Is Android the way to go for mainstream digital cameras?

[Ian]

Re: Is Android the way to go for mainstream digital cameras?

I meant OS to mean a none specified operating system, not wishing to get into a android versus apple comparison argument.

I simply want to know how an android or any operating system for that matter will improve my photo taking. I take your piont an operating system in cameras already exists.

Microsoft will be watching and move in the same direction if they believe market share could be improved, particularly as they are the bit player at this time in mobile operating systems.

As you say apple have their own agenda, and I agree and doubt their willingness to let anyone use their software technology in none apple products. Although there are signs Tim Cook may not be as protective as Steve Jobs was
That's not to say with their cash mountain if its deamed necessary to protect market share if threatened would not buy a manufacturer to stay in the game. Much of their technology was through buying out the original innovators.

Patrick

The problem for Apple is that they rely on the pricey end of the market. Even their lowest cost products are very expensive compared to rivals (both in terms of computers and smartphones/tablets). They are locked in to that because if they start to make really affordable products they will cannibalise a chunk of their existing lucrative market.

Android or a similar operating system is unlikely to make you a better photographer. On the other hand there is a clever saying that suggests the best camera is the one you have in your hand; you are more likely to have a smartphone with you than a conventional camera. On the other hand, even a conventional camera fitted with a smartphone OS will be relatively large and heavy compared to a smartphone, so it's not likely to travel with you everywhere you go.

Arguably, an Android camera might make some photographers explore possibilities they might not have done with an ordinary camera. It would be easier and more motivating to make use of your photos online.

In the end it's mainly down to ease of use, convenience and flexibility of features (using downloadable apps, for example).

Ian

[crimbo]

Re: Is Android the way to go for mainstream digital cameras?

With an open OS such as Android the camera would be controlled by an 'app'. That could mean your camera could be adapted to work the way you wanted it to or you could have a favourite and familiar camera control app that you ran on more than one camera.
Android or iOS... If the camera manufacturers take the plunge it is most likely to be Android

[Graham_of_Rainham]

Re: Is Android the way to go for mainstream digital cameras?

<snip>your camera could be adapted to work the way you wanted it to or you could have a favourite and familiar camera control <snip>

I'd really like to be able to select only the info. I want displayed in the EVF.

Custom UI would be really appreciated, especially if the "My Mode" could be stored on a file on the card.

With Cards being so cheap, you could have one for Daylight Colour; another for High Speed B&W, etc., etc...

[jeanleo786]

Is Android the way to go for mainstream digital cameras?

Yeh as recently Nokia might release a Smartphone with 16-element camera lens by Pelican Imaging. Pelican Imaging claimed that the company is in talks with at least one manufacturer to bring their latest module in a Smartphone by 2014.The Pelican camera features 16 lenses, snaps images when the shutter is pressed and captures depth information at every pixel.

[Ian]

Re: Is Android the way to go for mainstream digital cameras?

Yeh as recently Nokia might release a Smartphone with 16-element camera lens by Pelican Imaging. Pelican Imaging claimed that the company is in talks with at least one manufacturer to bring their latest module in a Smartphone by 2014.The Pelican camera features 16 lenses, snaps images when the shutter is pressed and captures depth information at every pixel.

Yes the Pelican system seems to do the same as the Lytro light field camera, so depth of field is recorded at every pixel, enabling you to refocus the image retrospectively with the right software tool.

What Pelican seem to have done is package their camera into a much more compact form, compact enough to not compromise the thickness of a smartphone. The Lytro camera, on the other hand, is a far from pocketable box affair. And yes, it uses 16 lenses and reminds one of the compound eye that insects and some other invertebrates rely on. It's all very clever stuff!

Ian