First fine look at Lytro infinite focus light-field powered camera

First look

Putting it quite simply, Silicon Valley start up Lytro has managed to release the world's very first commercially available light field camera. Pundits and enthusiasts knew the day was coming, as Lytro did showcase their advanced prototype in the earlier part of this year. Now, how does this special gadget score on its physical attributes? Well, one can only say it is uniquely bantam in its bearing with an anodized aluminum frame, and a minimalistic button layout (in the form of a rubber rear end) comprising just of two buttons, one for shutter and the other for power. Beyond the sober scope, the camera does come in some metallic colors. As for specifications, the contraption incorporates a f/2, 8x zoom lens, which in turn utilizes an 11-mega-ray light field to power the so called feature of infinite focus.

Lytro

What's new?

To delve into that, first we should know something about the capabilities of a light field camera. Also known as plenoptic camera, the contraptions utilize a system of microlens to capture 4D light information about any given scene. This light field information can be used later to improve upon the total essence of computer graphics and even vision related problems. So in simple terms, this fascinating information technique can be made applicable (afterwards) in a myriad of improving attributes like the ability to focus on any depth of field (within a taken photo), making a 3D-type effect observable by the user, even without specs, and also enhancing the quality of images taken in extremely low light.

What’s been refreshed?

Conventional cameras (if we might use the phrase) are infused with a focusing technology that is limited to its two dimensional lens. Therefore, when the captured images are re-sized into photos, there is bound to be a significant loss of data without any alteration of the focal point. Now, moving on to Lytro's light field cameras, they have the intriguing ability to capture a more comprehensive degree (both quantitatively and qualitatively) of light, while a later computer software can actually change the focal point.

Now, one may ask - how does it translate into the field of photography? Well, one can only say in response that the potential of this device (in relation to our photo capturing ability) can be seriously pivotal. Whereas, earlier the quality of a photograph was depended upon the 2D lens that was used, light field camera system completely disregards such conventional lenses. Instead, they use an array of microlens (thus facilitating the focus of the 3D world on to a 2D plane) without the help of cumbersome heavy glasses and apertures. One can unleash his/her inherent snapping tendency without much regard to atmospheric light and focus.

Features walkthrough

Supposedly inspired by the sober aesthetics of Apple's both iPod Nano and an iSight camera, the Lytro cameras exhibit ultra-petite bodies with a very minimalist button layout. This layout is constricted to the rubberized rear end and consists of just two simple buttons, one for shutter and the other for power.

Coming to user interaction with the diminutive device, it will all be done through a glass-encased 1.46-inch touchscreen, where one can adjust and also view his snappy shots along with the battery life.

Finally coming to the criteria of image transfer, it cane be done via a micro-USB port, hidden beneath a flap on the bottom part. Transferring to computer systems can be done through Lytro's desktop client, while embeds are composed of Flash or HTML5 (thus also allowing your friends to alter the focus in apps such as Facebook and Twitter).

What’s good?

The designers have paid special attention to user convenience with the device's intrinsic portability and lag free focusing ability. The process of capturing an image even for amateurs is pretty simple and instantaneous with a breezy shutter speed.

In addition, all of this comes only after the camera's greatest attribute - its fascinating light field capturing capability. This (as explained before) allows the user to snap his picture and then focus on it later, for any improvement to be done in the future.

What's not good?

The light field technique has the propensity to sacrifice spatial resolution for all the information regarding the degree of light. This can result in a lower image detail, at least at the capturing level (though, the device can make up for it by its much-enhanced lighting).

Price and availability

The Lytro products are available in two versions - a $399 8GB model (with 250 pictures capacity) and a $499 16GB model (for 750 pictures). In the current state, the cameras are available at the company’s website, while shipping will start from early 2012.

Wrap up

Who can seriously deny the novelty of a camera that literally allows you to focus long after the actual image is captured? For now, the technology is encased in a bantam aluminum package. Therefore, we here at GizmoWatch are waiting for the day where it will be available in a plethora of other systems ranging from smartphones to cameras that are even more powerful. That will certainly herald a new age for photography.