TL; DR
A new patent indicates that Samsung is working on a camera design for smartphones. A portable camera system will allow for multiple aperture values. It is not known if Samsung will use this system on a consumer smartphone.
It looks like Samsung is working on a new mobile camera design for smartphones that could allow for a variable aperture.
The design was revealed in a recently published patent (h/t LetsGoDigital). The camera assembly, in its standard configuration, is located horizontally on the back of the smartphone. However, the cameras in this grid can also move around to form a triangle. The main camera is located in the middle and can move down from its original position. At the same time, an ultra-wide camera and a telephoto camera are located on the left and right sides of the matrix and can move inwards.
Each camera sensor has two holes, and each of these holes has a different aperture. So, in theory, changing the position of the sensors changes the aperture of the cameras. When the cameras are in their triangular configuration, each one will be set to its lowest aperture. Since cameras have two end positions, this indicates that only two aperture values are available for each camera. The figure above adds some context to this system.
Samsung Mobile Camera System: Downsides
This portable camera system has many advantages. Lower aperture values allow more light to enter the camera, which improves low-light photography.
see also: Understanding the aperture – what it is and how it affects the image quality?
There are also a lot of downsides. Moving parts present more potential points of failure. This is especially scary, given that these parts are said to be related to the exact components of the phone’s camera. The hardware needed to power the camera system will likely weigh on the phone as well.
Samsung’s electromechanics department is responsible for the patent, which it filed in October 2020. However, it is not yet clear if Samsung plans to use this system in a future phone. The company has been experimenting with phones with a variable aperture, including the Galaxy Note 9 and Galaxy S10 Plus. He is also no stranger to moving cameras. Galaxy A80 has an elegant camera system.
This is just a patent, however, that does not confirm that Samsung is considering such a system for a smartphone out of the box in the future. However, what do you think of the design? Let us know in the comments below.
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