Skip to main content

Samsung camera patent focuses on refocusing

samsung cameraA patent application (first spotted by Photography Bay) filed by Samsung has made the rounds today, and for good reason. The application shows that the manufacturer may be pursuing a camera that will conquer depth-of-field issues that accompany point-and-shoot digital cameras. Pocket cams generally put everything in the frame in focus, giving photographers a lack of control and creativity in their shots. There’s little-to-no ability to choose what’s in focus and what’s not.

According to the document, Samsung’s solution is to create a digital camera that actually has two cameras inside of it. Both cameras would take the image: One would use a lower resolution while the other deferred to a higher resolution. The camera’s processor would mold the images into one photo and would produce a picture with the desired subject in focus and the background blurred.

Recommended Videos

It’s very slightly reminiscent of the technology from Lytro that took the digital photo world by storm last month. Lytro introduced us to the idea of a sensor that could process more information about the light entering a device, and with this data the photographer could alter the focus of the shot after the fact.

While a prototype has yet to be released to the public and we have little more than an idea to go off, we do know that the future Lytro camera will be the average size of a point-and-shoot. We also know that–at least for the time being–Lytro has no desires to sell its unique technology to other camera companies.

But given the difficulty that comes with breaking into the consumer camera industry, we wonder if Lytro could be swayed. If this Samsung patent sees the light of day and makes it all the way to store shelves, the up-and-coming company might have a more difficult time going it alone. The technologies are different of course: Lytro is producing a plenoptic camera; Samsung’s idea focuses on a stereoscopic camera. Lytro’s refocuses pictures after the shot; Samsung’s potential camera would create an image with a blurred background internally. But the effects are somewhat similar, and the point-and-shoot crowd is largely dominated by entry-level consumers who may see the features that way and err toward a big name manufacturer like Samsung in favor of Lytro.

Regardless of whether or not these two companies introduce devices that end up competing with each other, we’re excited to see this type of technology making its way to pocket cams. Hopefully this is one patent that makes it past the drawing board.

Molly McHugh
Former Social Media/Web Editor
Before coming to Digital Trends, Molly worked as a freelance writer, occasional photographer, and general technical lackey…
Topics
The best point-and-shoot cameras
Sony RX100 VI review

The point-and-shoot category encompasses everything from pocketable cameras to hefty superzooms, and the Sony RX100 VII comfortably bridges the gap between them. It fits a relatively large 1-inch-type sensor into a pocketable form factor and still manages to stick on a 8× zoom lens. Beyond that, it includes a wealth of advanced features that will make it attractive to even the most experienced photographers (and videographers), while being easy enough to use for beginners as well.

But the RX100 VII doesn't come cheap, and there are a number of other great cameras that may be better suited to specific situations.
At a glance:

Read more
The best digital cameras
fujifilm x t4 review set 2 dm

When we picture the best cameras, we tend to focus on specs like continuous shooting speed, resolution, and autofocus performance. While those are important factors, I'd argue what truly makes a great camera is not something that comes through on a spec sheet. This is why I think the best digital camera is the
Buy at Amazon
 -- not because it has the most megapixels, the biggest sensor, or the fastest performance, but because more than any other camera, it inspired me to pick it up and shoot it.

That's not to say its spec sheet doesn't impress. The X-T4 is the most balanced camera I've ever used thanks to a combination of great image quality, solid performance, and excellent video features. But it doesn't win any one of those categories outright.

Read more
Fujifilm’s new Instax mini 41 offers more instant-print fun
Fujifilm's Instax mini 41 instant-print camera.

Fujifilm has just dropped the latest addition to the Instax instant-print family of cameras. 

The Instax mini 41 is an update on the four-year-old Instax mini 40, bringing with it a sleeker look and new features to ensure you don’t waste a single sheet of the photographic paper that you pop in the back. 

Read more