Prediction time - what does the future hold for Digital Cameras?

In terms of long-term future predictions, a lot of people make the mistake of predicting the same thing, but better, faster and smaller. Very rarely do people predict anything radically different, which is what almost always ends up happening.

For example, a video made in the 50's shows their prediction of online shopping - a buyer controls a camera that moves around the store, picking out items. It would be payed for by printing out a photo of a bank-transfer form, signing it, and scanning and sending it back to the shop.

They imagined new applications for old technology, so although it's pretty remarkable that they predicted the idea of online shopping, they didn't expect it to be radically different from buying items in an actual shop.

So for cameras, the main thing I can say is that I have no idea what will happen... but here are some rough guesses:

- Built in High Dynamic Range photography (eliminates the need to worry about areas which are too light or dark)

- Combining technologies (such as phones/GPS/camera into one device)

- Much more image info/metadata (for example, cameras are already coming out with built in GPS that keep track of your exact location when taking a photo - very useful for tourists)

- Membrane-focus/zoom (saves having a massive lens sticking out, by flexing a membrans which acts as a lens)

- A LOT more, that I can't even begin to imagine.

I own a DSLR right now and am upgrading to an EOS Mark II here pretty soon - so I still think point and shoots are horribly behind ;-)

a DSLR that lasts as long as a SLR

the next big thing is the full frame, 24mp, inbuilt image stabliser, live view A900

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2 words man good game they sure wont last long thats for sure