Did you ever think the camera might become extinct? Not for professionals but for the rest of us. The camera on my phone is a thousand percent better than my first digital camera (it was only 2.1 megapixels in 2002). With some new technological improvements, there is one camera that has jumped back to the front to make your cell phone camera look lame and Instagram look old and busted.

The Lytro camera is the new hotness and maybe you had heard of it but certainly had not. It is the shape of a really big lipstick; kind of a square tube measuring 4.4" x 1.6" x 1.6" inches. You can use the 8x optical zoom to tighten or loosen your shot. It takes high quality photos and easily fits in a purse or a pocket. But that's not why it's possibly the most awesome camera ever.

There is the photograph, there is the video, and now there is the 'living picture.' The software that comes with the Lytro allows you to change the focus of the photo after you have taken it. You can also alter the photo in 3D, a feature they call 'Perspective Shift.' I can't even begin to explain what it is like so you'll have to see it for yourself in the demo on Lytro's website. You can also use the software to make Instagram-like effects on your photos.

The photos you can take with it are not entirely unique, but being able to be a complete amateur and still take very artistic photos is what is amazing.

If you didn't know what to get someone for Christmas, or what to ask for, this would likely make your list. The only drawback is that awesome doesn't come cheap, though it is not cripplingly expensive. The 'Red Hot' Lytro will run you $499 and the other models cost $399.

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