What do you think will be the next great leap in photography technology? [Archive]

The Hardcard

1st of February 2008 (Fri), 13:08

I wanted to make sure I got the quote correctly, so I tracked it down. While important steps have been made in low light capabilities, in my opinion, they pale compared to Chuck Westfall's statement in the June 2006 PC Photo:

We’re increasingly seeing improvement in the manufacturing of sensors. Right now, we’re looking at a native ISO sensitivity of 100 to 200, but that could move up to 6400 and higher very quickly. When that happens, it will make a big difference in a photographer’s ability to create images under low light.

Sensor with native ISO 6400 would be a revolution in photography. If such cameras could maintain the luminance and chroma integrity of today's sensors at ISO 100.

JS4KIKZ

1st of February 2008 (Fri), 13:10

or just a sensor that would give us more dynamic range to work with while preserving both shadows and highlights.

Wouldn't that require the camera to be able to accept multiple exposure data beyond the current f-stop, aperture, and ISO settings you would be using?

cosworth

1st of February 2008 (Fri), 13:11

DOF calculator/display and/or a focal length rule being broken warning buzzer. Much brighter focua point illumination could help. You see it in P&S clear as day yet many in the DSLR world miss it.

That could stop about 10 million lenses being returned or sent for service per year.

Essentially the breakthrough should come in usability for the newer shooters. Get some real people writing a manual. Or maybe 2 of them. One for technical one for shooting tips.

danpass

1st of February 2008 (Fri), 13:11

or just a sensor that would give us more dynamic range to work with while preserving both shadows and highlights.

A medium format sensor in a 1D body would be nice.

.

Trainboy

1st of February 2008 (Fri), 13:12

An HDR feature would be potentially awesome, but then there would be even more of them, which isn't good!

cosworth

1st of February 2008 (Fri), 13:16

A medium format sensor in a 1D body would be nice.

.

and physically impossible unfortunately.

hotrod1935

1st of February 2008 (Fri), 13:17

All digital cameras be full frame:wink:

danpass

1st of February 2008 (Fri), 13:18

What would it really take to do in-camera HDR?

Obviously the sensor can catch it with exposure compensation. What is so difficult about doing that shift over and above (and below) in one shot so you don't have to flip the dial?

Obviously you're just shifting the range right now when exposure compensating. But come on Canon! :mrgreen:

gjl711

1st of February 2008 (Fri), 13:18

Why HDR, HDR is a technique to expand the limited dynamic range of todays sensor. A better bet is improve the dynamic range negating the need to HDR.

But my guess is that it is time for a new sensor. I think we have about tapped out what CMOS technology and the Bayer pattern can give us. It's time for something new. Foveon is trying something but that technology will never take off unless they dump the licensing and sell the technology to everyone but something along those lines.

Maybe it's time for these bio-chips to take off. Motorola has their new display based on bio-technology. Maybe they could turn that around and make a sensor that works like the human eye further upping the pixel count and resolving power and reducing the noise.

danpass

1st of February 2008 (Fri), 13:18

and physically impossible unfortunately.

I guess. Those Hasselblad backs are pretty big lol

.

prime80

1st of February 2008 (Fri), 13:22

Dynamic range and high ISO noise are still significant obstacles to many shooting situations...I think that is where the most resources should be focused. AF accuracy should be next in line.

roli_bark

1st of February 2008 (Fri), 13:24

Post-shot Focus adjustment.

Chuck Westfall had mentioned this innovative technology which Canon is working on since 2 years ago !

jonnythan

1st of February 2008 (Fri), 13:26

HDR doesn't really expand the range of the sensor. It compresses a wide range of exposure data. I dunno if/when we'll ever see that in a camera.

gjl711

1st of February 2008 (Fri), 13:53

It's interesting how many want bigger and bigger. Am I the only one looking to get smaller. I hate, absolutely hate, dragging around huge heavy bags. It is so old school and I have been doing it for 30 years and am tired of it. I would rather see the noise problem solved completly so that we can have 1DsMkIII technology in a package that will fit in a pocket. Don't give me bigger sensors, give me smaller sensors that have the characteristics of bigger ones.

danpass

1st of February 2008 (Fri), 14:07

Maybe it's time for these bio-chips to take off. Motorola has their new display based on bio-technology. Maybe they could turn that around and make a sensor that works like the human eye further upping the pixel count and resolving power and reducing the noise.

