Apple Working on Standalone Point-and-Shoot Digital Camera?

[Macist]

When Apple actually gave a toss about its pro apps like FCP and Aperture you could have seen them splashing their cash on snapping up, say, Red or Phase One.

Not sure what they'd bring to the Instagram-era in an iCamera. It would probably be rubbish.

 

[mrfrosty]

A picture "looking good" is a perceptual thing. Something can be pleasing to a person's eye and still be poorly done or incorrect.

The settings on an HDTV being a prime example.


Err.. you do realize playing an instrument is itself a skill. If you can't produce musical notes in consistent way you're not going to be able to perform a song again and again on a concert tour.

You missed the first 4 definitions from your same source sunshine.

1. a person who produces works in any of the arts *that are primarily subject to aesthetic criteria.
2.
a person who practices one of the fine arts, *especially a painter or sculptor.
3.
a person whose trade or profession requires a knowledge of design, drawing, painting, etc.: a commercial artist.
4.
a person who works in one of the performing arts, *as an actor, musician, or singer; a public performer: a mime artist; an artist of the dance.

I don't seek the word skill once.

A picture can also then be taken 'correctly' by a true artist, but still look like crap. Good luck explaining that to customers !!!! In my mind. If it looks good then it's just good and 'taken' correctly.

Sigue Sigue Sputnik, The Sex Pistols Neither could play an instrument or read music but they were artists. I went to see the singer Rumer recently, amazing singer pitch perfect voice. Live she was awful, I might as well have been listening to the CD her voice was just as it was on the CD. Surely the good thing about anything creative is that it is not technically perfect or repeatable.

I just don't see why people who know the technical side get so high and mighty about it all. I mean let's be honest the person who snaps up Britneys skirt as she gets out of the car is also a professional photographer and probably knows all about aperture (especially Britneys).

 

[AP_piano295]

No, you are functionally *gaining* apature. 2.0/f is much better than 4.0/f. Full frames are a lot better.

Of course, 4/3rds and APS-C lenses can be pretty fast. You can get a 0.95/f 4/3 25mm (roughly equivalent to a 1.8/f 50mm full frame). You can get good cheap APS-C only lenses.

Smaller sensors have a quirk (either a pro or con) - they have more distortion due to much wider lenses. For portraits, it's a disadvantage (people get big noses). For artistic effects (ultrawide photography), it can be an advantage.

Another quirk is that a full frame lens on an APS-C camera is effectively longer (which I assume you already know). So a 300mm lens behaves like an unbelievably expensive 600mm. You probably won't have the same speed (since your 1/f value has been effectively increased), but top end APS-C or APS-H cameras can be pretty damn good (good ISO with low noise - everything you expect in a full frame).

The big advantage of a larger sensor is that in poor conditions (low light, or fast moving subjects) you can get better pictures. For many things, a 4/3 or APS-C is still pretty awesome, though. And since virtually every photo taken these days will be viewed at a about 1 mega-pixel (thanks Facebook) a really sharp image isn't *that* important for most people.

Ahh I mis-read that makes a-lot more sense.

I'm using a t3i at the moment (mostly for video but I'm getting into photography as well). Guess this means I have to start saving up for a 5D Mk 3 now .

 

[codo]

Disclosure: not read the whole thread.


I just don't see this happening myself - its such a crowded marketplace and I'm really not sure there is an appetite for this. The integration with the iPhone/iPod Touch works so well and caters to the majority of consumers needs.

 

[twoodcc]

i would love apple to do this if they could make the best out there. but i really doubt it'll actually happen.

 

[the8thark]

Apple already made a stand alone camera.

And it flopped.
So I think Apple would be very wary to enter the stand alone camera market again. They'd have to have a good reason for doing so.

 

[Mobile923]

Apple already made a stand alone camera.

Image

And it flopped.
So I think Apple would be very wary to enter the stand alone camera market again. They'd have to have a good reason for doing so.

and then you have the newton... and now the iPad

or the Rokr and now the iPhone..

 

[PinkyMacGodess]

If this is true, I see it failing unless it's really fast, really spacious, and has some kind of connection to some (new) online service.

Cisco bombed with their cute video device. We have one, and it actually works well, but is not big enough to be really usable.

This is going to be sticky to pull of with a win... Could Apple do it? Yes, of all the other companies, they have the best chance, but it's a minefield cluttered with the carcasses of the dead who have tried it...

