A portable 3D camera, created by a group of scientific researchers, makes taking super zoomed-in pictures easy
What does the Macropod do?
The Macropod – created by a group of American scientific researchers, calling themselves Macroscopic Solutions – is a portable 3D high-resolution macroscopic imaging device. Turns out everything looks amazing up close.The Kickstarter campaign aims to raise $30,000, which will go towards improving the product's efficiency and lowering its retail cost. The Macropod currently sells for around $21,000 compared to its competitors at around $100,000, but the company's long-term aim is to get that price to below $10,000.
For every 10 macropods sold, one is donated to a high school to be used in science classes. The team say they want to "show people the world as it really exists".
How does it do it?
The Macropod uses automated image-stacking and compiles up to 500 single-frame photographs into one picture, resulting in completely focused, high-resolution, colour images. The essentials of taking a good photograph – lighting, exposure time, ISO, aperture and focus – are all made easy, so those with limited photography skills (like, perhaps, your average scientist) can take perfect pictures.
Why might it take off?
Just look at the pictures. Who doesn't want a Macropod? Over the years researchers have been using stereoscopes, microscopes or other imaging devices to record observations. These instruments are usually incredibly expensive and only show a tiny proportion of an object in detail.The Macropod claims to overcome the depth-of-field limitations that are inherent in most micro- and macro-imaging devices. Designed to work in the lab and in the field, it can shoot both still images and video.
Why might it fail to take off?
Macroscopic Solutions want the Macropod to be accessible for every child and adult with an interest in science – and wouldn't that be good?But the Macropod will never be one of those cool gadgets you get for Christmas and lose interest in after a few weeks. The device consists of outsourced components, which have a limited production and are expensive. Even getting the costs down to a level feasible for schools will be a tall order. But, as long as buyers continue to be scientific research institutes, the costs won't necessarily stop the product being a success.
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