Lytro Illum Review

December 10, 2014 | Gavin Stoker | Rating star Rating star Rating star Rating star

Introduction

The Lytro Illum is is a new light field camera for professional users that creates "living pictures". The Lytro Illum features a 40-megaray light field sensor, 8x optical zoom lens (30mm-250mm equivalent) with a constant aperture of f/2, 1/4000 of a second high-speed shutter, extreme close-focus macro capability, articulating touchscreen and a flash hotshoe. The Lytro Illum is available now for a retail price of £1299 / $1599.

Ease of Use

Forget most of what you know about the rules of photography and start from scratch: an unnerving or exciting proposition, depending on your personal disposition. This is a camera – perhaps more than any previously – made specifically for the digital age, where images are most often consumed on desktops, smartphone and tablet screens, rather than as hard copy prints. Though we can understand why some may be scratching their heads about the best end application for the second generation of the Lytro, the ‘Illum’, which affords its user the ability to switch focus from one portion of the frame to another after the initial shot has been captured, this time via a touch screen tap as well as mouse click once downloaded, the positive approach is that the sky is potentially the limit.

As to the general look of the magnesium and aluminium bodied Lytro, well, with its angular, almost industrial matt black finish, the Illum resembles a stealth version of a bridge camera, perhaps put together by some covert organisation. It’s big and reasonably bulky with official dimensions of 86x145x166mm and a weight of 940g without supplied battery inserted. Unkinder folks might suggest this minimalist approach also makes it look a bit unfinished, a touch prototype-like – but we’re not talking about a camera that’s pitching itself as a style icon here; it’s what it innovatively does, or provides the possibility to achieve, that counts.

Fujifilm X-T1 Silver Graphite
Front of the Lytro Illum

The differences with this device extend to the fact that we’re not to think in terms of pixels as regards the pioneering Illum, but rather ‘pixel type information’. As mentioned, the camera is not designed to capture flat 2D data, but rather light in multiple directions to derive rich 3D data instead. It captures the colour, intensity and direction of each ray of light. Thus the terminology here is of ‘megarays’ not megapixels. We’re capturing a whole box of data, as we do with our own eyes.

There are 40 megarays offered by the Lytro Illum via an unconventional ‘light field’ sensor – in actuality a customized 1/1.2-inch CMOS sensor. It takes a while to get your head around that concept, and it also affects the way that images are composed using the camera too. Or it should do, if you want the most startling effects. We were looking for depth in a shot – and something of interest in both foreground and background to provide it. A depth scale is provided on screen to help achieve this. This shows the re-focus range of the camera on a distance scale (in centimetres and metres, as the camera can focus down to 0cm), meaning that subjects within this given range are capable of being sharply refocused after the image is taken.

We can forget about JPEG capture too: the only file format choices here to shoot our ‘living images’ are Lytro Raw or X-Raw. Helpfully, unique software comes bundled with the device. Plus, rather than the resultant file sizes of around 60MB being capable of being dragged and dropped onto your desktop, if you’re not going to try exporting a file as an animation to your desktop then they need to be exported and hosted by Lytro, in either public or private galleries. There is however the option to get an embed code from Lytro for hosting on your own site – as we’ve done here – or to export images to Photoshop as a layered file. A 6MB or 7MB JPEG can be exported for 10x12 output, but while we could achieve a 10x12 print at a decent quality, the Lytro isn’t designed for shooting billboard posters. It goes without saying however that with 60MB file sizes generated a high capacity SD card with a fast read/write speed is a must. Apart from Photoshop, workflow compatibility is offered with Lightroom and Apple’s Aperture software.

Fujifilm X-T1 Silver Graphite
Rear of the Lytro Illum

What is easier to grasp in all of this is that the Lytro’s lens aperture remains a constant bright/fast f/2 throughout the focal range, which is the equivalent of a 30-250mm (an 8x optical zoom). Though the lens in use cannot be swapped, there’s the ability to focus right up to its front element – in other words you can have the lens actually touching your subject if so desired – and it comes with an ND filter and lens hood. There is a degree of customization possible, in that the direction in which the lens rings – of which there are two, one for zooming the other for focusing – turn can be altered. There is also Wi-Fi here, but presently compatibility is only offered with iOS, not Android.

