All articles tagged with #optical zoom
Advancements in projector technology, particularly from XGIMI's Horizon 20 series, now include optical zoom and lens shifting, significantly improving image quality and placement flexibility without relying on digital correction, making projectors more practical and accessible for home use.
A rumor suggests the iPhone 17 Pro will feature an 8x optical zoom with a new Pro camera app, a second physical camera control button, and design updates like a centered logo and copper color, though skepticism is advised due to the source.
Rumors suggest the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max will feature significant camera upgrades, including an 8x optical zoom, a new camera control button, and an updated pro camera app, potentially making them more appealing for content creators. However, these details are unconfirmed and should be taken with caution until official announcements in September.
The iPhone 17 Pro is expected to feature significant camera upgrades, including up to 8x optical zoom, a new Pro Camera app with professional controls, and an additional Camera Control button, potentially making it the most advanced photography phone yet.
The iPhone 17 Pro may feature an 8x optical zoom, a new Pro version of the Camera app, and an additional camera control button, continuing Apple's focus on advanced photography features, though these rumors are unconfirmed and based on an anonymous tipster.
Apple is rumored to bring the 5x optical zoom feature, currently exclusive to the iPhone 15 Pro Max, to both the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max. This advanced camera upgrade is expected to be made accessible to more users in the Pro series. The iPhone 16 Pro is also rumored to feature a larger 6.3-inch display compared to its predecessor. The iPhone 16 series is expected to be unveiled in September.
Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has reiterated that both the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max will feature Apple's tetraprism Telephoto lens with improved zoom capabilities, addressing previous limitations due to space constraints and production yield. The size increase of the iPhone 16 Pro to 6.3 inches allows for more space for camera hardware, and it remains unclear if Apple plans to make further improvements to the tetraprism lens in 2024.
The new iPhone 15 Pro Max features a 5X zoom lens, but its usability is questionable. While it performs decently in excellent lighting conditions, it is largely unusable in other scenarios. The optical zoom, equivalent to around 120mm, is a nice addition but may not meet the expectations of professional photographers.
The upcoming Galaxy S24 Ultra is rumored to feature a 5x optical zoom camera, a downgrade from its predecessor's 10x zoom, but it could improve the overall video recording experience. The switch will allow seamless video recording between all cameras, even in 4K 60fps mode, which is currently not possible on high-end Samsung phones. The combination of a higher resolution sensor and a more capable telephoto camera could still deliver similar optical quality and improved photos and videos in low-light conditions.
The iPhone 15 lineup has introduced some new features, but Android phones still have the edge in certain areas. Android phones offer faster USB-C charging speeds, with some reaching up to 210W compared to the iPhone's 27W. Android phones also have better optical zoom capabilities, with the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra offering up to 10x optical zoom compared to the iPhone 15 Pro Max's 5x. Android phones also allow for multiple actions with a single physical button, while the iPhone 15 only allows for one assigned action. Additionally, Android phones typically have higher refresh rates on their displays, with even budget-friendly options offering at least 90Hz compared to the iPhone's 60Hz. While the iPhone 15 has made improvements, there is still room for Apple to catch up to its Android counterparts.
Phones with periscope cameras, such as the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra, offer significant advantages in smartphone photography. Periscope lenses use a sequence of lenses and mirrors to bend light at a 90-degree angle, allowing for a longer lens to be fitted inside the phone without significantly increasing its thickness. These cameras provide optical zoom capabilities, enabling users to capture clear and detailed photos even at a distance. They are particularly beneficial for city dwellers, allowing them to appreciate architectural details and capture moments that might otherwise be missed. Periscope cameras also enhance regular photography by enabling better cropping and producing high-quality portrait mode shots.
Apple has provided three reasons for not offering 10x optical zoom on the iPhone 15 Pro Max. Firstly, they argue that 10x zoom is an unusual focal length that is rarely used in photography. Secondly, stabilizing a 10x zoom lens is challenging without a tripod. Lastly, Apple emphasizes that limiting the zoom to 5x allows for a larger aperture lens, resulting in better light management compared to competitors.
Apple's VP of camera software engineering, Jon McCormack, explained in an interview that the iPhone 15 Pro Max's 5x optical zoom is limited compared to Samsung's Galaxy S23 Ultra's 10x zoom due to better stabilization and light management. The iPhone's telephoto lens features advanced stabilization technology, making it easier to use without a tripod. Additionally, the iPhone's 5x lens has a wider aperture, allowing for better low-light performance. The iPhone 15 Pro Max is the only model with 5x optical zoom, while the iPhone 15 Pro has 3x zoom. Apple plans to expand the tetraprism lens system to both iPhone 16 Pro models next year.
Ming-Chi Kuo, a reliable analyst, predicts that the periscope lens will be the standout feature of the iPhone 15 Pro Max, offering a significant improvement in optical zoom capabilities. The lens, folded inside the phone's body, directs light to the image sensor through prisms, extending the focal length. The iPhone 15 Pro Max is expected to have a 6x optical zoom, compared to the current 3x on the iPhone 14 Pro Max. Kuo also forecasts a 70% increase in shipments of iPhone periscope lenses in the second half of 2024. Largan, the sole supplier of the periscope lens, is expected to benefit from this trend.
Rumors suggest that the upcoming Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra may feature a 5x optical zoom telephoto lens, which would be an upgrade from the current 3x optical zoom lens. This would make it the first device to have this feature since the Note 20 Ultra. However, previous rumors suggested that Samsung may drop the 3x telephoto lens in favor of a continuous zoom lens. The S24 series is also rumored to have a 144Hz refresh rate display and the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 mobile platform. Samsung is expected to launch the Galaxy S24 series in early 2024.