Stanford scientists create "light field camera" for in-focus photos
Some Stanford computer scientists have created a camera that allows pictures taken with a wide open aperture to still focus on every depth of field, allowing for brighter and faster, but still in-focus, photos. The "light field camera" uses a microlens array that sits between the main lens and the CCD, and holds 90,000 miniature lenses which separate the light before it hits the sensor. Software then manipulates this "expanded light field" to determine where the light rays would have landed if the camera had been focused at different depths. The result is an image where each subject has been digitally refocused. If this all sounds very confusing, it is, but the point of it all is for better images, especially in demanding situations such as science or security surveillance, so don't worry if this little feature doesn't start popping up in your local Best Buy's camera lineup anytime soon.
[Via RPTT]
