TWiP 460 – Lytro’s Multi‐Dimensional 40K Cinema Camera

Couple of science/engineering comments important for the very science/engineering show topics.
First on Lytro (and if you look for my ancient posts on this issue, you’ll find my predictions of exactly this): Indeed, this is the first true application of underlying technology of the Lytro. First camera and its capabilities, exactly as FVJ said was just minimal technology demonstration for raising some money and awareness. Now, what is coming: Lytro capture technology pairs hand-in-glove with so called “wavefront 3d display” technology (shown few times in equally early stages of development on recent CES shows). No need for “processing”. Raw data captured by Lytro can be sent directly to such displays and result is the hologram-like 3d without any need for aids or dependence on angles or whatever. Holodeck capable, indeed.
Now to the scientific misunderstanding stated by the JL in full belief: Science, Physics and Math are explicit in the result that removal of the anti-aliasing filter from any sensor that is based on a Bayer pattern (essentially all current sensors but for the Foveon) must and will lead to the DEGRADATION of image quality. The only exception is capture in Black&White (which by definition eliminates Bayer pattern concern). No art, belief, impression,… count. Also, Moire pattern is just a macroscopic effect most notable in such situation. The best analogue from old tech, for old hands is anti-glare coating on the lens. Some “perfectionist” may say that he does not want his lens quality optics sharpness to be degraded by this “additional layer”. Yet, not only that he will get occasional glare pattern (equivalent of Moires) but I hope that every old hand photographer knows – this lack of coating will result in a muddier image even when there is no visible macroscopic glare pattern.
Manufacturer is kind of “coy” in their ad too, “particularly sharper when applied on B&W images”, they say. Not “particularly”. ONLY if you work in B&W alone Physics&Math say that you’ll indeed get a sharper image. Ok, enough venting and educating. If you survived this far, simplified reason “why” follows:
Bayer pattern sensor captures only one out of three colors per pixel. Math is used to deliver MISSING 2/3 of the information. Part of that Mathematical process is “leakage” of information from neighboring pixels. That is provided with anti-aliasing filter. You remove anti-aliasing filter, you remove needed information and the Math is let with LESS to divine 2/3 of the information. Divination is fine in Harry Potter, not in the technology. The result is inevitably and Mathematically provable POORER.
Yes, there is that Placebo Effect too…