TL; PhD
- A new patent shows that Samsung is developing a removable camera design for smartphones.
- The movable camera system will enable multiple aperture values.
- It is not clear whether Samsung will use the system on consumer-oriented smartphones.
Samsung is clearly developing a new movable camera design for smartphones that can achieve a variable aperture.
The design was exposed in a recently published article patent (HT LetsGoDigital). The camera array in the standard setting is placed horizontally on the back of the smartphone. However, the cameras in this array can also be moved to form a triangle. The main camera is in the middle and can be moved down from its original position. At the same time, the ultra-wide-angle camera and the telephoto camera reside on the left and right sides of the array and can move inward.
Each camera sensor has two openings, and each opening has a different aperture. Therefore, in theory, changing the position of the sensor will change the camera’s aperture. When the cameras are arranged in a triangle, each camera will be set at the lowest aperture. Since the cameras have two final positions, this means that only two aperture values are available for each camera. The picture above adds some context to the system.
Samsung’s removable camera system: disadvantages
This movable camera system has many advantages. A larger aperture (represented by a lower f-number) allows more light to enter the camera, which should improve low-light photography.
You can also take a look: Know the aperture-what is it and how does it affect image quality?
There are also quite a few shortcomings. Moving parts introduce more possible points of failure. This is especially frightening considering that these components will be associated with the sophisticated camera components of the mobile phone. The hardware required to drive the camera system can also make the phone heavier.
The Samsung Electro-Mechanics Department is responsible for the patent and will submit the patent in October 2020. Nevertheless, it is unclear whether Samsung is considering using the system in future mobile phones. The company has experimented with variable aperture phones in the past, including the Galaxy Note 9 and Galaxy S10 Plus. Mobile cameras are no stranger. Galaxy A80 is equipped with a beautiful flip camera system.
However, this is only a patent and does not confirm that Samsung is planning such a system for future consumer-ready smartphones. However, what do you think of this design? Please let us know in the comments below.
Next: Make sure you understand these important photography terms