Though a vacant top plate hotshoe is provided for possible accessories, the Lytro Illum doesn’t shoot video (though its files can be exported as video animations using the supplied software) and there isn’t any built-in flash facility either at present, though the f/2 lens and the ability to alter exposure compensation on the fly with a flick of one of the two available control dials is certainly helpful straight out of the box. A compatible flashgun will apparently be made available ‘in the future’. We found the camera slightly underexposed as a default, though you don’t have to manually bump the exposure compensation up by much. Light sensitivity stretches from ISO80-3200 and maximum shutter speed is 1/4000 sec. The screen can be pulled out by flipping out the bottom edge and tilted upwards so that you’re looking down at the image, if so desired.

The front of the Illum is dominated by the thick width and looming presence lens of, which in fact largely makes up the physical bulk of this camera.
Pick it up, and apart from the fact that the weight at 940g means two handed use is required at all times, with shoulder strap provided, what feels most obviously missing is an eye level viewfinder – something you’d readily expect to find on any ‘normal’ camera costing a suggested £1299. That said, using the large 4-inch smartphone-sized screen as our primary and only means of framing and reviewing images makes sense as it does afford the space to manipulate the image with a finger press and check the results.

Fujifilm X-T1 Silver Graphite
Top of the Lytro Illum

It also quickly becomes apparent that this isn’t a camera that even the most experienced of photographers can quickly charge up and get shooting with almost out of the box, or one to be used for shooting from the hip. We found that it dictated a slower, a more considered approach to image making as we were considering the elements that made up our image from front to back more. A straight-on shot didn’t look as interesting as one perhaps angled to the side, that would reveal a new layered perspective that we could explore with a finger tap of the camera’s articulated rear screen, or a click of the mouse once our images were loaded into the provided Lytro desktop software package that provides virtual camera controls for post processing of the likes of aperture, focus, and perspective adjustments including aping a tilt and shift effect. If your screen or monitor is 3D enabled it’s also possible to view the images in 3D – unfortunately ours wasn’t, so we can’t vouch for the full effect.

With the Lytro Illum’s lens cupped in the left hand, the right finds purchase on the large angled grip. This has a smooth flat rubber textured feel, rather than being moulded in the shape of the fingers. We also have a control wheel inset into the very top of the handgrip, as you’d find in the same location on a semi pro DSLR, and behind this on the angled slope of the grip, a large and prominent shutter release button over which the forefinger hovers comfortably and intuitively. The two lens rings are also rubber textured, though this time with a rougher surface that allows you to locate them without taking your eyes off the back screen and prevents slippage in the heat of the action. As mentioned previously the wider rear ring is for zooming in or out – the zoom mechanism is internal here which means the barrel doesn’t visibly move whether we’re zooming in or out. As well as the ability to focus manually via the lens ring, a finger tap within the frame we’re presented with on screen will direct focus to that area of the frame, or portion of the subject, right into the very edges. If we’re shooting right up close to a subject, then it is possible to swap between a captured view showing the nose sharp and the ears softly focused, or vice versa.

The smaller button located just behind the shutter release, marked with a square within a circle, has been officially christened the ‘Lytro button’ and calls up the aforementioned depth scale with live histogram on screen, via a menu bar or toolbar presented on the right hand side. At this point our attention is drawn to the histogram wavering between blue and orange zones as we attempt to set up a shot – the blue indicating the foreground area that it will be possible to focus within, and the orange the background area – with the most effective results/sharpest resolution achievable for us when it is sitting on the warmer orange half or wavering midway between the two – in terms of giving us the widest amount of options in term of the depth of the frame. As one can imagine it takes a bit of playing with and a degree of initial trial and error (not to mention patience) to end up with a result that you are happy with. That said, one could argue the beauty of photography is that it is all about experimentation, and experimenting with light at that.

Fujifilm X-T1 Silver Graphite
Tilting LCD Screen

Via the right hand on-screen toolbar in capture mode we’re presented with program, shutter priority and manual modes as well as an ‘I’ (ISO priority) mode that allows for incremental user adjustments of ISO without exposure compensation automatically adjusting in tandem, which is what happens in the other shooting modes. We also get the usual ability to alter white balance manually if so desired – though we found the Lytro’s auto setting made a decent fist of it – as well as call up a nine-zone compositional grid or histogram on screen. We also get access to settings menu that allows for basic common adjustments, and an icon for activating manual focus with a finger tap, as well as a three shot exposure bracketing option plus continuous capture option whereupon the camera is capable of shooting a burst of three frames per second.

