Unlike other cameras that only capture a single plane of light, the Lytro camera captures the complete light field. In the picture taking world, this gives you super powers. For instance, you can actually focus any spot on the picture after you take it. Since this camera allows you to focus a picture after the fact, it does not rely on an auto-focus motor. Without an auto-focus motor, you are not subjected to shutter delay. Now that’s a beautiful thing.
See for yourself. The first image below shows you an original unfocused photograph. The following two images were focused on different spots after the photo was taken. Pretty cool stuff.











