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The future of photography

Photography has never been one technology but a development of one medium to the other. Even now in the digital age photography is advancing at a rapid rate that what we take to mean photography can literally change in a second. Manufacturers push the boundaries and develop innovative products that reinvent what we want from a camera. This leaves a questionable argument in our heads - what is the future? 

To see the future we must examine the past and present and what better time to do this than now with so many original products hitting the shelves. Tomorrow’s world has become today’s and now is the time to bring together all this exciting technology. However, it is important to sort the gimmicks from the ground breaking technology as these are two separate entities and sometimes it can be difficult to differentiate.

At DCE we have a comprehensive team of experts who pride themselves on their digital knowledge and have a good intuition when it comes to the future of digital camera technology. So according to them what is the future for digital the camera? …

"Digital photography is looking more impressive month by month, with bigger and greater technologies flooding the compact scene" Simon Skellen, Photoshop Creative.

3D: the photograph takes on a new dimension.

The photographic image has always been a 2 dimensional object depicting a 3 dimensional scene however this could all change thanks to a couple of key products in the market. 3D technology could revolutionise the way we view and take images and move still photography to the next level.

Stereoscopy or three dimensional imagery was invented in 1840 by Sir Charles Wheatstone. He used the principle that to create depth you need to provide two images, slightly different of the same object creating a 3D view. Throughout history and to the present day film has utilised the concept of the moving 3D image and made significant advancements in the market. 3D cinema viewings are becoming increasingly popular today so it is by no surprise that the digital photographic image is advancing into the 3D area.

With all this said the most recent development in the consumer market is the Fujifilm Finepix REAL 3D system. These are a range of gadgets that have been designed to take, produce and showcase the 3D image.

The first and most important product is the camera, the Finepix REAL 3D W1. The model works by utilising two lenses and two CCD sensors so when an image is taken the systems simultaneously work together and merges the results. Not only is the 3D W1 capable of taking still images it can also shoot video.

Fujifilm have not stopped there and from using the breakthrough technology the LCD monitor allows you to view 3D images with the naked eye. This is also true if viewing images through the digital photo frame, the Finepix REAL 3D V1.

The REAL 3D system goes even further than taking and viewing images on an LCD screen and for the consumer printing is now an option thanks to the 3D print system. This technology has not reached the stage where the consumer can print their own images as it involves a complex process using lenticular sheets. However Fujifilm will be launching a print service directly to those who purchase the Fujifilm REAL 3D W1. Adrian Clarke, Director of Digital Imaging states, "Whilst volume from the uptake of 3D camera users is so small, it doesn't make sense to commercialise the print system yet. Once Fujifilm can provide a sustainable market demand for 3D prints and other services, the company will be able to consider print production devices for the wider processing industry". This technology could completely change the way we print images if the 3D camera takes to the masses.

So what does this mean for the future? Do we all want to view 3 dimensional images or are we happy with the 2D print? One thing is for sure that this type of technology will not change everything overnight and the 2D image is still at fore front of the market, however the 3 dimensional image does not appear to be disappearing but emerging.

“As exciting and as a futuristic as it sounds I remain unconvinced, especially as its viability is still being questioned in the worlds of cinema and the gaming industry. Technological revolution or short-lived gimmick? My instincts edge towards the latter.” Natalie Johnson, Digital Photographer.

"3D technology is becoming bigger than ever, so it makes sense that the photographic industry follows suit. It's taken the film industry by storm, so why can't the same be said for photography?" Rosie Tanner, Photoshop creative. 

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