Lytro Light Field Camera, 16GB, Red Hot

The Lytro camera is the first consumer camera that records the entire light field-all the rays of light traveling in every direction through a scene-instead of a flat 2D image. Shoot first, focus later By capturing the light field, you can do incredible things. Like refocus pictures after you take them. This also means that the Lytro camera has no autofocus-and none of the shutter delay that comes with it. Do more than tell a story. Recreate it. Refocus to discover new elements within the scene and move the picture in any direction to change your point of view with Perspective Shift. Use Living Filters to create a unique look. Now every picture you take is a chance to tell a new kind of story. Grip Made from precision-tooled silicone, the grip is easy to hold. Shutter Button The Lytro camera has no auto-focus - and none of the shutter delay that comes with it. Lens An 8x optical zoom lens with a constant f/2 aperture offers a wide range of creative shots. Touchscreen You control most of the camera functions with a tap or a swipe. And the backlit display lets you compose, review, and refocus your pictures. Light field sensor We joined a micro-lens array to a digital image sensor to capture the color, intensity, and direction of light entering the camera - 11 million light rays to be precise. Light field engine The light field engine processes the light rays captured by the sensor, so you can view pictures on the screen and refocus them with a tap. Battery Long-life Li-Ion internal battery lets you continue shooting without having to stop for a charge. Shop Amazon - Hot New Releases in Camera & Photo


FEATURE :

• 16GB storage captures 750 living pictures.
• 8x optical zoom lens with constant f/2 aperture offers a wide range of creative shots.
• Unique micro-lens array with digital image sensor captures the color, intensity, and direction of light entering the camera.
• Light field engine processes the four-dimensional data captured by the sensor, so you can view it on the screen and refocus with a tap.
• 1.52" back-lit LCD glass touchscreen display allows you to control most of the camera functions with a tap or a swipe.

SOME OF THE SAMPLE CUSTOMER REVIEW FROM AMAZON :

1) A great new photo technology, but not for everyone! So do your research! - I've owned a Lytro for about 5-6 months now, after eagerly pre-ordering it last October. I am big into taking pictures of my 2 kids (4 and 6) and am starting to do more photos of insects, birds, nature stuff I notice... I am not anywhere near a "professional" photographer, or even a very proficient. I take a lof of pictures with Canon sx230HS, but I got very impressed with the new opportunities when I read about LYTRO technology. The ability to refocus, hence have "multiple pictures in one", the possibility to unlock new possibilities with the future software releases (like 3D, "allinfocus"), as well as adding functionality to the camera with firmware updates, like just added manual settings mode - the technology seemed very exciting. This is something that has never been done before.

I do get frustrated sometimes with the light glare on the LCD, and the inability to really evaluate the images on the camera due to the small LCD. Also the processing time required on a PC can be annoying at times... but this is a new way of thinking and an opportunity to be a part of something groundbreaking.
The quality of pictures, as compared to digital photography of even point-and-shoot cameras, is certainly not there, as you can only get a static image of 1080x1080.. but that is NOT the point of LYTRO.. The point of it is to "tell a story in a different way". Once you get over that and actually think in the way Lytro enables you too, the fact that the images can be shared only through Lytro's website (which you get access to, and storage on, when you get the camera), as well as the "insufficient" megapixels, and noticeable grain in the images when lighting is not perfect... that all dissolves when you adjust your thinking - but only then. It's really not even about the initial "wow" effect of the abilities of the camera.. it's more about the "image revolution" that this device may create in the photography world.
I am actually learning about photography and becoming more interested in it because of this camera.
Being able to take part in few Beta evaluations for Lytro was quite an experience as well.. and simply keeps showing me that comparing it to, or attempting to replace a current camera with this one, is not the goal here.. Which seems to confuse a lot of users who were considering or even ordered the camera and then decided to return it due to image quality or just not meeting their expectations...
Also realize you HAVE to have a MAC with certain level of OS or a Windows7 64bit PC to use the software. The memory is not expandable, the battery not replaceable... cannot attach filters and lenses "as is". There are more and more accessories, like a tripod mount, wall charger, people have made "LED lights" for it... so the market "around it" is growing.
So make sure and look through Lytro's web site - support forums, knowledge articles, how tos, galleries, whether Lytro is right for you! But, if you decide you want to try it, you will probably not be disappointed. If however the photo size and the quality are huge for you - hold off till the future hardware releases - in case they do manage to put a larger CCD in there and add other hardware improvements.
Definitely DO NOT buy it blindly only reading the Amazon description and specs.. that will not give you the full picture of what you are getting and may skewed your expectations big time!
Oh, and if you get it, prepare for a relatively high learning curve.. that goes for the way of thinking even more than the actual skill to use the camera in a "technical" sense of the world... although, that is a part of it too ;)
I hope this review is helpful to you, and that if you do get the camera - you will enjoy it!
Happy decision making and have fun if you get it!

