Artificial Intelligence For Your Camera!
Hi All,
Came up on this article at DP Review. Artificial Intelligence can be placed on your camera to decide what the "best" settings are for exposure, HDR, etc. Heck, you won't even need my classes anymore! You can leave it all up to the AI! I'll leave the rest of my comments for the end.
"A new product being funded on Kickstarter, Arsenal, aims to simplify the process of capturing images using a DSLR or mirrorless camera by utilizing artificial intelligence. The system is composed of a hardware component that sits on the hotshoe and connects to the camera's USB port, as well as mobile apps for iOS and Android that communicate via WiFi or Bluetooth to the main unit. Among other things, Arsenal chooses ideal camera settings for a particular scene based on what it has learned from thousands of similar existing photographs.
Arsenal was created by engineer and photographer Ryan Stout as a way to quickly shoot 'amazing images' in any condition, and without having to manually adjust the camera's settings. The related mobile app provides total control over the camera, as well as one-tap access to an AI assistant - trained from a database of millions of photographs and their metadata - that chooses optimal settings based on the scene in front of the camera. The software then goes on to refine its chosen settings based on 18 environmental factors. It even takes vibrations into account, thanks to its highly sensitive accelerometer.
Photographers are given a live preview of the scene through the mobile app, as well as manual control over aperture, ISO, and shutter speed. You can focus by tapping on your phone's touchscreen as well, or tap multiple points and Arsenal will ensure they're all focused. Arsenal also supports advanced camera functions, like automated photo stacking for HDR images, focus stacking, long exposures without the need for ND filters, and time lapse creation. The resulting Raw files are saved directly to the camera.
Images on your camera can be viewed, even at 100%, directly in the app. From there you can instantly share to social media using your phone's social sharing capabilities. You can even rate images and enter Lightroom compatible notes, and they'll all show up upon import.
Arsenal supports cameras from Canon, Nikon, Fujifilm, and Sony; photographers can input their own camera on this page to see whether it is supported. The camera assistant is currently being funded through Kickstarter, where the $50,000 goal has been exceeded with nearly a quarter-million in funding. Backers can get a Kickstarter Exclusive Arsenal by pledging at least $150; shipping is estimated to start in January.
Press Release:
Arsenal, leaving stealth mode, unveils AI-powered camera hardware on Kickstarter
Intelligent camera assistant wirelessly controls DSLR and Mirrorless cameras from a smartphone, uses machine learning to find optimal settings in any conditions.
BOSEMAN, MT—May 23, 2017—Arsenal, a camera technology startup, today announced the world’s first intelligent camera assistant powered by machine learning. The new hardware and software product, launched on Kickstarter, enables photographers to wirelessly control their cameras and quickly perform advanced techniques.
Arsenal’s artificial intelligence (AI) is powered by a series of machine learning algorithms trained on a database of millions of photographs and their metadata. By comparing new scenes with its database and adjusting based on environmental variables, Arsenal enables photographers to get the perfect shot every time.
“Today's cameras have amazing optics, but they do very little to actually help you take a good photo,” said Ryan Stout, Arsenal’s founder and CEO. “You can go spend a thousand dollars and out-of-the-box it will take worse photos than your smartphone. Arsenal changes that by making your existing camera smarter.”
Arsenal will serve the growing market for Digital Single Lens Reflex (DSLR) and Mirrorless cameras. Its initial product will be compatible with dozens of popular models made by Canon, Nikon, Sony, and Fuji.
In addition to its AI capabilities, Arsenal gives photographers control over their camera from up to 100 feet away. Users can adjust settings, watch a live preview, and trigger the shutter remotely from their smartphone.
Arsenal also simplifies several advanced photographic techniques. Arsenal will perform photo stacking (the process of combining multiple photos for more dynamic range or sharper focus), long exposures, and timelapses. In each case, the resulting RAW files are saved directly on the camera.
The Arsenal app also includes powerful photo review capabilities. Users can wirelessly browse the photos on their camera’s card and view individual RAW files in full resolution. Photos can then be shared directly to Instagram, Snap, and Facebook.
The Arsenal system, which is currently being tested in the field, consists of two parts: an ultralight hardware device that sits on top of a user’s camera, and an iOS/Android mobile app. The app wirelessly communicates with the device via wifi or Bluetooth, which in turn controls the camera via a micro-USB connection.
Backers of Arsenal’s Kickstarter campaign will be the first to receive the product, which is scheduled to ship in January 2018.
For more information on Arsenal, the intelligent camera assistant, visit https://witharsenal.com. "
MIKE'S TAKE:
Ok, first of all, don't Nikon cameras already operate this way to find the "best optimal exposure" (base exposure on thousands of other possible photo exposures). The rest use evaluative metering.
Second, how does the AI know what you personally like? Maybe you normally like your pics darker or lighter.
Third, involves artistic expression. Maybe you like this particular scene darker, but another lighter.
Finally, this system is OBVIOUSLY set up for having your camera only on a tripod. Just imagine the fun you would have holding a DSLR with a 600mm f/2.8 in one hand and your phone in the other! Better start building them muscles now!
Sooooooooooo maybe, just maybe, my classes are still useful!?
Comments
But all said and done, I suspect the camera manufacturers will be moving in this direction anyway.
The bit that sort of bothers me is how do they get the settings for millions of similar photos? Are they capturing everyone's photos to do the analysis? If so, I suspect there could be a major security/privacy/copyright exposure here.