Bio-nueral circuitry.

oh, wait, that's 24th century technology on the USS Voyager.
:p

.

Trainboy

1st of February 2008 (Fri), 15:51

Bio-nueral circuitry.

oh, wait, that's 24th century technology on the USS Voyager.
:p

.
Ya beat me to it, yew arse!

prime80

1st of February 2008 (Fri), 18:07

One thing I forgot to add was the hope that either a new shutter design or a move to an electronic shutter allows for significantly higher flash sync speeds. I see no reason why we shouldn't expect at least 1/1000s sync speed.

danpass

2nd of February 2008 (Sat), 10:10

Ya beat me to it, yew arse!

Temporal Prime Directive!

.

EspenW

5th of February 2008 (Tue), 18:16

Trainboy

5th of February 2008 (Tue), 20:15

In-camera HDR?
http://www.news.com/8301-13580_3-9864843-39.html?part=rss&subj=news&tag=2547-1_3-0-20

bad karma

6th of February 2008 (Wed), 01:22

Entry level SLR's handling ISO 1600 like ISO 100

*dreams*

I Simonius

10th of February 2008 (Sun), 17:47

I've got to believe that it can't be too much longer before we see in-camera HDR imaging. Your thoughts?

Gotta be DR. (HDR by another name)
The resolution has gone far enough (21MP is enough IMO) we don't want ot have to do HDR we want really cool wide DR (and 16bit obviously) but there you are I think the next big leap wil, be in DR

gpx4

16th of February 2008 (Sat), 22:52

Auto composition!

The camera rotates 360 degrees to correct your composition.

gjl711

16th of February 2008 (Sat), 23:20

Gotta be DR. (HDR by another name)... HDR really isn't a big step forward. I mean it's here today. Adding a few more bits in really isn't a major advancement.

I Simonius

17th of February 2008 (Sun), 04:27

HDR really isn't a big step forward. I mean it's here today. Adding a few more bits in really isn't a major advancement.

If a sensor could encompass a wider DR , say 20 stops, I reckon that's a major advancemnet!

_aravena

17th of February 2008 (Sun), 20:21

Any one see that lens thing with Adobe. Bug eye lens effect where you can blur what you want, focus what you want, move images around, etc.

I Simonius

18th of February 2008 (Mon), 05:27

Any one see that lens thing with Adobe. Bug eye lens effect where you can blur what you want, focus what you want, move images around, etc.

no... do tell more...?

_aravena

18th of February 2008 (Mon), 08:44

http://gizmodo.com/gadgets/3d-magic/adobe-tinkering-with-3d-image-manipulation-using-camera-and-software-%5Bupdated-with-video%5D-308659.php

I Simonius

18th of February 2008 (Mon), 09:48

http://gizmodo.com/gadgets/3d-magic/adobe-tinkering-with-3d-image-manipulation-using-camera-and-software-%5Bupdated-with-video%5D-308659.php

rivetting stuff!

Future - here e come!

Damn it's jsyt gone over 5000 posts - I wanted to savour the moment...:lol:

gjl711

18th of February 2008 (Mon), 19:06

..I wanted to savour the moment...:lol:So whats it taste like. ;)

I Simonius

18th of February 2008 (Mon), 19:08

So whats it taste like. ;)

too rude to mention:o
;)

spear

23rd of May 2008 (Fri), 15:43

Everyone will get what they want and more. It is actually quite simple ... sensors will get higher ISO since that is directly related to sensors using smaller transistors and thus being more sensitive. Today's 200 ISO sensor will be 3200 ISO or even 6400 ISO. Once that happens, all sort of things can happen ... for example on many HDR pictures you can only get good dynamic range on static objects, since any movement with "ghost". If you can go with a high native ISO then frame rates such as 1000/sec or even 2000/sec could be possible. You could shoot off a whole bunch of pictures with different speeds in less than a fraction of a second. Already 6 fps is on standard SLR's ... imagine in 10 years or so.

