[photo-3d] Re: Pie Chart / Industry Stats

["Pat Inniss" <inniss@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

> From: markaren@xxxxxxxxx
> Subject: Pie Chart /  Industry Stats
>
><snip>
> It also appears that 4 megapixel chips will be the ceiling for consumer
> digital cameras due to diminishing light sensitivity as pixel size is
> reduced. More digital resolution means bigger and bigger cameras,
> approaching the size of a 35mm SLR, an unlikely move. Large digital
> cameras may drive consumers back to film so they see this as a losing
> proposition. I have to ask why? Size and weight attributes to some of
> the success of APS and digital cameras......a soft and lazy society we
> have become :-)
><snip>

Well, technology doesn't stand still for long. Digital imaging is still in
the steep part of the improvement curve. A couple of weeks ago somebody
mentioned developments in CMOS imaging. Those touting CMOS technology as a
replacement for the current CCD imaging chips are predicting 16 meg chips
(4096 x 4096). CMOS also boasts power consumption and production cost
advantages. They operate on a low 3.3 volts and permit makers to integrate
other circuitry right into the imaging chip. Costs savings in chip
manufacture could be directed toward upgraded optics to keep pace with the
increased resolution of the imaging element. Combined with one of those 1GB
IBM micro drives, it could be a real winner. But, on the other hand,
remember bubble memory? Check out the story at
http://abcnews.go.com/sections/tech/DailyNews/digitalphotochip000913.html.
Maybe I can get implants for my Realist and Nimslo.

In a few years we may find that demand for high-resolution digital imagery
is largely driven by robotics and various forms of machine vision, which is
becoming increasingly important in industry. These machines may have needs
far in excess of those of the human photographer, and for the robot, film
can never compete.

Cheers,

Pat Inniss
inniss@xxxxxxxxxxx
http://home.sprynet.com/~inniss/