Moving on, the main power button is located just behind this second button, set level with the top plate and adjacent to a lug for attaching a provided shoulder strap. The second strap loop is located not on the opposite end of the top plate, but rather near the base at the opposite edge. Give the power button a press and the camera, provided it’s been powered up from scratch once, is immediately up and running ready for your first composition. If you press the power button thereafter the camera doesn’t appear to fully power down, but rather to enter a sleep mode – thus a subsequent press and we’re almost immediately back up and running.

Top right of the backplate, and ready for a spin, is a second control wheel via which the likes of ISO, shutter speed and exposure (+/-2EV in Program mode) can be adjusted – incremental tweaks revealed at the base of the display screen, as is battery life and amount of shots remaining, while the live view screen displays such adjustments in real time, lightening or darkening the image – with a quartet of buttons clustered together just beneath. Again these are in a perfect position for thumb operation. The top two are clearly labeled as auto focus (AF) and auto exposure lock (AEL). Press the AF button and the camera visibly adjusts focus for you, the image on screen momentarily blurring before snapping back into focus with a bleep of affirmation. We found it more natural (and quicker) however to use manual focus than tapping the screen or waiting for the camera to decide, with the 4-inch display being sufficiently large for us to be able to determine that we had what we intended to be sharp in the frame just so.

Fujifilm X-T1 Silver Graphite
Rear of the Lytro Illum

Just below this pair of buttons is an identical twosome: an infinity focus button – press this and the on-screen depth scale automatically adjusts accordingly – and a function (Fn) button, for which the default setting is image retrieval/playback mode. What is noticeably missing is a dedicated delete button, though this can be achieved by merely tapping the centre of the screen in playback mode, which brings up the opportunity to erase your shot. Naturally there’s also the ability to format the card within the camera by digging deeper into available settings.

In playback mode we’re presented with a menu bar/toolbar to the right hand side of the screen. Top right is a virtual button for returning to capture mode in an instant, denoted by the familiar camera icon. On the same bar we also get the option to view our images in groups as a series of smaller thumbnails, call up a histogram, delete the shots or again access the settings menu, which is identical to the one presented in capture mode – in that we can alter brightness and sounds, as well as activate an image clipping warning, switch file formats between Lytro Raw and Lytro XRaw, turn on noise reduction for long exposures or attempt to access iOS devices via a wireless point.

SD cards are inserted beneath a plastic flap on the left flank of the camera, as viewing it from the rear, the slot for which sits next to one for attaching a USB cable, which also allows for the battery to be charged in camera if so desired. The base of the camera meanwhile features a screw thread positioned at the mid point of the lens barrel for attaching the unit to a tripod, and over at the base of the handgrip is where we find the rechargeable battery, the design of which incidentally mirrors the sloping shape of the camera’s handgrip, rather than being the usual rectangle. Remaining battery power is displayed as a percentage at the bottom of the screen, so we always had a good idea of whether we were going to be likely to fall low on juice at an inopportune moment or not.

But what about the images the Lytro Illum produces? Are these up to scratch as a photographer might view them, or will it transpire that this is this more a device for the gadget fan who fancies trying their hand at a spot of photography with a difference? Read on to view our thoughts…

Image Quality

The Lytro Illum has been described as bringing the power of computer 3D graphics to photography, which is an interesting take, and, if you choose the right subject and results turn out well, there is the real wow factor of it being a more immersive experience than can be gained from a flat 2D print. As we’ve noted, it’s not really designed to give us printed stills as the end result. You have to use the supplied Lytro desktop software on a reasonably powerful computer to be able to get at your results, whereupon colours and detail are impressively rich, white balance spot-on. That said, obviously how much punch is delivered is partly down to whichever screen or display you choose to view them on. And, at the same time, in using this camera it becomes clear that it is a case of horses for courses; just because you can re-focus points and areas within an image and thus create 3D like transitions post capture, does every subject suit or warrant such treatment? You have to be quite careful about the subjects you choose and you have to think differently about what you’re capturing, so setting up a shot – not to mention getting familiar with the camera’s quirks – can be time consuming.

As indicated in the main section of the review text, light sensitivity stretches from ISO80 to ISO3200, and from our own test shots it appears it was sensible to cap it at that, as grain/image noise noticeably intrudes to quite a ‘gritty’ degree from ISO2000 upwards, visible across the entirety of the frame, so we’d advise sticking at ISO1600 and below in the vast majority of circumstances. Thus, though the Lytro Illum costs as much as a semi pro DSLR, you’d be better off with sticking with said DSLR if you wanted a jack of all trades device for delivering the best possible flat image quality. But it does offer itself up as an exciting option for a second camera for those photographers who want to explore an avenue less tried and tested.