So yes the future is higher dynamic range and it will come because we will have higher native ISO and faster fps. Also nice crisp shots with almost no light will be possible ... the future looks really good. BUT I WANT IT NOW !!!

Mike V

15th of July 2008 (Tue), 07:26

On-chip HDR is coming within the next couple of years to high end video cameras.

See this sensor:

http://www.panavisionsvi.com/imagers_DMAX.htm

Eventually it will make it's way to stills cameras.

Someone just has to pay the licencing fee (i.e. it's patented).

fumanchewable

22nd of July 2008 (Tue), 20:43

vastly increased dynamic range, noise free ISO 6400, removeable LCD screens which then function as remote controls w/ live view. you will be able to stand 15 feet from your camera and still receive live view, and be able to control the shutter and aperture.

Brianbar

26th of July 2008 (Sat), 16:36

I've got to believe that it can't be too much longer before we see in-camera HDR imaging. Your thoughts?

Would that not take away some of the enjoyment of doing things for our self on the computer?

Brian

NickSimcheck

26th of July 2008 (Sat), 17:52

I also see Dynamic Range as the #1 realistic improvement for the future. #2 would be noise/ISO.

For example imagine having a low noise ISO 204,800 (I know I know, but we also thought 256MB was a lot of RAM 15 years ago) you could shoot most images at 1/1000sec f/whatever and overexpose the heck out of them. Then with your 20-30 stop dynamic range adjust the exposure in post to exactly how you want it. Really the only thing that would matter at that point is what f/stop you want for the DOF and if you want to drag the shutter for motion blur. Exposure would not be a factor.

I think a higher shutter sync would be nice, and not that hard to do. Also WHY does Canon not have a decent flash system? I want RF control of 4 slaves. It's easy, just do it already Canon. The SB-900 has a zoom range of like 17mm-200mm and the 580EX has 24 to 125 I think? So yeah, give us a super beamed 100' flash while you're at it.

Movabe LCD screens I'm sure will be part of the next gen, but it doesn't mean much to me as I'm not a fan of liveview. However if they did as Fumanchewable said and made it a removable LCD with controls then it would be pretty neat.

The new super high speed CF cards they are talking about could open up a whole new ballgame.

Who says 30 FPS isn't possible?

Then once we have 30 FPS then we get into movies. Which I know most of you don't like the idea BUT think about this, people pay huge money (10-15K for a good one) for 35mm adaptors for their cams cause even the 1/3" or 1/2.7" sensor stuff like Canon/Sony don't have the DOF that a 35mm lens can give you. So if it's done right those people can buy a 1 series for less then an adaptor which means more sales for Canon which would mean a low price for us.

Imagine full 1080i with the DOF of 35mm. That is a videographer's dream.

NickSimcheck

26th of July 2008 (Sat), 18:19

http://www.dpreview.com/news/0806/08062001sonyhvlf58am.asp

This is what I mean with improving their (Canon's) flash system. This Sony will sync up to 1/4000 sec.

danielyamseng

31st of July 2008 (Thu), 23:38

an idiot proof DSLR:)

Trainboy

1st of August 2008 (Fri), 02:29

an idiot proof DSLR:)
As long as lens caps exist, that is not possible.

NickSimcheck

1st of August 2008 (Fri), 13:41

As long as lens caps exist, that is not possible.

Idiot proof cameras will come with clear lens caps. :lol:

FlyingPhotog

1st of August 2008 (Fri), 13:48

I hope they come with "Speculation Squelch" ;)

danielyamseng

7th of August 2008 (Thu), 07:29

embedded camera to our head:)

2.8orfaster

7th of August 2008 (Thu), 13:08

Post-shot Focus adjustment.

