Open-Source Cameras To Make Debut Soon

Apple's going to be in a world of hurt when the future of the digital world really does rely on open-source. We're seeing browsers, smartphones, and operating systems going open-source and enjoying some really fantastic followings, and seem to be growing at clips you won't believe. Today, scientists at Stanford seem to be adding cameras to the list.

Stanford scientists are coming up with a prototype of what's possibly the world's first open-source camera. Dubbed the Frankencamera, they're building the prototype using old parts from other cameras and using Linux as its open-source operating platform. It's not much to look at right now -- it's about the size of a netbook at this point -- but in a years' time, it's expected to sport a new look (and most likely a new name).

The open-source camera can let users create their own algorithms for shutter speed, flash, video editing, etc. This obviously frees photographers from the software limitations that come with commercial cameras -- many of which can really be infuriating.

There's more -- if an open-source camera makes it to mainstream popularity, we may see some sort of App Store where Frankencamera users can download applications and programs that can help them customize their cameras in any way they choose. Now that would be awesome.

Another imagined feature for a truly open-source camera is to use high-definition photos to turn low-definition videos into clearer, hi-def versions of themselves. When the technology evolves and advances, third-party programmers are expected to come up with cool new features more quickly than the giants in the industry.

Right now I'm expecting two things to happen in the near future -- Canon and Nikon are probably going to offer open-source product lines to "stay focused" in the industry, or Apple is going to buy the rights to Frankencamera and lead the industry. 
Hmm. Should be interesting to see.