Zoom-in Online

A dash of this, a lens from that, and Abby Normal for a brain Linux for an operating system creates the prototype for Frankencamera.

Stanford Professor Marc Levoy believes his monster will create a surge in camera innovation. I agree.

His big idea integrates open source software into the camera so that owners can manipulate and customize everything.

One program that Frankencamera currently uses creates a composite image in difficult light. When one area of the photograph is too dark or light, the camera takes several photographs at different exposures and compiles them into one master photograph.  

Another interesting feature is the ability to capture video and enhance it with still photographs.

The only set back is that to really use the camera to the fullest you need to be a tech-head — you need to know how to write programs.

The trickle-down to consumers, when this experimental camera gets to big companies, might be similar to the app-crazed iPhones. At least that's what Andrew Adams, the electrical engineering student who helped design it, thinks. That could lead to super customization.

However,  just as you can laden down your iPhone with fun but useless apps, paying $1.99 for  thought bubbles and fake backgrounds aren't the type of innovations I am looking forward to. This camera might fade the heavy reliance on software like Photoshop but it may also breed a whole new type of photographer.

I introduce: the Shutterbug of Frankencamera. The future brings the half-geek half-artist that can make every photograph cover worthy.  They write programs, study galleries, and suffer from endless carpal tunnel. But no matter how nice the camera, you still need to have an eye for subject, composition, and all the rest.

This blog was contributed to by Frances Cirenza, ZIO Photography Assistant.