Chuck Westfall had mentioned this innovative technology which Canon is working on since 2 years ago !

Yup, your absolutely right on that one roli. I can't wait for this one!

Jpatten

7th of August 2008 (Thu), 13:19

There will be a limit to the amount of noise reduction / ISO that can be achieved.
If I am right, astronomical CCD's, high-end ones, cryogenically cool the sensor so as to reduce noise as far as possible and get single photon sensitivity (or try to get it ). Currently at some point, you are going to hit a signal / noise ratio that you can't get past because your sensor isn't sitting at absolute zero and heat is causing your noise.

NickSimcheck

7th of August 2008 (Thu), 20:27

Jpatten

7th of August 2008 (Thu), 21:57

I'll shoot at the south pole if I have to, who's going with me?

Better yet.. soak your camera in Liquid nitrogen first? might want to wear gloves!

M_ark

7th of August 2008 (Thu), 22:12

Idiot proof cameras will come with clear lens caps. :lol:

which results in burnt out sensors where the cam is left in direct (facing) sunlight :|

Trainboy

8th of August 2008 (Fri), 02:11

Better yet.. soak your camera in Liquid nitrogen first? might want to wear gloves!
Being from Georgia, I forgive you for not understanding the effect that cold has on battery life.
New from Canon, a low-noise sensation! Just dip it in liquid nitrogen before every shot!
Note: Battery life is ten seconds. :confused:

opus13

25th of August 2008 (Mon), 23:19

Then once we have 30 FPS then we get into movies. Which I know most of you don't like the idea BUT think about this, people pay huge money (10-15K for a good one) for 35mm adaptors for their cams cause even the 1/3" or 1/2.7" sensor stuff like Canon/Sony don't have the DOF that a 35mm lens can give you. So if it's done right those people can buy a 1 series for less then an adaptor which means more sales for Canon which would mean a low price for us.

Imagine full 1080i with the DOF of 35mm. That is a videographer's dream.
1080i? 35mm? aim higher (http://www.red.com/cameras)

debonaire

27th of August 2008 (Wed), 17:15

A sensor with the ability to have adaptive/dynamic ISO which would be calculated from the AF points of the camera.

debonaire

28th of August 2008 (Thu), 14:28

A sensor with the ability to have adaptive/dynamic ISO which would be calculated from the AF points of the camera.
Now when I read this, I see I need to clarify my idea more.

What I mean by adaptive/dynamic ISO is not a single ISO for the entire sensor, but a variant ISO across the sensor.

Depending upon the AF readings, sections of the sensor will have different ISO states.

gjl711

28th of August 2008 (Thu), 14:55

Now when I read this, I see I need to clarify my idea more.

What I mean by adaptive/dynamic ISO is not a single ISO for the entire sensor, but a variant ISO across the sensor.

Depending upon the AF readings, sections of the sensor will have different ISO states.
Yikes, so dark areas of the pic get a higher ISO making them brighter and bright areas get a lower ISO making them darker. Won’t you just end up with a dynamic range of 1 stop? Or worse yet the entire frame will be a neutral gray.

debonaire

28th of August 2008 (Thu), 18:01

strobe monkey

31st of August 2008 (Sun), 21:01

Waterproof and shockproof DSLR's with built in GPS, 5-inch screen, MP3 player, Radio and TV.

debonaire

10th of September 2008 (Wed), 20:42

Yikes, so dark areas of the pic get a higher ISO making them brighter and bright areas get a lower ISO making them darker. Won’t you just end up with a dynamic range of 1 stop? Or worse yet the entire frame will be a neutral gray.

hmmmm...
from www.canonrumors.com ? ? ?
:p
Wednesday, September 10, 2008, 07:54 AM - Canon 5 Mark II
Evolution
This one people thought it could be a 1d body. It's not... it's the next 5D

http://www.canon.com/moon/en/index.html (http://www.canon.com/moon/en/index.html)

From the world of "Say What?"
This is a quote from an email I received.

