The New York Times reported some interesting recent developments in digital photography.

So called “computational photography”, where the image is taken and controlled by the computer (if I have this right) is mostly being researched but it could make its way to consumers.

For example, MIT is has created a lens-less camera: it uses lasers to make an image of a room.

Interestingly to me, the future seems to point to merging cameras with computers. According the article:

Shree K. Nayar, chairman of the computer science department at Columbia University, does research that includes computational photography. “The data megapixel sensors gather is just an intermediate step on the way to a picture,” he said. “We are interested in how you design a camera that goes hand in hand with computation to create a new kind of picture.”

“Frankencamera” is another interesting development mentioned, where cameras have been modified using bits of an operating system in an attempt to further merge photography and computing. See the Stamford University’s site for more information.

As an early adapter of digital photography, I admit I dont miss the analogue days of film processing and color printing (which I did at home!) and look forward to new advances of image making: after all, I’m only interested in the content of the photograph and what is makes you feel.

What’s Just Around the Bend? Soon, a Camera May Show You
The New York Times
By ANNE EISENBERG
Published: December 18, 2010