A $500 “nano-camera” that can operate at the speed of light has been developed by researchers in the MIT Media Lab. The camera is based on “Time of Flight” technology like that used in Microsoft’s recently launched second-generation Kinect device, in which the location of objects is calculated by how long it takes a light signal to reflect off a surface and return to the sensor. 

3D image capture is becoming increasingly commonplace. Whether you’re scanning an object for your 3D printer, tooling around with your Iron Man inspired computer interface or stepping in front of the camera for some next-gen gaming, you’re likely pretty grateful for 3D imaging tech. But what we now consider the cutting edge of 3D camera tech has just been left in the dust by the brilliant minds at MIT.