In just 6 or 7 years we have seen digital cameras evolve from rather primitive 1-megapixel devices to12+ megapixel wonders, capable of capturing a level of detail and realism never seen before. There is no doubt that digital photography is continuing to change rapidly, and will continue to do so over the next 16 years. So what will cameras be like in 2020? Tom Wujec, author and futurist, offered his predictions in a keynote speech at the PhotoPlus Expo on Thursday.

Using Moore's Law and considering the rate of advancement over the past several years, Wujec believes that digital cameras in 2020 will be capable of capturing 10-gigapixel images that take up 100-gigabytes of storage each. Memory cards will need to be several terabytes in size to accommodate the enormous photos. "It's going to happen," Wujec said. He also described lenses of the future as being either liquid or plenoptic. Plenoptic lenses would be capable of capturing 3-deminsional data, and allow users to shoot first and focus later.

Wujec also pointed out some contemporary developments that may have an important influence on the future of digital photography. These include greater use of the internet, automation of work flow, diversification of photographic services, and the ever-improving usability of photographic equipment.

During his speech, Wujec took the opportunity to announce his new project, called Studio 2020, which will collect ideas from people in the photo industry.