By Grzegorz Tokarski on October 10, 2012

2) Amazing, but with one small problem - When I read about the Lytro its coolness factor made it a "must have" addition to my hobbiest photo bag. As another reviewer pointed out, when you point this red rectangle at subjects in public you attract attention. The non-photographers glaze over quickly -- it's often difficult to see the refocusing effect on the viewfinder, and they just don't get it. But I've also heard "you mean the light field camera exists? I thought it was just theory!" and "you've got one! Can I see it?"

The Lytro is not an easy camera to be successful with. Go skim the public gallery at [...] and be amazed at the depth-of-field tricks. Then try to duplicate those fantastic images. Keep trying. Try different subjects. As someone else said, you have to change your composition thought process for this camera. You have to look at everything, and look for contrasts. My impulse is to shoot rows of similar things -- a row of terra cotta warrior statues, a bush covered in flowers. But many of the more striking images are of contrast -- the thing in the foreground provides commentary on the surprising thing in the distance, once you refocus. That kind of composition is much harder. Also, what about the lighting conditions? When it's bright, the Lytro can capture everything in sharp focus at once -- at least that's my experience.

Originally in this review I had said that you can't export your images to a common, "flat" format. It turns out you can: In the desktop software (not on the Lytro web site), pick a focal point in an image, return to the library view, and right click to select Export JPG. Unfortunately, the resulting image is not very big -- about 3.5 x 3.5 inches at 300 dpi. You won't be able to make a big, beautiful print to frame. But it's suitable for social media and email.

So what's the problem? You're going to lose the lens cap. It's this totally cool magnetized rubber square that falls off at the slightest nudge. An A+ for sleek design. An F for utility. Check the support forums -- you'll see that so many early buyers complained of this, Lytro sent out free replacements. Lytro says they'll do a redesign, but we early buyers can try a piece of duct tape along the bottom edge of the cap folded onto the camera. Then it can flap down for shooting. Effective, if ugly. Or put a lens cap leash on it (and use some extra strong glue, because the stick-um comes detached from the rubber).

That negativity out of the way, I'll conclude that I love this thing for making me look at things differently. It's always with me, even when I leave the big Nikon behind.

By S. M. McCroskey on October 26, 2012

Additional Accessories

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX10 III High Grade Multi-Coated, Multi-Threaded, 3 Piece Lens Filter Kit (72mm) Made By Optics + Nw Direct Microfiber Cleaning Cloth.

Fujifilm FinePix XP200 16MP Digital Camera with 3-Inch LCD

The Fuji FinePix XP200 16MP All-Weather Digital Camera is an advanced compact camera for those that like to venture out into the elements and have fun. With it's Four Proof design, the XP200 is built to take the rigors of the elements no matter what your outdoor activities may bring. Snow, Rain, underwater, dirt, mud and dust are all no match for the XP200. The camera's advanced CMOS sensor makes camera operation lightning-fast with great low light performance, and after you've captured your images, transfer them to your smartphone or tablet wirelessly with a free downloadable app. Full High Definition 1080 movies and a host of creative features such as Advanced Filters, round out the benefits to the XP200. Shop Amazon Cameras - Canon Lens Hood EW-77B


FEATURE :

• Four proof protection for use in extreme conditions (Waterproof to 50 ft., Shockproof to 6.6 ft., Freeze proof to 14F and Dustproof).
• Bright and clear 3.0-inch LCD display (920k dot).
• 16 million effective pixels 1/2.3-inch CMOS image sensor for fast performance, even in low light.
• Fujinon 5x optical zoom lens.
• Full HD movie 1080P.

