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Lytro Illum Light Field Digital Camera

The Lytro Illum is a 40 Megaray Other camera — with 1080p video. Check GearFocus for current availability, with buyer protection on every purchase.

Lytro Illum Light Field Digital Camera

Lytro Illum Light Field Digital Camera

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Overview — Lytro Illum

The Lytro Illum is a light field digital camera that takes a fundamentally different approach to image capture. Rather than recording a conventional photograph, it captures light field data rated at 40 Megarays, which enables post-capture focus and depth-of-field adjustments in compatible software. The sensor is classified as 'Other' type, reflecting the non-traditional imaging architecture at the heart of this camera.

The ISO range runs from 80 to 3200, and autofocus is handled via contrast detection with multiple focus points. For still photography, the maximum output resolution is 2450x1634, and the camera supports burst shooting at up to 3 frames per second. Video capture tops out at 1080p at 30fps.

The body is built from plastic and weighs 940g, with dimensions of 145 x 86 x 166mm. There is no weather sealing. A large 4-inch LCD display with 800x480 resolution dominates the rear panel, and there is no viewfinder.

The camera stores images to SD, SDHC, and SDXC cards. Connectivity includes Wi-Fi, USB, and Mini HDMI output. The rechargeable lithium-ion battery is rated for approximately 400 shots.

There is no optical image stabilization of any kind. The hot shoe is a cold shoe with no electrical contacts.

Key Features — Lytro Illum

40 Megaray Light Field Sensor: Captures full light field data rather than a conventional image, enabling focus point and depth-of-field adjustments after the shot in Lytro Desktop software.

Post-Capture Refocusing: Lets you select any focus point within a scene after shooting, making it possible to correct or creatively shift focus during editing.

ISO 80–3200 Range: Covers a reasonable sensitivity span for shooting in varied lighting conditions, from bright daylight to dimmer indoor environments.

4-Inch Rear Touchscreen: An 800x480 touchscreen display dominates the rear panel, used for composing shots and navigating menus with no optical viewfinder present.

1080p Video at 30fps: Records full HD video, providing usable footage alongside the camera's primary light field still capture workflow.

Built-In Wi-Fi: Enables wireless transfer of light field images to a computer or compatible device without needing to remove the memory card.

Specifications — Lytro Illum

Lytro Illum full specifications
SpecDetail
Use CasesCreative Effects, Portrait, Landscape
TypeOther
SensorOther
Resolution40 Megaray
ISO Range80 – 3200
AF SystemContrast Detection
AF PointsMultiple
Max Photo Resolution2450x1634
Burst Rate3 fps
Max Video Resolution1080p
Max Frame Rate30fps
Image StabilizationNone

Description — Lytro Illum

The Lytro Illum is built around a light field sensor rated at 40 Megarays, capturing directional light ray data rather than a conventional image. Still output reaches a maximum resolution of 2450x1634, while video records at up to 1080p at 30fps. The ISO range spans 80 to 3200, and autofocus uses a contrast detection system with multiple focus points.

Burst shooting is available at up to 3 frames per second. The rear of the camera features a large 4-inch LCD with 800x480 resolution — there is no viewfinder. Storage is handled via SD, SDHC, and SDXC cards.

Connectivity includes Wi-Fi, USB, and Mini HDMI output. The body is constructed from plastic, measures 145 x 86 x 166mm, and weighs 940g. There is no weather sealing and no image stabilization of any type.

The hot shoe is a cold shoe with no electrical contacts. A rechargeable lithium-ion battery is rated at 400 shots per charge.

Pros — Lytro Illum

  • ✓Light field sensor rated at 40 Megarays enables a post-capture imaging workflow not possible with conventional cameras
  • ✓ISO range of 80–3200 provides reasonable sensitivity headroom for varied lighting conditions
  • ✓Large 4-inch LCD with 800x480 resolution offers a spacious rear display for framing and review

Cons — Lytro Illum

  • ✗Maximum still output resolution of 2450x1634 is modest compared to conventional cameras in the same era
  • ✗No image stabilization of any kind — optical, in-body, or digital
  • ✗No viewfinder; shooting is entirely reliant on the rear LCD

Videos — Lytro Illum

Lytro: The $360 Million Company That Died - Krazy Ken’s Tech Talk — Computer Clan

Resources & Downloads — Lytro Illum

Manuals & Guides

Frequently Asked Questions — Lytro Illum

What does '40 Megaray' mean and how does it affect image output?+
40 Megaray is the unit Lytro uses to describe the light field data captured by the sensor — it reflects the total amount of light ray directional information recorded rather than a conventional pixel count. The actual maximum output image resolution is 2450x1634 pixels. This data is what enables post-capture focus adjustments in Lytro's software.
Does the Lytro Illum have image stabilization?+
No. The specifications confirm that image stabilization type is 'None,' in-body IS is absent, and digital IS is also disabled. Users will need to manage camera shake through shutter speed, ISO, or physical support like a tripod.
What memory cards does the Lytro Illum accept?+
The camera accepts SD, SDHC, and SDXC cards. All three formats are supported, giving users flexibility in card choice and storage capacity.
Can I connect the Lytro Illum to a TV or monitor?+
Yes. The camera includes a Mini HDMI output for connecting to external displays. It also has USB connectivity and built-in Wi-Fi for additional transfer and connection options.
What autofocus system does the Lytro Illum use?+
The camera uses contrast detection autofocus with multiple focus points. Eye tracking and subject tracking are not supported.
Is the Lytro Illum weather sealed?+
No. The body design specifications list weather sealing as 'None,' and the body is constructed from plastic. It should be kept away from moisture, dust, and harsh environmental conditions.