Open-Source Camera Revolution

Scientists at Stanford University are out to completely re-design the way we see camera technologies. As of today, typical digital camera software is provided by, and only by, one's camera manufacturer. Yet Stanford Computer Science professor Marc Levoy and graduate student Andrew Adams hope to change this with the introduction of open-source software dubbed "Frankencamera." Ultimately, the goal of such efforts is to let users around the globe control every aspect of their camera from ISO and shutter speed, to focus algorithms and effect masks.

Levoy and Adams have currently designed the first system able to perform in-house High Dynamic Range (HDR) imaging composites using a Linux kernal as its foundation. Future goals involve the creation of an Apple App Store - like environment from which to download new algorithms. Levoy and Adams are also currently investigating possible web-based applications that may directly communicate with the camera thus optimizing images given user ratings, previous photographs, etc.

Nokia, Adobe Systems, Kodak, and Hewlett Packard are currently funding further research and have awarded Adams a three year fellowship to continue his work.

From a photographers standpoint, the idea of an open-sourced software would prove quite valuable. Photographers would be able to gain their specific niche in the imaging market given their very discrete software techniques applied. Granted the non technical photographer may have problems jumping aboard - which could cause quite a disadvantage in this make--it-yourself frontier. These technologies would also prove quite valuable to the average consumer - giving them a variety of downloadable add-ons - as well as opening up the market for independent programmers. Hopefully this may soften the current blow of the current bisected market of Nikon and Canon technologies.

A Linux kernal is always a great starting point given its time-proven stability. From here, accessible software from which to control and manipulate such system architecture need be developed, therein laying a foundation for a quite promising future.

Agree? Disagree? Leave your comments below.

Source: http://news.stanford.edu/news/2009/august31/levoy-opensource-camera-090109.html