Oppo has published a short video that teases a new sort of smartphone camera architecture. The “self-developed retractable camera” of the corporation is shown extending from the phone’s body before withdrawing within. The Verge reported that the mechanism appears to be waterproof, with the camera retracting automatically if the phone is dropped, according to the video.
Moving the camera back and forth on the Z-axis, unlike pop-up selfie cameras that hide themselves inside a phone until needed, could have ramifications for image quality, though Oppo hasn’t asserted anything about any optical advantages of this design. Given that it’s listed simply as 50mm, it doesn’t appear to be a zoom lens, but it may theoretically assist increase telephoto performance.
A swivelling top module, slide-up snappers, a 10x lossless zoom lens, and under-screen selfiecams are among the camera innovations we’ve seen from Oppo in the past. Though details are scarce, this new breakthrough may provide mobile photographers with more zoom range while keeping the device relatively flat in the pocket when not in use.
The sensor is 1/1.56 inch, and the lens is 50mm-equivalent with an f/2.4 aperture, indicating that it should be about 2x longer than the phone’s main lens, according to the marks on the camera module. That’s a considerably larger sensor than you’ll find behind telephoto lenses, so the extra height provided by the retraction mechanism may be the reason.
As seen in the video, there is still a camera hump on the back of the phone, so we’re not sure how much benefit a retractable camera system can provide. For those concerned that it might be harmed or wet, the manufacturer claims that it is water-resistant and that when the phone detects that it is falling, the camera will retract to prevent catastrophic damage.
Oppo is releasing this film ahead of its annual Inno Day event, which takes place next week and allows the business to demonstrate numerous concepts and technologies before they are widely available. A rollable phone and augmented reality glasses were exhibited at last year’s event. Oppo is holding Inno Day over two days this year, on December 14th and 15th.
