Hands on with the New Lytro Illum Light-Field Camera

Earlier today Lytro introduced a new light-field camera called Illum. This is the second camera with this innovative technology from the  California based company founded in 2006.

The video above from the guys from The Verge take a look at the Illum and what it can do.

The new Lytro Illum

Lytro-ILLUM-3

The camera is a much more advanced version of the first camera introduced in 2012. It has a much larger sensor with 4 times the resolution (Lytro still uses the term megarays instead of megapixels), a much larger and longer zoom lens with an impressive f/2 constant aperture and of course the ability to refocus after you take a picture (the new Illum can refocus on many more points in the image compared to the older version). You will also have more control of the camera, larger screen, and the ability to create regular JPEG images or videos made from the refocused images you capture.

Large tilt touch screen (no viewfinder)

Lytro-ILLUM-1

Some of the specs for the Lytro Illum:

  • New 1″ sensor with 40 “megarays” resolution (4 times that of the previous model – a flat image created from this camera will have a 4MP resolution).
  • Ultra fast f/2 lens – 30-250mm (equivalent in 35mm).
  • Snapdragon 800 processor.
  • Extreme close-focus macro capability.
  • 1/4000 sec max shutter.
  • 4 inch high res tilt touchscreen.
  • Ability to capture regular JPEG images.
  • Weight –   just 1.5 lbs (940 grams).
  • Availability and Price: late April 2014, $1600 (on the Lytro site).

Huge fixed f/2 zoom fast lens

Lytro-ILLUM-2

Below is an official Lytro video showing the Illum

[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A9djBssNgzE[/youtube]

A video created from images taken with the Lytro Illum

[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mx0HMY7E9R0[/youtube]

If you don’t want to miss any new photography product be sure to check out our product photography section on our photo gear channel.

Iddo Genuth
Iddo Genuth is the founder and chief editor of LensVid.com. He has been a technology reporter working for international publications since the late 1990's and covering photography since 2009. Iddo is also a co-founder of a production company specializing in commercial food and product visual content.

2 comments

  1. Man, they really didn’t plan that interview well. Hint: take a minute to “set the stage” before your next interview. Cover windows if the outside illumination is going to cause HUGE glare on the very subject (i.e. LCD display of camera) you’re covering.

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