4 ms·

Whatever happened to plenoptic cameras like Lytro? Why aren't they included in cell phones?

• rahimnathwani 6y ago
  Assuming sensor resolution is fixed/limited due cost or size constraints, switching to a plenoptic lens will provide an image with a much lower resolution.
• jasonwatkinspdx 6y ago
  Been interested in plenoptic cameras for a while. Here's my guess: 1. Focus after the fact was a nothingburger to consumers. Likewise only niche enthusiasm for 3d. 2. Plenoptic cameras require a lens array or equivalent in the optical path. Phones are extremely constrained on depth. 3. Phone makers realized that if they wanted different focal lengths, the most simple route was to put two compact cameras on it. 4. You can't really go below 8x8 pixel "subtiles" with a plenoptic lens array. So you're giving up a factor of 64 resolution at least. That's a heavy cost for features users are very apathetic about.
  • jfengel 6y ago
    In particular, fake computer-generated bokeh turned out to be good enough for a lot of users. You get much better composed pictures without any additional hardware. A photographer won't be fooled, but Instragram and your scrapbook probably will be.
• HWR_14 6y ago
  The Lytro was incredibly long. It was like a small telescope. My phone is insanely thin (please make the battery bigger and phone fatter). But the optics wouldn't come close to fitting. The Lytro also had a low resolution. It was fun to click and shoot.
  • doggodaddo78 6y ago
    Yep. I have a 1st gen nonfictional one. The website shutdown and required special software, so it's not usable anyhow.