A New Dimension Of Pictures

Don't ask me how they did it, because, well, I'm not exactly sure. So please don't ask me. I'd like to try and explain it to you, but the truth is, I can only bullshit so much before you realize that I'm just blowing smoke up your asses and have no real idea what I'm talking about.

Anyway...I digress.

There is this new start-up camera company, Lytro, and they are claiming they have created something that will revolutionize the camera market (and from what I've seen so far, I'd agree with them). Dn't get me wrong, their technology can be faulty and turn out worse than they currently predict, but, for now, I've been sippin' on the Kool Aid and I like the way it tastes.

So what exactly did Lytro create? Well, they call it a "full light field/spectrum" camera. Let's see if I can explain it the best I can, as simple as I can (although I don't fully understand all the science behind it). Normal cameras only capture certain light in the light field/spectrum, basically whatever the camera is focused on. This new camera somehow captures all the light - the intensity, the color, and the direction. Beyond this explanation, I can't really off anymore insight.

But, what does it mean?

Well - somehow, because you're capturing all aspects of light within the picture, it allows you to focus after the picture is taken. Again, I don't know how this works, but it's honestly mind blowing. Let's say you take a picture, but you don't like how the foreground looks - simply click on a section of the photo you want in focus, and you can shift the depth of field, bringing background into focus while obscuring the foreground. Don't like the background? Click on something in the front of the photo and watch the back fade out of focus. Or, why not just click something in the middle of the picture to find a happy medium.

Pretty trippy shit right? If you don't understand what I mean - try playing with the photo's below. They are a perfect example of how this technology works.







Unfortunately these don't really serve much of a purpose for moving images (since you wouldn't want to change focus of a movie while it is playing - although it would be cool to try). And I know what you're thinking - it's some kind of gimmick. Well, maybe it is, but I've never seen technology alter an image this well before.

When you play with the photos make sure you really explore them. See how close you can bring the focus. Find the furthest part in the picture and focus on it. The range is jaw dropping.

It's still just unbelievable to me. A camera that allows you to shift focus endlessly. After you've taken the photo - cementing it in time. I'm seriously contemplating getting one.

God I love technology.

https://www.lytro.com/

Click the link if you want more info on it - or if you want to play with more, full size images.