Open Source Cameras : A new digital innovation

BANGALORE, INDIA: We all would be familiar with digital cameras, Polaroid cameras, DSLR Cameras and even long zoom cameras. But beyond this, there exists another concept termed as “Open Source Cameras”, sounds interesting isn't it?

It is indeed interesting and is definitely worth a check.

What are Open Source cameras?

• Open Source cameras is basically an initiative of the Open Source hardware project and involves intuitive interfaces and an even better user friendly operating environment. Since the performance of a camera is measured by the software that comes pre-loaded with it, naturally this performance level will be on par with the working of the software which in turn may lead to a reduction in the overall functionality of a particular digital/Polaroid camera.

• But, researchers have come up with an Open Source camera design prototype that will allow people to download open source software and apps to their cameras and use these cameras in their own way thereby continuously  providing scope for improvement and better performance.

What will be new in Open Source Cameras:

• People can add their own set of features and make changes since the software that drives these gadgets will be open source. Even developers from throughout the world can continuously work in tandem towards bettering performance and including new, intuitive features that people will enjoy using.

• Developers will also be able to put their best creativity on paper and create open source codes that will enable all variants of cameras to develop and progress further. 

• Even the entire process for image/photo hosting and communication will be made easier and intuitive.

• The performance of an open source camera can be evaluated before hand as the working software will be open source and will have the open platform nature.

How will these gadgets revolutionize photography?

• The paramount factor here is the open source and open platform software that will give people ( especially developers) a chance to work on its open source nature through which more intuitive features can be added and thus photography can be made more fulfilling and enriching.

• There is every probability of a change in the way people perceive photography after these open source cameras create a revolution

What are the different variants of Open Source cameras?

• There are certain variants of Open Source cameras such as

1) Apertus:  which changes the way movies are shot and recorded.
2) HacroCam: VGA camera for Arduino by hacromatic
3) Elphel, Inc: VGA camera for Arduino by hacromatic
4) Franken Camera: open source camera with open source logic and hardware circuits made by Stanford University

Who can use Open Source cameras?

• Anybody with a fetish for creativity and the will to do something different.

Thus, open source cameras are surely a thing to watch out for. We need  to wait to see how useful these gadgets will be when used even for unconventional purposes ( such as recording a sting operation). But until then, it is only “Open Source Cameras for photography” all the way.  These Open Source cameras are expected to spread throughout the world sooner or later.