Dieter wrote:
A couple of useful articles about camera sensors, in-camera
image processing, etc.
<SNIP>
Yes, good basic information.
It also points out some of what is wrong with the digital camera market:
1. Most cameras have 2 file formats JPEG & RAW. The first is suitable
only for snapshots and the second is really only for professional
photographers. Users that are serious photographers have to use RAW
since it is the only way to obtain a lossless image.
Clearly what is needed is a format offering either lossless compression
or lossy compression with an adjustable quality. RAW should be replaced
by Adobe DNG and the user should have a choice of the details for the
standard (compressed) format -- the only limit is that a CFA image
probably needs lossless compression.
I think that JPEG2000 is probably the best type of compression to use
since it produces better quality at a given file size than regular (old)
JPEG. And it can do either lossless or lossy with variable bit depth.
2. The market is moving from point & shoot cameras to SLRs with
interchangeable lenses. However, it seems that picture quality rather
than SLR features are the main driver for this shift. In fact, one of
the most wanted features on a digital SLR is the ability to use it NOT
as an SLR but rather with LCD preview. The new Sigma is following this
trend:
http://www.sigma-photo.co.jp/english/camera/dp1/index.htm
http://www.sigma-dp1.com/
The only feature it lacks for prosumer use is interchangeable lenses.
Like all digital still cameras, it lacks electronic exposure control. I
don't understand why this feature isn't available since it is
implemented on video cameras.
A professional camera should probably also have other features such as
interchangeable backs (sensors), removable LCD, focus meter (replaces
rangefinder), and the ability to use various lens mounts.
Note that a non-SLR with interchangeable lenses should be able to have
shutter priority autoexposure control with standard SLR lenses.
Naturally, you could have more features with the newer SLR lenses
designed for automatic exposure.
--
JRT
_______________________________________________
Open-hardware mailing list
[email protected]
http://lists.duskglow.com/mailman/listinfo/open-hardware
