Review of the Light L16 Computational Camera

The Bushnell quote is perfect for the L16 because when you look at it you can't help but wonder, "What is the Light L16 camera?" The best description is on the Light website, "This compact camera captures the details of your scene at multiple focal lengths, then uses sophisticated algorithms to combine 10+ images into a single, high-resolution photo... The L16 replaces the bulk and weight of a traditional single-lens camera with many small lenses and sensors that lie at 45-degree angles across a flat plane. When the L16 is fired, light enters 10 or more apertures. Using folded optics, the L16 bounces this light off periscopic mirrors, through horizontal lens barrels and onto individual optical sensors. The result is one exquisite 52MP photo, formed from 10+ slightly different perspectives." With computational photography a small camera like this can produce high quality images. Here is a 2 minute video from Light describing how a computational camera works. If the L16 lives up to it's promise it could serve my needs.

In my previous Leica M10 review, I stated that "in order to understand the review, you need to understand the reviewer." I encourage you to read it. For this review, the fact that I am a proud nerd with degrees in chemical and nuclear engineering could be relevant. Most of my career was in technology working in silicon valley. When a few silicon valley friends joined Light to build a computational camera, my engineering interest was aroused.

Pre-Ordering the L16

Two years ago in January 2016, I preordered the L16 which was estimated to ship the end of that year. That date came and went. Innovation is often difficult and doesn't often happen on a schedule. And the L16 is cutting edge. As time passed other innovations occurred in the camera world. Leica introduced the M10 which is smaller and lighter than my M240. And, Apple improved the camera on the iPhone X adding a second f2.4 lens and optical zoom. I upgraded both. When I pre-ordered the L16, I was really excited about taking high quality images with a small light camera. When Light notified me that the camera was ready to ship, I was eager to finally receive it. However,, my enthusiasm was tempered as the updated iPhone and Leica M10 both worked to fill the niche I was planning to fill with the L16.

Email of Disclaimer and Availability

In November of 2017, Light sent an email that my camera was available. But the email had a disclaimer that you don't often see. Here it is.

"We’re finally ready to put the L16 hardware in your hands.



Our work, however, isn't over. We’re still making our software—the brain of the camera—smarter. We expect the software to be in beta for the next several months. The good news is: with every over-the-air update we deliver (and we deliver often), your L16 experience will improve.

We’re going to keep pushing the L16 forward and into the future. If you’d like to join us and get your camera soon, click the button below to complete your order. All we ask is that you contact us directly whenever you encounter a bug or have a suggestion for a new feature. We’re counting on your feedback to help us make the experience better.

If you’d rather wait for a camera with more software features on day one, that’s fine too. You won’t need to do anything today—and your place in line will stay the same."

I appreciated the direct communication from Light on the status of the camera. But what if the L16 no longer filled a need, now that my Leica was smaller and my iPhone images were higher quality. I decided to check with Light regarding a return policy. The company stated that I could return the camera within a specific time period if I was not satisfied. So I decided to get it. Trying and testing the L16 is the only way to determine it's value.