Autonomous Photography

As a part time photographer, I find the idea of autonomous photography scary.  As a lazy person who wants to automate my life, I find the idea, well…intriguing.  Google has a track record of creating a really good camera, backed by an intelligent algorithm for their Pixel phones, so I have some faith when it comes to their new product, the Google Clips Camera.  I like the idea of a camera that is always shooting pictures for you so you are free to enjoy your time in front of the lens, but I’m not sure if I can put my trust in camera AI to choose what makes a good photo.  Google says it has professional photographers, from different backgrounds, training the AI to help it determine when it has taken a great shot…but as with many art forms, beauty is in the eye of the beholder.  You see, there are rules to follow that can help you achieve great photography, but what might look good to one person, might not interest another.  So how can one little camera nail that shot I was hoping to get?  

If there’s one thing that’s true, it’s that with more attempts at getting a shot, the higher the odds of capturing a great one.  Any event/wedding photographer can tell you that.  And with experience, we get better at knowing what or when to snap a photo, so hopefully with time, Google Clips will also increase its “success” rate utilizing the power of AI.  Right now though, I feel that the price point and immaturity of the product is a bit steep.  I do want one, so I’m kind of glad it’s sold out already, but I have a feeling that as an early adopter, I’d just be another beta tester for a Google experiment they might nix.

IMO, Google should rely on the success of their Pixel Phone cameras, put the same exact sensor/lens hardware in it that people have grown to love, and re-brand this product as the Pocket Pixel Camera,  Oh yea, and let’s say a $129 price point? (with sales that drop it down to $99 often).  =)