If you can get a microlens array infront of that 48MP imager, you can have the light field camera you seek.

Right. I don’t need a 48MP image but a 48MP sensor behind a depth of field image would be pretty useful.

The thing about people taking pictures is they interrupt the flow of a live experience. My ex specifically bought a digital camera with a quiet boot up (low noise focus motor) so she could get shots of our friends before they knew she was taking pictures.

Being able to take the shot and work on focal length later would be less disruptive.