Digital News Report – Lytro, Inc. revealed their new digital camera that uses light field technology. The camera is able to focus photos after a photo has been taken. The company said that this is the only consumer camera that is able to take light field photos currently.
Lytro explained the light field technology is a sensor that is able to collect data on color, intensity and the direction of the light as it enters into the camera. They compare this as being able to take a picture in four dimensions.
The photos can be sent to others with the light field engine as part of the image data. This allows others to interact with the photo without any special software. The company expects to have 3D special effect algorithms in 2012. Could this be the reason people will buy 3D TV sets?
The digital camera is relatively small is size and weighs only eight ounces. There is an 8x optical zoom lens with a constant f/2 aperture. The photos take very quickly because the camera does not need to focus first before capturing the image.
There is an 8 GB and 16 GB version of the camera. The 8GB stores 350 pictures, while the 16 GB model can store 750 pictures. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price for the 8GB model is $399 and comes in either Electric Blue or Graphite Grey, and the 16GB model is $499 and comes in Red Hot color.
The company plans to ship in the early part of 2012. At first, it will work only on the Mac operating system. Windows support for the camera will be available some time in 2012. Lytro is taking pre-orders for the camera at their website at lytro.com.
By: Victoria Brown