…and cameras that will tell us when someone is smiling.

OK, that’s what we have now. Nope not the flying cars, but the point and shot cameras with Smile detection.
What does that mean?
[photopress:tc200_back.jpg,full,centered] it does come in 3 colors- black,red and silver

Well, when you use a camera, such as the Sony DSC-T200, you can set the shutter so it will only fire when the subject is smiling.
How does it know you ask? As face detection software has found its way into most new consumer cameras, smile detection was not far behind. The algorithm used for the face detection in your little picture taking computer, recognizes 2 eyes and a nose before it can lock-in on its target. And I mean that in the nicest way.
The smile detection software works in a similar way reading the facial features before it will fire. And blink detection is not far behind.
Honestly , this technology has been around for a bit, but just takes time before it is in the products in your hand.

At PhotoPlus last week, Sony had set it up with a flat screen hooked to a DSC-T200 giving it a “live view”. Pointed at the show floor, the camera let you watch yourself approach the display. Once within range ( yes, there are distance requisites) , the camera will fire and flash if you wish, ONLY if someone is smiling.

Now if we could only get software that will read pursed lips for when people blow out the birthday cake candles. Or when the soccer ball hits the net. Or maybe just a very fast responsive shutter that has no lag and shoots exactly when pressed. I a point and shoot package. that would be awesome.

Don’t get me wrong. Love this technology. Fascinated actually. Companies like FotoNation are at the forefront of putting this stuff in your hands. Here is another interesting link on the subject.

[photopress:logo_2.gif,full,alignright] Other companies have incorporated this technology such as Olympus. And Arcsoft developers working to bring you more auto settings.

It’s not flying cars, but hey, it’s a start.

Lots more reviews coming up and video on some of the best of the PhotoPlus Expo. Stick around.

Cheers!
Damon Webster