Conclusion: We're mixed

The Lytro light field camera promises to do nothing less than revolutionize photography by letting you take pictures first and focus later. The technology works — as long as you're prepared to put up with some sub-par image quality and spend some time later focusing your photos. Wait this one out, it's bound to improve.

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Critic reviews

6.4
6 reviews
  • Image quality
    7.2
  • Video quality
  • Battery life
    8.0
  • Design and form factor
    7.2
  • Durability
  • Speed (start-up time, lag)
    8.0
  • Ease of use
    7.2

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User reviews

7.0
2 reviews
  • Image quality | 1 comment
    4.0
  • Video quality
  • Battery life
    8.0
  • Design and form factor | 1 comment
    5.0
  • Durability
    8.0
  • Speed (start-up time, lag)
    8.0
  • Ease of use | 1 comment
    8.0
6.0
Engadget Mar 8, 2012

For the photography aficionados in the audience, $399 is chump change compared to the kinds of glass in your collection, making Lytro a no-brainer and worthy companion of space in your camera bag. For the rest of us, though, patience is a virtue.

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7.0
Popular Science Feb 29, 2012

Right now the Lytro is essentially a one-trick pony, but let’s not forget that it’s quite the trick. Think of it this way: this camera captures multiple depths of field with one shutter click, a feat only possible previously with either a whole room filled with lenses or taking multiple versions...

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7.0
Wired Feb 29, 2012

After two weeks with the Lytro camera, I still can’t decide if it’s a highly refined proof-of-concept or an uneven look at the future of photography. It’s simultaneously addictive and frustrating. It’s also, as advertised, a truly unique photographic experience.

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6.0
New York Times Feb 29, 2012

The potential of light-field photography is great — that whole “don’t have to focus” thing is maybe even more impressive than focusing after the fact — but there’s a difference between a great technology and a great product.

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6.0
CNET Mar 1, 2012

The Lytro Light Field Camera rethinks photography with its unique hardware and fascinating image output. But if you're not a gadget-loving, Mac-owning early adopter, steer clear until Lytro makes improvements.

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6.0
USA Today Feb 29, 2012

For now, Lytro isn't a very practical alternative for consumers who rely on camera phones and point and shoots. Seasoned photographers might throw it in their camera bags with other gear. Despite its limits, Lytro's technology is exciting and well worth focusing on.

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7.0
bitboy

It's a great technology, that holds tremendous promise. However, it's not a very practical tool, and as a toy I lost interest very quickly. Composing images was difficult because of the form factor and small screen, and the image quality dissapointed consistently. Even so, I can see how this...

7.0
ugubser

Initially I thought I could use this as an interesting alternative to a point & shoot camera. But that idea was smashed pretty quickly after realizing that on most shots with sufficient detail, the image quality was simply too poor. Interestingly, in images where there is not much going on...

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