Lytro Opens the Curtain, What’s That Square Thing?

UPDATE: New post with Lytro opinion and video review.

UPDATE on resolution Below!

How many megapixels is the Lytro?

“…I’m being generous, because if I had to bet I’d say it’s closer to 1mp.”

Well, let me tell you Lytro is being tricky with this  by stating that they are measuring the quality in ‘Megarays’ and that the Lytro is sporting 11 Megarays. Well that’s nice, but nobody knows what a megaray is. When I started reading up on the Lytro in preparation for an appearance on The Lens Wipe I came across some info that leads me to believe that the actual image’s pixel dimension is going to be relatively small. The gist of what I found in that dissertation regarding the resolution of the sensor was that in their prototype they needed to use a very large image sensor to provide a finished image size comparable to current traditional digital cameras.  So how big is the final picture? Well, we have yet to see any samples bigger than around 700 pixels from the camera, Lytro has stated that the images are HD quality, which really doesn’t tell us anything. But here is the big thing to keep in mind, they also have yet to discuss any kind of  ‘flattening’ of the Lytro image into a traditional .jpg or other, nothing leading us to the thought of traditional paper prints. They are binding you into an overall product that includes unlimited picture storage on their site with the purchase of every camera. The only other viewing opportunity discussed is the embedability of the image into Facebook. The end resulting image being pitched as a digital interactive experience for the creator and viewer.  So take those few things into account, and we come to the natural conclusion that the final image will be in the range of  1.5 megapixels or less. That’s just speculation, and I’m being generous, because if I had to bet I’d say it’s closer to 1mp.

UPDATE! – From the Lytro knowledge base - The first Lytro Camera is designed for those who love to share images over the web and via email. So if you are asking, “Can you print Lytro pictures?” The above answer sounds like no printing to me which seems to put the image size below 1mp.

UPDATE! – From the Lytro knowledge base - You can export to a JPG, but of course this rips the soul from your living picture, leaving you with only a 2D photo. I have a huge issue with this post in their forum based knowledge base. They have closed comments on this thread right after someone unofficial has speculated the the resulting .jpg will be a 21mp file. That’s just ludicrous, and they should address it rather than let it sit there knowing that this is the number one question on potential buyers minds.UPDATE! – They have removed the bogus 21mp speculation post, it actually seems as though they have removed all forum replies.

What is your guess for pixel count?

Does it matter if we will only be viewing them digitally?

I understand keeping a secret, but when you are going to reveal a secret like this generally you want it there be much more of a fanfare.
Their Facebook post yesterday had me thinking that they would be pushing off any kind of event for some time.

Today around 11:45 pst Lytro revealed their new revolutionary light field camera.

I’m floored by the remarkably odd form factor of what was presented. A 4.4 x 1.6 inch rectangle sporting only 2 buttons (which is fine) and a 1.46″ touch sensitive rear screen. With such a small screen and odd form factor, I’m reminded of the now failed FLiP camera.

The Len’s Wipe’s Marc Sadowski has a theory on the tech and what Lytro’s ultimate plan is.

Lytro’s Facebook page has a link to the new camera’s product page.
Lytro plans on shipping their new camera called “The Lytro” early 2012 and is currently taking orders for the camera on their site in what they have called a first come first serve basis.

There will be two models in three colors;

• The ‘Red Hot’ will be the 16gb model going for $499 holding 750 pictures
• Graphite will be an 8gb 350 picture model for $399
• Electric Blue is also an 8gb 350 picture model at $399

What do you think about how much the Lytro is selling for?

I think the price point is inline with where it should be. This is new tech and is in the range of what other consumer point and shoot type devices are going for. I think they would have had more hysteria if both models were $100 less, but I also think that they will do fine selling at the price they are at. Will I buy one? I’m really not interested at all, regardless of the price.

Do you think the lack of removable media is an issue?

I personally don’t think that having only built in memory is a draw back. I seem to do just fine with it when I decide to leave my big cameras at home and carry only my 16gb iPhone.

Do you think there will be more than 1.5 megapixels? Does it matter if we will only be viewing them digitally? Do you think the novelty of messing with the focus after the fact will wear off?

What do you think about Lytro’s design choice?

From an aesthetics standpoint I like it, from a functionality stand point, well obviously I haven’t held it yet, but I see issues with it. It looks like you are going to have to hold the camera as if you were throwing a dart to operate it. That doesn’t seem very stable, I mean from what I can see you wont even be able to get a good grip on it. I haven’t seen a 1/4 20 mount in any of the pictures.

You can find a Live Blog of the release event here.

As a photographer, I don’t think the following statement would be one that I’d want describing my product.
FORTUNE — It could be a godsend for awful photographers around the world.