 

[AidenShaw]

A video you may find interesting. http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=B2EB0PTAyME

Excellent! Thank you.

Two quotes from the clip....

• this sucker costs $80 grand
• maybe this will all be in a DSLR soon

 

[coldmack]

Excellent! Thank you.

Two quotes from the clip....

• this sucker costs $80 grand
• maybe this will all be in a DSLR soon

I think I read the Canon 5D Mark III with a hack can offer something similar. And the Panasonic GH1/2 with hacks can also do something of the sort. Though neither the 5D or GH series offer raw video support(at least haven't read of that sort of option, but I could be wrong) or truly be a replacement for the RED(though could supplement it for certain shots the red is too pricey to use), at least not yet.

Good resource on taking videos with DSLR cameras and videocams. http://www.eoshd.com/

 

[ixodes]

Regardless of what one thinks of this possibility, Apple is drunk on power, influence, and money. Like an incredibly wealthy, materialistic person, Apples out to flex it's power.

Bolstered by a very unique, fiercely dedicated customer base, that lives, breathes, and believes Apples every word. Blessed with the Apple logo, they'll sell in vast quantities.

Nothing is forever, Apple knows this. Therefore they're on a tear to grab all the money then can, while they can.

 

[sentinelsx]

Apple, dumbing down the planet one device at a time.

 

[Consultant]

They made one of the first digital cameras. Even today, look at the Leica M9 – that's a kodak sensor inside.

They didn't move "too slow". They were one of the innovators. The problem was they couldn't find a way to make anything like the profits from digital they used to make from film.



Nikon and Canon can't produce a decent mirrorless interchangeable lens camera between them.

All the innovation in that sector is by Sony, Olympus, Fuji and Panasonic.



But you can do all of that on an NEX – completely manual operation if you want it. And with Tri-Navi on the NEX 7 it very efficient.

So I think that is unfair. It's like saying a Mac is dumbed down computing, when you have the full power of the Unix command line if you want it. What Sony are attempting to do is to give "the rest of us" a camera very capable of professional quality results in a compact and easy to use package.

And then if people want to explore the manual options later – they can. Everyone needs to start somewhere.



Funny you say that, because I agree that NEX is indeed many ways very Apple like.

Minimal buttons. Software heavy interface. Replacing technical terms with "dumbed down" language such as "Background defocus" and "warm/cold" (to frowns and discord – see above).

Lots of genuine (not gimmicks) value added through software (Sweep Panorama, Handheld Twilight, peeking manual focus).

Great external build quality, but also (something Apple pays attention to) very simple internal design:



Parallels are definitely there.

Failing that Apple could license BIONZ for iPhone 5. I'm sure Sony could use the money right now.

Kodak had digitial products but didn't transition its <em>focus</em> on digital until it's too late.

 

[wovel]

Cool, thanks. Haven't seen one before. But even then, doesn't it get kinda bulky?

It is a very cool concept, but needs a lot of light. The form is a bit of an awkward shape, but the camera is actually quite small and not awkward to hold.

 

[d0vr]

Because they are hardly likely to release a standalone device like a camera without the software support for 90% of the consumers out there.

Much as the same as we have iTunes for windows with the advent of the iPod and other iDevices.


Garageband is not tied to an external Apple hardware, its just software on a mac, hence there is no need for a Windows version.

See not that complicated to understand if you think about it

An iSnap would probably just use iTunes on windows and Apple would say buy a mac if you want iPhoto. Also simple.

 

[G51989]

This is silly.

My iPhone 4S ( work phone ) takes decent pictures for sure. And yeah, the low end point and shoots are going away. But a Phone Camera cannot compete with any decent camera. Just because this whole thing called optics get in the way.

I could see apple throwing in some kind of attachment for an iphone/ipad. But a whole camera? Nah.

The ' high end ' or ' pro ' market is already sewn up, and I doubt Apple could compete. No diss against apple, but Nikon and Canon both make some pretty incredible cameras.

Though the most amusing thing I've seen so far is things like " oh cameras have to many useless buttons and settings !!!!! Simple!!!! "

For a point and shoot sure, for a Pro level camera? They all have uses, if you buy one. Learn how to use em

 

[ntg]

New Camera coming...

Quote from `David Pogue:_
Camera. I bought the amazing Canon S100, a tiny pocket camera with the biggest sensor on the market. I wrote about my reasons here. But in two weeks, I’ll be switching my allegiance. You cannot believe what’s about to come down the photographic pike. Trust me: If you’re in the market for a small camera with astonishing photographic results, hold off for a few weeks.

