Frankencamera: Linux-Based Digital Camera from Stanford
The goal of a group of photo researchers and developers at Stanford University is to build a camera that runs on Linux and whose open source software is programmable down to the lowest hardware level.
The Stanford University News site features a report from professor Marc Levoy's team on the first functioning version of the Camera 2.0. The built-in software allows programmers to set details such as focus, exposure and shutter speed independently of manufacturer limitations and make significantly better use of the camera hardware.
A demo video on the website shows an example of shifting the dynamic range algorithm in the camera software with considerable improvement to the original photo. The device can automatically sense lighting imbalances on both sides of the frame and automatically compensate for them. Numerous other features are planned to be communicated in the computer or automatically from Web photo services.
The so-called Frankencamera is not just a hideous monster cobbled together from spare parts. If all goes well, it should become a lucrative platform for interested photographers and developers. It combines a system-on-a-chip from Texas Instruments running Linux with a small LCD screen, an imaging chip borrowed from the Nokia N95 smartphone and standard Canon lenses. The team has support from firms such as Nokia, Adobe, Kodak, HP and Walt Disney. Levoy hopes to produce the devices for under $1,000 in a year's time and provide them at cost to colleagues and students at other universities.
Further details on the Camera 2.0 are on the Stanford project webpage.
Subscribe to our Linux Newsletters
Find Linux and Open Source Jobs
Subscribe to our ADMIN Newsletters
Support Our Work
Linux Magazine content is made possible with support from readers like you. Please consider contributing when you’ve found an article to be beneficial.

News
-
System76 Releases COSMIC Alpha 7
With scores of bug fixes and a really cool workspaces feature, COSMIC is looking to soon migrate from alpha to beta.
-
OpenMandriva Lx 6.0 Available for Installation
The latest release of OpenMandriva has arrived with a new kernel, an updated Plasma desktop, and a server edition.
-
TrueNAS 25.04 Arrives with Thousands of Changes
One of the most popular Linux-based NAS solutions has rolled out the latest edition, based on Ubuntu 25.04.
-
Fedora 42 Available with Two New Spins
The latest release from the Fedora Project includes the usual updates, a new kernel, an official KDE Plasma spin, and a new System76 spin.
-
So Long, ArcoLinux
The ArcoLinux distribution is the latest Linux distribution to shut down.
-
What Open Source Pros Look for in a Job Role
Learn what professionals in technical and non-technical roles say is most important when seeking a new position.
-
Asahi Linux Runs into Issues with M4 Support
Due to Apple Silicon changes, the Asahi Linux project is at odds with adding support for the M4 chips.
-
Plasma 6.3.4 Now Available
Although not a major release, Plasma 6.3.4 does fix some bugs and offer a subtle change for the Plasma sidebar.
-
Linux Kernel 6.15 First Release Candidate Now Available
Linux Torvalds has announced that the release candidate for the final release of the Linux 6.15 series is now available.
-
Akamai Will Host kernel.org
The organization dedicated to cloud-based solutions has agreed to host kernel.org to deliver long-term stability for the development team.