Sony Diaries #965: a favourite photo, and a mention of a promising breakthrough technology in image capture

They say that "the best camera is the camera that you have with you", and that the best images in the world are the ones that are captured on camera, any camera. There's a reason why smartphones, as a group, are the most-used device for photos on Flicker. There have been so many times when I wished I had my Sony RX10, just because the camera controls will allow me to express what I visualize. But, a smartphone image is better than no image at all, so a cellphone shot it is.

Recently, I found out about a breakthrough technology that claims to marry big-camera controls with the convenience of a smartphone. On their website, Light.co, this is the claim:

"The L16 uses breakthrough optics design with the most advanced imaging engine ever created to give you control of a DSLR with the convenience of a smartphone. With many cameras firing simultaneously, the L16 captures the details of your shot at multiple focal lengths, then fuses that information to create an incredible image with up to 52MP resolution."

If true, this development reminds me of a super-charged HDR, on steroids! I can just imagine the possibilities, the much bigger palette and broader canvas with which to express my ideas. With this compact size, this will find a home places where space is at a premium, such as drones, spy devices, etc. And of course, jackets, back pockets, and purses.

Hmmm, I wonder what the image below would look like using this camera?

I'm not a big fan of images that scream HDR (high dynamic range) but there are times when the judicious use of HDR where its  pastel-like colours and high dynamic range just hits the spot. Until recently, HDR was only accessible with specialized software (Photomatix), and a camera on a tripod for bracketed exposures. These days, smartphones are able to simulate HDR (the keyword is "simulate").

One of my favourite spots in my favourite city, Guelph, is The Boathouse, situated on the banks of where the Eramosa joins the Speed River, off of Gordon Street, in the heart of the city. The Boathouse is a complex creature, showing different looks throughout the seasons, under varying weather conditions. I never get tired of being in this place, capturing its many moods.

(photo taken with a hunking-big Sony a99)

I can't wait for the L16 to hit the shelves, and for the world to test it out!

Blackberry Diaries #750: in Praise of Guelph

 

On a night like this, I am reminded of why we moved to Guelph, and of what a wise decision it was.

It's 9:30 pm and I decide to take Rhodie for a walk/run, not sure how far, we'll see how it goes… after all, it's a pleasant night @ -2Celsius, no wind. My neighbourhood streets are quiet, with the occasional car going just a tad over the 40kph speed limit. Going north on Gordon (morphing from highway to  main street through the middle of Guelph), the streets are well-lit, peopled by University of Guelph students on their last week of studies before final exams. A small chatty crowd at a bus stop, a runner/jogger or two, people say hi.

We get to the shuttered-for-the-winter Boathouse, just past the bridge at the confluence of the Eramosa and the Speed. It's a clear night, but even with the city lights, the stars are out. 

Guelph is a city where one doesn't look over one's shoulder. 

Bridge and Boathouse on the Speed River

June 3rd.