<<<Is stitching the future of photography? >>>
The answer is no. At least it's not the answer for LF photography. Stitching is a digital gimmick that has become quite viable now that the technology is here. I used to regularly make panos with my dSLR and Pano Tools, an incredibly complex German software program. The results can sometimes be amazing, as long as you take care in the processing of the image. Google "Max Lyons" and take a look at some of the most beautiful landscapes you've ever seen. He is a wizard with this type of work.
However, if someone is into LF photography just for that end result, I think they're missing the point.
The beauty of LF is in the art of the process, from finding your viewpoint, setting up the camera and fine-tuning your movements and focus, to bringing your film home to develop and print it. It slows you down, it's a way of life...it lets you smell the roses, which is so unfortunately a quality that is missing from many lives today. LF is most definitely an art that is ultimately more satisfying for me than shooting digi-panos.
Just caring about the end result is like saying, "Why should I go fly-fishing when I can go down to the market and buy a fish?"
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