Aside from a few exceptions, most smartphone cameras usually zoom digitally or with a couple of optical zooms presets. That could change soon, as LG Innotek has revealed its new Optical Telephoto Zoom Camera Module.
When utilizing digital zoom on a smartphone or a basic point-and-shoot camera, you are simply enlarging the image’s pixels in the center; so, the more one zooms in, the blurrier the photo will become.
Optical Telephoto Modules
Some smartphones feature individual optical telephoto modules, each with a different focal length.
These enable more detailed pictures than digital zooms, however, users must opt for the preset focal lengths instead of zooming back and forth seamlessly. Moreover, installing multiple modules consumes space that could have been used for a greater battery capacity.
Magnification Range
To alleviate those limitations, LG created the Optical Telephoto Zoom Camera Module, which is integrated into the phone’s rear side. This module gives users 4 to 9 times optical zoom magnification continuously.
Zoom-Lens-Style
It does this like a proper zoom lens, by precisely positioning the lens in increments of one-thousandth of a millimeter (a micrometer).
Optical Image Stabilizer
Furthermore, the module has an Optical Image Stabilizer for reducing blur in photos taken with longer focal lengths. Unlike digital image stabilization, optical image stabilizing results in sharper images since it deals with camera shake by slightly zooming into the picture.
Camera Bump
Moreover, the new module is supposed to be slim enough so that it won’t create a “camera bump” on smartphones with it installed.
Other Features
LG Innotek is cooperating with Qualcomm Technologies to create software for the Optical Telephoto Zoom Camera Module, including features like
- automatic focusing
- automatic exposure
- automatic white balance
- Correcting lens shadows
It is uncertain when this technology will be included in smartphones purchasable by consumers.