SOME OF THE SAMPLE CUSTOMER REVIEW FROM AMAZON :

1) Durable, Simple Point-And-Shoot - This camera is brand-spankin'-new. I bought mine at Wal-Mart for $270, $30 cheaper than most retailers. Many stores are selling out...the price is actually going up.

Let's begin:

This camera is COMPLETELY waterproof and fairly shockproof as well. Great for travel and vacations! Mine is bright yellow and comes with a nifty wrist strap, so it's hard to lose.

The resolution is great for the price, the lens glass is sharp and the sensor works well indoors (but not at night, for the most part).

My favorite feature is the HDR setting. For the uninitiated, HDR (High Dynamic Range) photographs are typically merged together from a sequence of light-medium-dark photos of the same subject. HDR allows for a very even exposure of highlights and shadows, when a normal photo would leave the sky bleached or the trees blackened. Some HDR photos look a bit surreal, but this is not a "professional" camera. The word which best describes this camera is "fun". It's just plain fun and easy to use.

Some other nice features are:

**The automatic wifi transfer to your PC (OR to your smartphone/tablet, just download the APP and hold the camera *ON* your device to ensure a connection)

**The panoramic mode (works well with a steady hand and a well-lit area)

Overall, a great little travel camera. I highly recommend this to families, since it's practically unbreakable and simply enough that a child can use it.

By Michael King on May 18, 2013

2) This camera does the job! - I researched long and hard before purchasing a P&S underwater camera, I finally chose this one for two reasons 1. Fujifilm has done the most R&D in the underwater camera game and 2. I had to buy something bc time was running out before I left for my vacation.

So...
I took my fuji down 15+feet and the photos came out amazing, I took it on several very rough catamaran trips even shooting video that sounded great and looked amazing. Of course the wind and sail were whipping in the mic but you could hear us laughing and having fun. I treated this camera much like I do my expensive one, padded case, always strapped to my wrist, except it got wet and sandy and went into my beach bag. I was super careful not to get tanning oils on it and rinsed it off within an hour. I only opened the battery chamber when absolutely necessary and only after the camera was allowed to air dry.

Note for diving/snorkeling: If the sun is behind a cloud life underwater is pretty black and white... I thought my camera (and maybe my mask) was malfunctioning. If you dive in shallow water with the sand stirring up, pictures will be hazy. If you shoot at the surface on underwater mode you'll have red or purple photos.. (I'm no pro photog I know there's a red filter but can't remember why) My finger got in the lens only once during my 6 hours underwater, it was an easy crop. I did not use a float strap because they didn't feel right, the lanyard that comes with the camera cinches up nicely around my wrist. I held my camera up when I entered the water as not to bash it against the water.

Battery Life: the battery that came with the camera had good life, the backup off brand I bought... not so good. I think power levels fluctuate in other countries so a full charge wasn't always a full charge for me in Jamaica.

Indoor/Outdoor photos: use the settings and available light wisely, your photos will be sharper.

Wireless to my iPhone was so simple and fast. You don't need an internet connection to send to your device... GPS and clock were nice. I didn't have to wear a watch.

So
1. Easy to take single handed photos
2. The power button is close to the shoot button but has a different texture, I turned it off and missed a few shots at first.
3. Go easy on the battery chamber
4. Watch out for tanning oils and lotions, I actually used a tiny bit of bar soap and water after handling it with oily hands and rinsed it very well.
5. Buy a name brand back up battery
6. Use a float strap if you plan to be on the water but it wasn't useful for me diving
6. READ THE BOOKLET ... It's a very user friendly camera but you'll do better faster if you read through the book.

This camera performed above and beyond my expectations. I highly recommend it for the water and beach.

By cynthia gurley on December 22, 2013

Ivation 20MP Underwater Shockproof Digital Camera and Video Camera w/Dual Full-Color LCD Displays - Fully Waterproof & Submersible Up to 10 Feet (Red)

Ivation Underwater Shockproof Digital 20MP Camera & Camcorder w/Dual Full-Color LCD Displays

• Waterproof up to 10 Feet; Dustproof & Shockproof.
• Captures 20MP Photos and 640 x 480 (VGA resolution) Videos;
• Dual Full-Color LCD Displays:  2.7" Rear-Facing & 1.8" Front-Facing (Selfie).
• 4x Digital Zoom & Built-In Flash.
• Economical: Runs on 2 AAA Batteries.
• Accepts microSD cards up to 32GB.

