Shoot first, focus later: Light-field photography

[mnclayshooter]

If you've not seen it and are interested, the founder of the company published his doctoral thesis on the technology... It's an interesting read if you want to digest some of the technical explanation of the technology.

There's pictures that explain it pretty well for the rest of us.

https://www.lytro.com/downloads/resources/renng-thesis.pdf

He tried to sell the idea to all the camera companies, but none of them were interested, not even Sony

Then, he sold the idea to some financial backers and kicked out his first model, which flopped at several levels. Then, he went back to the well and found more financing and turned out the current model which has had better acceptance, but has not really managed to generate a lot of interest.

Its a big question as to any further financing, if this product does not sell, its likely dead. Innovation is a good thing, but so far, the wild claims are not backed up by facts. The variable focus range is very limited.

That's where I could see it almost as a new technology or a "new" development for AF sensors, maybe not the actual imaging sensor. The ability for the AF to "micro-adjust" itself based on the DOF being something that a sensor could actually actively read and tell the camera. Maybe I'm just enjoying Friday and a nice cocktail too.

 

[mkabi]

No doubt this may be the future.

But, it still begs the question... is this really adding to the art of photography? Or is it adding to the art of photoshoping?

How much time do you spend in front of the computer? Do you really want to spend more time in front of the computer?

 

[mnclayshooter]

No doubt this may be the future.

But, it still begs the question... is this really adding to the art of photography? Or is it adding to the art of photoshoping?

How much time do you spend in front of the computer? Do you really want to spend more time in front of the computer?

Very good point.

I'll counter by saying - if you're a paid photographer, and can get "the shot" because you can "re-process" wouldn't you want that flexibility?

 

[AcutancePhotography]

But, it still begs the question... is this really adding to the art of photography?

Should be an easy question to answer... once one defines what that "art of photography" means.

BTW, it does not beg the question. It introduces a question.

 

[Mt Spokane Photography]

No doubt this may be the future.

But, it still begs the question... is this really adding to the art of photography? Or is it adding to the art of photoshoping?

When light meters were added to cameras, the question was asked.

When Autofocus was added, once again, it was asked

When Digital Cameras first came out, they were panned as toys.

Only time will tell, but I suspect that funds to keep going are getting tight.

 

[mkabi]

No doubt this may be the future.

But, it still begs the question... is this really adding to the art of photography? Or is it adding to the art of photoshoping?

How much time do you spend in front of the computer? Do you really want to spend more time in front of the computer?

Very good point.

I'll counter by saying - if you're a paid photographer, and can get "the shot" because you can "re-process" wouldn't you want that flexibility?

Aren't you adding to your workload if you are already planning to "re-process."

If its a hobby, and you want that extra dimension... perhaps for artistic purposes... then by all means.

But if you are a paid photographer, I highly doubt you want that extra workload...
Most likely you are charging a flat rate for the project, you dont' want countless hours in front of the computer.

Unless, you're one of those high-end, well-paid photographers that get 1000s of dollars for a single shot... then also by all means.

 

[dgatwood]

As a viewer, I'm not sure what I'm supposed to make of these things as I play around with them (e.g. "Ball, Fuzzy Boy; Boy, Fuzzy Ball".)

I agree changing the dof seems to be rather childish (like I laughed my a** off as a 5-year old when seeing a movie backwards). But I am impressed by the interactive 3d effect you can create when "focus-stacking" the whole dof region of the camera. Imho ( ) It's not only nice to play around with, but you can even change the composition in post.

https://pictures.lytro.com/lytro/collections/41/pictures/894396

I can see a use case in interactive Ads

3D movies with eye tracking refocus.

 

[Marsu42]

As a viewer, I'm not sure what I'm supposed to make of these things as I play around with them (e.g. "Ball, Fuzzy Boy; Boy, Fuzzy Ball".)

I agree changing the dof seems to be rather childish (like I laughed my a** off as a 5-year old when seeing a movie backwards). But I am impressed by the interactive 3d effect you can create when "focus-stacking" the whole dof region of the camera. Imho ( ) It's not only nice to play around with, but you can even change the composition in post.
https://pictures.lytro.com/lytro/collections/41/pictures/894396

I can see a use case in interactive Ads

3D movies with eye tracking refocus.

Point is: You can do the same right now with focus stacking. The advantage of light field would be speed (but not fast enough for movement), the disadvantage small resolution. But adjusting the point of view after shooting, now that's unheard of until now.

 

[Sella174]

It has the potential to be the most revolutionary and disruptive technological development on the horizon.

No need for ...

No more ...

...

[joke]No more ... you?[/joke]

 

[mkabi]

No doubt this may be the future.

But, it still begs the question... is this really adding to the art of photography? Or is it adding to the art of photoshoping?

When light meters were added to cameras, the question was asked.

When Autofocus was added, once again, it was asked

When Digital Cameras first came out, they were panned as toys.

Only time will tell, but I suspect that funds to keep going are getting tight.

Sorry for bringing back an old thread, but after watching the following:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gQ--S-wG_lk

It reminded me of this thread and what Mt. Spokane said.
But really, I would have loved to be a part of this challenge.

 

[adhocphotographer]

I can not see it taking off as a standalone camera... however, if this makes it into smartphones i think it would do very well indeed, as focusing with those little bastards can be a pain!

Also, take a snapshot of a group, everyone in it can reselect the focus they want... I do like the idea of interactive images! Link it instagram or the likes and it could be a selling point...

 

[dgatwood]

It is probably worth noting that Intel is starting to take an interest in light field cameras. I wouldn't be surprised to see this technology make its way into gear that we use every day before too much longer—at least in camera phones, for sure.

 

[Marsu42]

Fyi: from from http://www.digitaltrends.com/photography/rumored-sony-light-field-camera-and-4k-canon-5d-mk-iv/ ...

... Sony filed a patent indicating they're looking into light field, too: http://www.freepatentsonline.com/y2014/0071244.html