Sixteen Lenses, One Camera

        Photographers wanting the perfect shot, will take large digital SLR cameras with them wherever they go. These cameras can offer beautiful shots but are difficult to transport and set up; however, the startup company Light has solved this problem. They have created a sixteen lens camera, called the L16, which “weighs less than a pound and fits in your back pocket” yet can capture a 52-megapixel shot. For comparison, most DSLR cameras can capture 30-megapixels, while the average phone can capture 12-megapixels. With 52-megapixels, the L16 has the ability to view a single person on the Golden Gate Bridge, making this camera perfect for vacations or spy gear. After you have taken a picture, you can use the L16 software to change features of the picture, such as blurring the background or focusing the image. The camera pulls in light from all sixteen lenses and takes photos at different angles, distances, and even takes black and white images with a single click of the shutter. The L16 puts all of these images together to provide more data with one shot for half the price of other cameras on the market. The L16 is a $1,950 dollar investment.

        As someone who enjoys photography, the only current struggle I have with my DSLR camera is being able to carry it with me. It is not as portable as my phone camera, which is why I find myself relying on it more than a DSLR, even though a DSLR takes much better photos. When marketing the L16, Light should focus on its portability, as many photographers face the struggle of carrying a camera in addition to extra lenses and gear. It will be interesting to see how the L16 competes in the market with well-known DSLR brands, such as Cannon and Nikon. These established brands are known for taking top of the line photographs; however, the L16 can capture a greater number of megapixels and has portability on its side. The L16 could have the capability to replace DSLR cameras, or big DSLR brands may follow suit and create more portable cameras to compete with Light.

        Light is continuing to improve the camera’s software, so in the future the L16 could take even better photographs. This could replace the traditional DSLR camera even for serious photographers. You can easily carry it to places one could not take a DSLR. Despite these features, some drawbacks include blurry night shots, difficulty editing photos, and moving subjects can be a challenge to shoot. Light plans to improve upon the camera, and those who want to grow with the company may soon have a more mobile camera comparable to a DSLR.

By: Megan McKee

https://www.wsj.com/articles/this-crazy-camera-is-the-future-of-photography-1506527521