"I've been told that Canon has a new "miracle sensor" coming that has the ability to sense the proper ISO needed for several "zones" within a photo at once. IE, the bright sky will get ISO 50, while the shaded area under the brim of a person's hat may get ISO 400....all automatically to allow the entire image to be correctly exposed. Something similar to in-camera, one-frame only HDR results.

This tip was free...so take it for what you paid for it!"

Thanks for the email, it's an interesting concept.

Additional Credit:
Also from [NL] Aug 27. (http://www.northlight-images.co.uk/cameras/Canon_5d2_3d_7d.html)

Of course....
It's just a rumor! ;)

strobe monkey

10th of September 2008 (Wed), 21:13

I've read somewhere that Canon is working on embedding a photographer's iris onto pictures taken thereby automatically and digitally embedding copyright of the picture. This is cool.

debonaire

10th of September 2008 (Wed), 21:26

I've read somewhere that Canon is working on embedding a photographer's iris onto pictures taken thereby automatically and digitally embedding copyright of the picture. This is cool.

hmmm...
It's feasable (well...maybe not the actual iris! ;) but an image like a fingerprint basically), but I'm not sure if I like the idea.:shock:

strobe monkey

11th of September 2008 (Thu), 03:51

I've read somewhere that Canon is working on embedding a photographer's iris onto pictures taken thereby automatically and digitally embedding copyright of the picture. This is cool.

Here is the article. (http://www.photographybay.com/2008/02/09/canon-iris-registration-watermark/)

Big Sam

18th of December 2008 (Thu), 06:58

id like to see camera companies make some ergonomic changes to their lineup, i reckon instead of having a button, the shutter should be activated by giving the grip a squeeze, this would leave the shutter button free to fulfil some other use.

An interchangeable revolving lens magazine would be cool.

A nice feature would be the ability to apply "actions" in camera, users could write their own and upload them for others to use, essentially it would be an elaborate version of the custom picture styles feature which , lets face it, is a bit rubbish, has anyone here ever used purple toning? It would be nice to be able to switch from a high contrast sepia, to a holga, to velvia and so on,

Canuck

18th of December 2008 (Thu), 22:44

An interchangeable revolving lens magazine would be cool.

This would give spray and pray a whole new meaning!! :lol: :rolleyes:

danielyamseng

7th of January 2009 (Wed), 04:36

real eye focusing

strobe monkey

12th of January 2009 (Mon), 16:28

Built-in digital TV

alyson

23rd of March 2009 (Mon), 23:54

how about a photo editing software which is voice activated?

ROCKFISHER

28th of March 2009 (Sat), 17:24

Id like to see the internal sensor filter capable of switching between visible and infra red capability,that would be great and save having to mod a standard camera.Also thermal imaging built in to a standard top end dslr!!

strobe monkey

28th of March 2009 (Sat), 22:50

Built-in photo filters like ND grads... that would be cool.

fdw

17th of July 2009 (Fri), 15:15

I've got to believe that it can't be too much longer before we see in-camera HDR imaging. Your thoughts?

I agree completely.

gjl711

17th of July 2009 (Fri), 15:26

I've got to believe that it can't be too much longer before we see in-camera HDR imaging. Your thoughts?

I agree completely.I was poking around and it seems that it's already available. Both Pentax and Fuji offer in camera HDR.
http://www.flickr.com/groups/pentaxhdr/
http://blog.eyesopen.co.uk/?p=231

There might be more. Looks like both Canon and Nikon missed this boat.

mikekelley

17th of July 2009 (Fri), 16:03

Built in HDR is not a good thing :lol:

As if we don't have enough mediocre/poor HDRs floating around.

How about redesigned ergonomics...the right-hand grip could be tilted 45 degrees backward. Keep your wrists in a natural position and bend them at the elbow...the kinked wrist that we've been using forever to shoot is so unnatural. I think if there was a camera grip that was slanted to hold the wrist in a more natural position, we'd be able to A. reduce vibration from awkwardly handholding and B. be more comfortable.