You Are Becoming Unnecessary

You knew it had to happen. It started with automatic film wind, then steadily advanced to auto-exposure, auto-loading, auto-flash, auto-focus, auto white balance, and auto-ISO. Now, with Sony's recent announcement of the IPT-DS1 camera dock accessory for its Party-shot digicams, we have reached the ultimate stage in automation: a camera that will frame, focus and  take pictures automatically, without the aid of a photographer. Once attached to the IPT-DS1 dock, the Party-shot will be able to pan 360 degrees and tilts 24 degrees, automatically detect faces, adjust composition and take photos for you.

I must confess the news has made me mildly depressed. I suspect it's only a matter of time before some tech company creates a machine that will automatically write blog posts and do a better job of it than I can. Until then, I'm going to remove all the batteries from my cameras, just to be safe. You never know...

Comments

[Lesley Thomas]

As for blog-writing machines doing a better job than you--nope! I'm still enjoying the read with the unpredictability of topic and the depth that your background brings to it. Bet the camera's pictures won't be as good as yours, either.

[Michael]

On the other hand, you could regard this as good news. Photographers would no longer be responsible for weird expressions, embarrassing moments, or hackneyed composition. We're innocent. All complaints should be addressed to Sony.

Then put this thing together with a mobile robot, and street photography anxiety would be a thing of the past.

[Miserere]

Too late Gordon:

http://rsstoblog.com/
http://www.craigmcpherson.info/automatic-blog-posts/

Shall I see you at the bar for some strong drinks? :-)

[John Krill]

I think it's a great idea. I don't how many times I have gone to a party or something and been told that since you're the photographer why don't you take the pictures. Most times I feel like the only reason I was invited WAS to take the pictures. Now I can tell them to get Sony, no baloney.

[Lou Doench]

I'm pretty sure that's the gizmo that turns into Skynet...

[Mike O'Donoghue]

Who decides where to set the thing up? Having it working in the background could yield interesting results. I like the idea - tho don't know if I'd spend money on it.

[Jim Couch]

"I'm sorry, Dave Gordon. I'm afraid I can't do that." :)

[Andreas]

Was it the Wiener Schule that tried to formalize language till Goedel told them that it would be impossible? Either the system is incomplete or contradictory or so. The thing is that language is too complex and self reflexive.

However, no machine will substitute your writing. In the same vein I think that photography for us (mind you, for us!) is kinda language. So the same applies here.

And yeah, Sony Cybershot Skynet, sounds scary ;-))

[Gordon Lewis]

"Was it the Wiener Schule that tried to formalize language till Goedel told them that it would be impossible?"

Yes.

[gxg]

I think there could be a good side to this.
Such a machine can only compete with mediocre photographers and will soon drive them extinct, having probably a perfect technique. But it could never replace artistic photography, and these photographers will regain the market and spotlight.

But I agree, there can be too much automatisation, and this is definitely crossing the line.