:

http://www.futureshop.ca/en-CA/prod...186&path=a0dee3eaba98c1d02e5eaf95ba4cf24een02

Pretty darn neat I think. And a great piece of Traveller tech. I'm not sure I like the form factor but even that is sort of high tech and very "not your grand-dad's camera" looking.

EDIT: For those not wanting to click the link, I copied and marginally retooled the info below as I start to work out the Traveller tech sheet for it.

EDIT: And for those who like clicking links, CNET has a good video review of the Lytra up here: http://reviews.cnet.com/digital-cameras/lytro-light-field-camera/4505-6501_7-35045227.html

EDIT: Also apparently called a Plenoptic Camera

 

[far-trader]

Light-Field Camera - TL9 - Cr105

The 8GB light field camera doesn't just shoot photos, it captures living images, photos that you can refocus even after you've captured them. Instead of a flat 2D image, the LFC records the entire light field, all the light rays that travel in all directions through the scene. The result is photos where you can focus on different areas, just by clicking or tapping on them.


More Information

The LFC uses a revolutionary technology that makes photos interactive and multi-dimensional in a way you've never seen before. When your eyes look at a scene you're seeing a 4D light field, which is made up of light rays travelling in all directions at every point in space of that scene. Shooting this scene with a traditional camera means the camera throws away most of the light information. When a bunch of light rays hit one point on the camera sensor it averages them all out into a colour. The LFC takes a different approach, capturing the scene as a 4D light field, not a flat, two-dimensional image. It can capture up to 11 million rays of the light that permeate the scene you're shooting, which is why you're able to do amazing things like refocus the photo after it's been shot. Since the LFC works with light rays, the camera's sensor is described as a megaray light sensor rather than in terms of megapixels.One of the benefits of the amazing light field technology is that no autofocus is required, and that means no shutter delay. The LFC can shoot pictures instantly, so just press the shutter button on the top and you'll be able to capture the moment before it's gone.The LFC's built-in Light Field Engine processes the captured light rays, so you can view the image on the built-in 1.52" touchscreen display and refocus on different areas by touching the screen. You can tell a different visual story with each tap.The touchscreen lets you control most of the camera's functions with taps and swipes, and the backlit display makes it simple to compose and review your photos.

• 8GB model can store up to 350 living pictures
• Designed with easy-to-hold, precision-tooled silicone so you can easily shoot with one hand or two
• 8x optical zoom lens with constant f/2 aperture gives you a wide range of creative options
• The slider controls the optical zoom - just run your finger over it to increase or decrease the optical zoom
• Rechargeable, long-life lithium-ion internal battery
• Includes free computer application that lets you import, process, and interact with living photos from the LFC.
• The LFC's living pictures can be enjoyed on computers, tablets, or smartphones - no special software required
• Check out accessories to make your LFC experience even better, including the Camera Sleeve to protect the LFC and make it easy to carry around, and the Tripod Mount to keep the LFC steady for amazing shots (all accessories sold separately)

What's in the Box

• Lens Cap
• Cleaning Cloth
• Wrist Strap

 

[BytePro]

Yeah - light field is a cool name!

Fundamental tech's been around a long time, though not practical consumer level ... Adobe was supposedly doing related work several years ago (think I saw this in a PopSci blurp a while back?). Expensive cameras and proprietary software have been around for ~ 2-3 years in the consumer market, IIRC.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Light-field_camera