Equally at Home on the Road or in the Water

The Ivation Waterproof Camera is built tough for your active lifestyle. 

It's waterproof – submersible up to 10 feet – dustproof, and 

shockproof. It's the perfect travel 

companion, ready to capture all your adventures and fun selfies 

– even under water. Rugged, compact, and lightweight, it goes 

anywhere and can handle every challenging journey, from the 

bumpiest, dustiest desert road tour to underwater selfies amid 

the coral reefs. All of this capability, plus a microSD slot that 

accepts cards up to 32GB (not included), 

in a travel-loving 3.9" x 2.48" x 0.93" package!

Dual Full-Color Displays Double the Fun.

The Ivation underwater camera features a rear-facing, 2.7-inch 

full-color LCD display and a secondary, front-facing 1.8-inch 

full-color LCD display – the perfect viewfinder for taking selfies. 

With its built-in 10-second self-timer, you can get yourself along 

with the whole gang in the same frame, and never miss a moment 

of action.

Preserve Memories in Stills and Video

Shoot high-quality photos and video, with or without audio, 

whenever and wherever your travels take you. Snap beautiful still 

images at 20MP (5184 x 3888), 14MP (4320 x 3240) 5MP (2592 x 1944), 

or 3MP (2048 x 1536). Capture smooth digital video at either 

640 x 480 P30 (VGA) or 320 x 240 P30 

(QVGA). Save your images and video onto a microSD card up to 

32GB (not included) or transfer them via the built-in USB port.

Add Artistic Special Effects

Make captured memories even more special by adding artistic 

special effects to your photos. At the press of a button, you can 

easily apply special filters in both the preview and playback modes: 

Normal, B&W, Sepia, Negative, Lomo, Pencil Sketch, Red, Green, 

Blue, and Vivid. The camera also features 4x digital zoom in both 

preview and playback modes.

FEATURE : 

• Rugged, Slim, Compact and Waterproof up to 10 Feet, Dustproof and Shockproof
• Captures 20MP Photos and 640x480 (VGA resolution) Videos; Sports 4x Digital Zoom
• Dual Full-Color LCD Displays: Standard 2.7" Display + Front-Facing (Selfie) 1.8" Display
• 4x Digital Zoom & Built-In Flash
• Runs on Two AAA Batteries - Accepts MicroSD Cards up to 32GB.

SOME OF THE SAMPLE CUSTOMER REVIEW FROM AMAZON :

1) Great buy!! - I wanted a waterproof camera to use on a vacation to Mexico. We knew we would snorkel and such so I wanted something cheaper we could use for that.

This camera turned out to be awesome for us. It is exactly what it says. We took many pictures above and below the water with this and nearly all turned out great.

Understanding a cameras limits on power, we did purchase lithium batteries for it as designed. We took 160 pictures (all in high sunlight so no flash was used) but we still had 3/4 left on the batteries. I never changed them out on our 10 day trip and still have plenty left. 

I have no problem opening the door, i just read the instructions. push the lock while sliding. Opened right up and we were set.

All in all, please let me say this this camera took our 10th anniversary pictures and these were the best of the bunch because we took them in and on the water where we could not take our other camera, and you cant tell the difference between the two when we look at them on the PC.

By Lisa Johnson on July 10, 2015

2) Great waterproof video/picture camera for price - I was looking for a waterproof camera to take on the family vacation that I could reuse (ie. not a disposable). I figured I'd give this one a try since it was only $80, digital, took still pictures and video, and the dual display feature seemed neat. I got this with Prime shipping with enough time to test it out before vacation. Note: the batteries and microSD card do not come with the camera as it states. So if you do purchase this, also get the microSD card. Amazon packaged it with the SanDisk. I got a 32G microSD card for $13. That was cheaper than other vendors I checked out.

I tested it in the pool with my daughter and took video and pictures. I attached a picture, here's the video link https://youtu.be/jnU55pOE6f4. It was pretty good quality for the price paid. I didn't want to pay $$$ for a GoCam or equivalent, so for $80 I'm really happy with my purchase. Other reviewers thought less of the item, but perhaps they just got a bad one. IMO I'm happy I got this for vacation. By the way, my daughter dropped this several times already and it is pretty rugged.

By W. Seaman on July 19, 2015