Another slight caveat as regards the Lytro’s images is that, as with anything that is thrilling initially, you have to wonder how long it is before the thrill wears off and whether the wow factor will diminish with repetition. Still, early adopters and those who feel they have to have the latest and greatest kit, will undoubtedly love it and after two weeks of using the chunky camera the novelty hadn’t yet worn off for us.

Product Images

Fujifilm X-T1

Front of the Lytro Illum

 
Fujifilm X-T1

Front of the Lytro Illum

 
Fujifilm X-T1

Side of the Lytro Illum

 
Fujifilm X-T1

Side of the Lytro Illum

 
Fujifilm X-T1

Rear of the Lytro Illum

 
Fujifilm X-T1

Rear of the Lytro Illum

 
Fujifilm X-T1

Rear of the Lytro Illum

 
Fujifilm X-T1

Rear of the Lytro Illum / Image Displayed

 
Fujifilm X-T1

Side of the Lytro Illum

 

Fujifilm X-T1

Side of the Lytro Illum

 
Fujifilm X-T1

Side of the Lytro Illum

 
Fujifilm X-T1

Side of the Lytro Illum

 
Fujifilm X-T1

Side of the Lytro Illum

 
Fujifilm X-T1

Side of the Lytro Illum

 
Fujifilm X-T1

Memory Card Slot

Conclusion

While the more cautious and cynical might harbour a suspicion that this thus-far-unique device could turn out to be an expensive toy for someone – the photographer who has everything perhaps - its territory feels so uncharted that in truth we ran the full gamut of emotions playing with this second generation Lytro. Like, do we really need one? Well that of course wholly depends on whether we can justify the investment, and what use we feel we’ll get out of it...

So, who would be best off buying a Lytro Illum, and what for? Well, with its ability to produce a three-dimensional ‘living image’ – namely one for which depth of field, perspective and point of focus can be altered after the fact, and not via Photoshop but within the camera itself or supplied software – for most of us it would make sense as a second camera. In no way is it a straight replacement for our DSLRs or bridge cameras – unless, that is, we started off with a very specific purpose and imagined an end result that was ever only going to be viewed via a screen. However we can imagine the possibilities for those with the desire to show off images with real depth as a promotional tool – perhaps estate agents and hoteliers wanting to virtually ‘walk you around’ a property or room, highlighting (or rather focusing and re-focusing on) various aspects of the space and its features, in turn. Perhaps such a target market wouldn’t baulk at the idea of spending £1299 either, if said purchase could be folded into the business accounts.

There’s also wedding and social photographers who might view the Lytro Illum as another tool to add to their arsenal, a way to get ahead of the competition. Forward-thinking image-makers in this sector are already including QR codes with printed albums, that allow their clients to access video clips via their smartphones or tablets, alongside the flat 2D prints. Why not provide such a link to a gallery of ‘living’ Lytro shots, as an additional visual?

Ultimately this is a concept and a product that is quite hard to describe merely with words however, so you’ll want to explore the image examples available here and online. Even after a couple of weeks spent in its company we were still discovering new features and aspects to it, so it also isn’t really a device you can just pick up and expect the best from straightaway. In fact, if ever there was a camera that you needed to try for yourself to see and believe, and in turn get excited by, then perhaps more than any other we’ve played with in the past 15 years (since digital photography made its mark in the world) that camera is the Lytro Illum.

4 stars

Ratings (out of 5)
Design 4
Features 3.5
Ease-of-use 3
Image quality 4
Value for money 3.5

Review Roundup

Reviews of the Lytro Illum from around the web.

ephotozine.com »

The Lytro Illum is the "Professional Light Field Camera" from Lytro, the second generation, after the first consumer orientated Lytro Light Field Camera, that's said to give almost 4 times as much detail as the original due to the use of a new larger sensor. The camera is designed to create "Living Pictures" photos that you can interact with. Ultimately, the images are designed to be viewed on an electronic screen, either a computer, smartphone or tablet.
Read the full review »

techly.com.au »

My well-dressed guests from out of town arrive with bags of gear. Lytro’s Jeff Hansen is unpacking a bag as introductions occur, and with him are Eamon Drew and Chris Horsley-Wyatt from Blonde Robot, Lytro’s Australian distributor. Two smartly-presented Lytro Illum cameras appear among the action and in no time at all, the focus is on them.
Read the full review »

wsj.com »

