pls read the title. If you carry camera mostly to preserve memories and are happy w/ your p&s, this is not the thread for you.
_____________________________
I think with Sigma DP1/DP2 and Pana G1/GH1 we are getting closer but they still leave lots to be desired.
I propose this exercise in the hope that it will result in some new design feedback that we can forward to Oly/Pana as suggestions for their next generation cameras. Or may be we can talk to some firm into production with this project.
My thoughts on camera redesign is based on micro four thirds format. Four third size Live MOS sensor and lighter/smaller interchangeable lenses are great points but G1 is nowhere compact.
Now I have this radical idea that I would like to propose: a camera with iphone interface.
Hear me out. iPhone GPs has great touch interface, 600mhz processor, 256 mb RAM, 32 GB storage, GPS and weights 4.8oz.
I figure important things needed on board are lens mount, Live MOS sensor, ultrasonic autofocus motor, gyrosensor for image stabilizing and hardware to send the digital signal to iphone via USB/Dock connector port. The camera doesnt need to have CPU, buttons, interface, lcd, memory… It can be controlled completely by iphone interface. AF can be based on contrast measurement like in G1. Required flange distance in 20mm but lens mount protrusion can be designed so that the actual body can be made much thinner.
GPS can be used to geotag photos. Instead of Xenon flash, powerful LED flashlight which can be replaced headlamp. There can be provision for Hygrochron Temperature/Humidity Logger so that the data can be read while in the outback.
I was hesitating posting this one due to the recent smart phone thread and the due to the fact that not all photographers are iphone users. But wouldnt you carry one if a such camera including iphone is more compact, lighter and faster then G1? Plus it will be far more multipurpose.
>Micro four third camera
>Flashlight
>GPS/altimeter/Maps/Digital Compass
>Hygrochron Temperature & Humidity Logger/reader
>Journal/voice recorder
>Alarm clock/ebook reader/Music/Games
