TOKYO -- New technology that will redefine the camera is coming. The question is when it will be ready for prime time.
Researchers are working on cameras that can capture still images and video clips without a lens. It turns out that pictures can be taken with just an image sensor superimposed with specially imprinted thin film. Since this would obviate the need for bulky lenses -- the film is a mere 1 micron thick -- the technology is likely to find its way into a range of fields and could completely alter the competitive landscape of the camera industry.