Instead of snapping a solitary image, the Illum captures a whole moment—known as the light field—so you can change focus and shift perspective after you've taken the shot. Just by clicking around a screen, the viewer can focus on a birthday cake candle, the person blowing it out, or partygoers in the background. These "living pictures," as they're called, even let the viewer look a bit behind the closest objects. The effect is a little like the portraits in Harry Potter's newspaper: a hint of depth where you weren't expecting it.
Read the full review »

Specifications

GENERAL

  • Product: LYTRO ILLUM
  • Dimensions: 3.4" x 5.7" x 6.5" (86mm x 145mm x 166mm)
  • Weight: 940 grams / 33.15 oz / 2.07 lbs
  • Body: Magnesium and Aluminum
  • Grip and lens rings: Silicone

LENS

  • Focal Length: 9.5 - 77.8 mm (30 - 250 mm equivalent)
  • Crop Factor: 3.19
  • Zoom: 8x optical
  • Lens Aperture: Constant f/2.0
  • Macro: Focus to 0 mm from lens front
  • Macro Ratio: 1 : 3

IMAGE SENSOR

  • Sensor Type: Light field sensor based on CMOS technology
  • Light Field Resolution: 40 Megaray
  • Sensor Format: 1/1.2"
  • Active Area: 10.82 x 7.52 mm
  • ISO Range: 80-3200

PROCESSING

  • Processor: Snapdragon® 800 processor by QUALCOMM® Incorporated

IMAGE

  • Format: Light Field RAW (.lfr)
  • Aspect Ratio: 3:2
  • 2D export resolution: 2450 x 1634
  • File/Picture Storage: SDXC/SDHC memory card slot (SD card not included)

SHUTTER

  • Shutter Type: Focal plane
  • Fastest Shutter Speed: 1/4000 sec
  • Longest Shutter Speed: 32 seconds
  • Flash Sync Speed: 1/250 sec
  • Drive Modes: Single, continuous or self-timer
  • Self-Timer: Yes (2 or 10 seconds)
  • Continuous Drive: 3 fps

DISPLAYS & CONTROLS

EXPOSURE

  • Metering System: Scene Evaluative
  • Exposure Histogram: In Live View and Playback
  • Exposure Modes: Program, ISO Priority, Shutter Priority, Manual
  • Exposure Compensation: Yes
  • Exposure Bracketing: Yes
  • Exposure Lock: Yes
  • Clipping Warning: Yes

FOCUS / AUTOFOCUS

  • Auto-focus Modes: Region AF

SCREEN

  • Touchscreen: Yes (capacitive multi-touch)
  • Screen Type: Back-lit LCD
  • Screen Size: 4" LCD rear screen
  • Resolution: 480 x 800
  • Articulation Mechanism: Dual hinge tilting
  • Articulated Angles: -10 to +90
  • Angle of View: Up to 80 degrees
  • Adjustable Brightness: Yes
  • Live View Rendering: Yes

PLAYBACK

  • In Camera Picture Review: Yes
  • Light Field Playback Function: Refocus

MENUS / INTERFACE

  • Programmable Buttons: Yes
  • Programmable Dials: Yes
  • Customizable Menus: Yes

HARDWARE

POWER

  • Battery: Removable 3.7 V, 3760 mAH Li-ion
  • Battery Charging: Standalone wall charger and USB

EXTERNAL

  • Hot-shoe: ISO compatible hot shoe with center pin sync as well as multi-functional accessories
  • Tripod Socket: Standard 1/4"-20 UNC threads
  • Cable Shutter Release: Yes (2.5 mm shutter release)
  • USB: Micro USB 3.0

MISCELLANEOUS

  • Technology: Lytro Light Field Sensor and Lytro Light Field Engine 2.0
  • Wireless: Wi-Fi (802.11a/b/g/n/ac)
  • Software: Includes Lytro Desktop for living pictures management, editing, animation authoring, exporting, as well as sharing. Software requires OS X 10.8.5 (or greater) or 64-bit Microsoft Windows 7/8.
  • E-Waste: RoHS certified
  • Color: Black
  • Model Number: B5-0035 (NA), B5-0036 (EU), B5-0037 (AP)

IN THE BOX

BOX DIMENSIONS

  • Approx. 8.07 in x 8.07 in x 8.07 in | 205 mm x 205 mm x 205 mm

INCLUDED

  • LYTRO ILLUM Camera; battery, battery charger, micro USB 3.0 cable, lens cap, lens hood, 4-stop ND filter, cleaner cloth, strap anchors, strap

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