TWiP 434 – Photography, Evolved.

The computational imaging possibilities of the Light L16 are many. Multiple modules working in tandem allow for the high megapixels Light promises, but much more than that. The technology allows for significant improvements in lens sharpness. Modules set to different exposures create an in-camera HDR. Modules of different focal lengths allow a virtual zoom that can replicate any focal length in the range. Certain applications of the technology (not utilized in the L16, I believe) should be able to achieve significant perspective controls.

But to the specific point raised by Sara and Syl, multiple perspectives allows for a Lytro-esque ability to alter depth of field in post production. Light has stated that the L16 can simulate the depth of field of apertures as low as f/1.2 and allows the user to set focus wherever they like.

All of these advantages of computational photography are real, and have been demonstrated in labs and tests. Whether Light, or the L16, has succeeded is another question. How the camera performs ergonomically and in actual operation is an even bigger question. But speaking theoretically, the technology allows the depth of field to be very shallow indeed, in addition to many other very interesting things. It will be very interesting to see the execution of these possibilities, but the possibilities are most certainly there.