Cameras of the Future

Historically, there has been a direct relationship between the size of a camera and the quality of the images that it can capture. Sharper, brighter images were the result of larger lenses to collect light and larger sensors to convert that light to a digital image. Computational imaging ends that relationship.

The L16 is a new camera from Light that packs 16 individual 13 megapixel sensors with three different focal lengths into a size slightly larger than a smartphone. Five of the sensors have a 35mm lens, five have a 70mm lens and six have a 150mm lens. By capturing ten images, simultaneously, at the different focal lengths and different locations on the camera, the device collects data that can be computed into a 52 megapixel image.

While the L16 provides the resolution of a high quality DLSR in a much smaller package, at $1699 the price seems a bit steep to cause many people to rush out and replace their existing DLSR.  However, as the technology progresses and comes down in price, I believe this will be the way most new cameras will be designed.

Light is also working with phone manufacturers to bring the technology into smartphones by late next year.

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Cellphone Array Camera

Question:  What is the best camera for taking a picture?

Answer: The one you have with you!

 Since most of us carry our cellphone with us all the time, cellphone cameras have been quickly overtaking other imaging devices. Infotrends reports that 42% of people with a camera phone use it as their primary camera.

Although the resolution of camera phones has been steadily increasing, they have remained limited in their ability to capture pictures in low light situations or zoom in well on distant subjects.  These capabilities required large lenses which don't fit into a camera phone. This is about to change.

Mountain View, California based Pelican Imaging Corporation has built a prototype of an array of 25 cameras that can easily fit into a smartphone. With 25 imaging sensors, far more light can be captured, greatly improving the performance in low light conditions. The data from all the individual sensors can be combined to compute an image far sharper and with a greater dynamic range than any single sensor could produce.

A large array of cameras for research at Stanford University

Since the images are being captured from different angles, it would also be easy to compute a pair of stereo 3D images or a set of multiple views for lenticular 3D prints. 

The limitations of  the current camera phones are part of the reason why serious photography enthusiasts still buy digital single lens reflex cameras, micro four thirds systems and other high end image capture tools. These limitations also help preserve the market for professional photography by preventing the average camera phone user from capturing a great image.

The reduction of quality differences between consumer cameras and professional cameras have been already changed the professional photography market significantly. The introduction of array cameras on cellphones will accelerate that trend.

What is your favorite image capture device?