A couple of Stanford scientists have developed a prototype of an Open Source camera. Nikon, Canon and friends have nothing to fear…and a lot to learn…from this invention.
The recent news that Stanford professor Marc Levoy and graduate student Andrew Adams have developed a prototype of an “open source” camera (right) that can accept independently-made “apps” rather than to rely on closed proprietary systems (as Canon, Nikon, etc. do) was greeted with horror-film type coverage. “Mad scientists invent Frankencamera!” screamed one headline. “Will new Frankencamera put Canon and Nikon out of business?” asked another fearful headline writer.
What is all this fear-mongering about? Well, the future of photography, as imagined by these researchers, will seem quite familiar to anyone who downloads apps on their iPhone or iPod Touch. In the camera they invented, which they call Camera 2.0, consumers could download independently-created applications to enhance their camera’s features. Programmers can play with the camera responds to and processes light and motion, enhancing resolution, improving dynamic range, and so on. Sensors, lenses can be swapped out as well.
It’s kind of like Linux, the upstart open-source operating system that was created through a collaboration of nerds and at this point is considered by some to be more stable than any Windows operating system.
Here’s a video about the Frankencamera:
The idea of open-source cameras is actually a pretty good one. Imagine, for instance, being able to download an app that tells you exactly when the golden hour will take place, based on your geotagged location. How about an app that tells you how you can improve your composition, as you’re taking the picture? Got an idea for an application? Just create it so others can download and use it.
(Interestingly, most camera companies pay licensing fees use off-the-shelf applications for such modern amenities as Face Detection, blink warning and Smile Detection. They’re not quite open source, but these are generally not proprietary to any one company.)
A modest proposal
Rather than fearing Frankencam (which I seriously doubt the big guys are worried about), camera makers should embrace the concept of adding some level of open-source app compatibility in a way that won’t void warrantees but will enhance the unique features that each company brings to the table.
The photo industry (perhaps spearheaded by PMDA, the Photo Manufacturers and Distributors Association) should establish a standard for the development of independent, cross-platform applications for all digital cameras. A system of technical review of submitted applications would be required, but all apps that are approved by this review process could then be freely downloaded to any camera. Using these apps would not void any warrantees.
This would allow some very clever existing apps (which currently void warrantees when used) to go legit. It would expand the flexibility of all camera systems and enhance the unique capabilities and values of specific models. And consumers would have more choices.
Who would head this new open source camera app standards committee? There are a couple of guys at Stamford seem very well suited. Memo to Canon, Nikon, Olympus, Pentax and Sony: Give ‘em a call.
