The state of the art is here

[Michael Lloyd]

No more silly focusing or composing in camera. Lytro does it all

Just a little side note or two

I like focusing on a specific subject. It's relaxing
I like composing the image. I like it even better if I do it right.
I like "fiddling" with all of the dials and settings on my camera. I think of them as "features" of my camera
I like being able to change lenses. Another feature.
I like the feel of a heavy camera in my hands on a crisp morning (or sweltering hot morning for that matter).

I'm happy for the people that want or desire a Lytro "type" camera but I think I'll stay in the dark ages for just a little longer

[John Chardine]

Not sure it's the state of the art Michael, but I love technology and even if I never own one of these, I can't help but be fascinated by the whole thing. Who knows what it might lead to?

[Kerry Perkins]

How do you do a BIF?

[Jay Gould]

It is not exactly overpriced; quite reasonable for what it is supposed to do.

[Michael Lloyd]

Not sure it's the state of the art Michael, but I love technology and even if I never own one of these, I can't help but be fascinated by the whole thing. Who knows what it might lead to?

Now that's a very good point... Who knows what the future holds

[David Stephens]

How do you do a BIF?

Aim it in the general direction of the bird, click and then decide what you want to focus on once you see it on you computer monitor. What could be easier?

I wonder what a 600mm version would cost.

[Roger Clark]

Not sure it's the state of the art Michael, but I love technology and even if I never own one of these, I can't help but be fascinated by the whole thing. Who knows what it might lead to?

John,
I agree. When news of this came out months ago I was skeptical. But I downloaded his PhD thesis and it is good solid science. But you need a lot of pixels to derive the final in focus image that has many fewer pixels--a big downside. With many pixels, it probably mitigates the signal-to-noise issues of separating out the different directional signals but it would be nice to see what can be achieved in the real world, especially low light situations.

And note, this is just a first generation. It may have real applications in macro photography.

Roger

[Cal Walters]

Anyone actually bought one yet? It made Time Magazine's 50 top inventions issue this week. The f/2 is attractive, but when I read about how much was done through back end software, my questioning increased. But it does seem to suggest things to come. For field photographers it holds promise of simplifying all those adjustments when you are trying to capture the bird. When i shoot from a blind and there is more reaction time, I am fine with the fiddling with knobs. But when I am birding, I am going to be moving on after the shot. I guess I don't have the luxury of waiting (or the patience!) at this time in my life. If anyone gets one, please post a review.