I wonder if Mr Pogue has already had his hands on one of these, as he has before with new releases?

hmmmm

 

[SeaFox]

My iPhone 4S ( work phone ) takes decent pictures for sure. And yeah, the low end point and shoots are going away. But a Phone Camera cannot compete with any decent camera. Just because this whole thing called optics get in the way.

Ironically, they could probably add optics that would give them a phone that would rival a good consumer point-n-shoot camera at this point if they would stop trying to make the phone thinner for no practical reason on every new version.

I could see apple throwing in some kind of attachment for an iphone/ipad. But a whole camera? Nah.

Quote from `David Pogue:_
Camera. I bought the amazing Canon S100, a tiny pocket camera with the biggest sensor on the market. I wrote about my reasons here. But in two weeks, I’ll be switching my allegiance. You cannot believe what’s about to come down the photographic pike. Trust me: If you’re in the market for a small camera with astonishing photographic results, hold off for a few weeks.

I wonder if Mr Pogue has already had his hands on one of these, as he has before with new releases?

Sounds more like he has a lack of self-control. Seriously, who buys something with the intention of replacing it after two weeks. Can't just wait?

 

[coldmack]

Quote from `David Pogue:_
Camera. I bought the amazing Canon S100, a tiny pocket camera with the biggest sensor on the market. I wrote about my reasons here. But in two weeks, I’ll be switching my allegiance. You cannot believe what’s about to come down the photographic pike. Trust me: If you’re in the market for a small camera with astonishing photographic results, hold off for a few weeks.

I wonder if Mr Pogue has already had his hands on one of these, as he has before with new releases?

hmmmm

When did he right this? I ask because Sony just this week announced the RX100, which is a bit larger than the S100, but comes with a much larger 1in sensor vs, the 1/1.7" sensor in the S9x/100, and even larger than Fuji X10's 2/3 sensor, which in itself is a larger camera than the other two aforementioned cameras.

 

[nburwell]

I'm not buying it...Stick to just improving the iPhone camera, Apple.

I'm completely fine with my 4S in terms of taking 'silly' pictures, or if I want to play around with Instagram or VSCO Cam apps.

In terms of more serious photography, I'll stick with my 5DmkII. I have no issues lugging that around when I want to make quality photos that I want to print and frame.

 

[chewietobbacca]

I hate the copy in that mockup. "Todays cameras confuse users with way too many options based on legacy concepts."

Is this really what its come to? Don't learn anything? Don't understand how anything works? Start insinuating that a skills based task is actually bad? This is the one mentality Apple has brought to the table that I loathe.

This x1000000000000

Photography is as much skill (which all too many people think they have...), art, and technical knowledge (photography is far more intricate than people think).

Options aren't a problem for pro photographers - because they actually know what those options do, what they're for, and how to use them to get the right shot!

Heaven forbid people learn how photography actually works

If they do it, the digital camera market is going to be totally raped. But it doesn't make much sense in their ecosystem.

Raped? The amount of knowledge and know how that Canon and Nikon alone have means that they have a huge edge on Apple already. Good luck convincing people to switch from DSLRs with tons of equipment..

 

[SeaFox]

If they do it, the digital camera market is going to be totally raped. But it doesn't make much sense in their ecosystem.

Only on the Internet can rape be a good thing.

 

[elppa]

When did he right this? I ask because Sony just this week announced the RX100, which is a bit larger than the S100, but comes with a much larger 1in sensor vs, the 1/1.7" sensor in the S9x/100, and even larger than Fuji X10's 2/3 sensor, which in itself is a larger camera than the other two aforementioned cameras.

I'd say that was a more than reasonable guess.

 

[firestarter]

Quote from `David Pogue:_
Camera. I bought the amazing Canon S100, a tiny pocket camera with the biggest sensor on the market. I wrote about my reasons here. But in two weeks, I’ll be switching my allegiance. You cannot believe what’s about to come down the photographic pike. Trust me: If you’re in the market for a small camera with astonishing photographic results, hold off for a few weeks.

I wonder if Mr Pogue has already had his hands on one of these, as he has before with new releases?

hmmmm

David Pogue is a technology journalist, not a photographer.

He's been sold some advertising hype about a new camera that's got him going... great. Since none of the camera rumour blogs have picked up on this 'astonishing camera' I'm going to assume it's mostly BS.