All articles tagged with #optical zoom
A leaker claims two telephoto features may be exclusive to the iPhone 18 Pro Max, including 6x optical zoom and an advanced five-refraction prism tech, with the Pro possibly offering 5x–6x zoom; the variable-aperture main camera may also be Pro Max-only, though the evidence is uncertain and reports vary.
Insta360's Luna Ultra debuts as a premium gimbal camera with dual sensors, 3x optical zoom, 8K/30p or 4K/120p video, Dolby Vision and I-Log, plus a removable wireless display for remote framing; it has 47GB onboard storage expandable via microSD, about four hours of battery, and starts at $770, positioning it as a strong competitor to DJI's Osmo Pocket 4P and signaling the start of a new gimbal-camera race.
Sandmarc launches a Tetraprism 72mm lens that adds 3x optical magnification to the iPhone 17 Pro's built‑in tetraprism telephoto, delivering up to 24x zoom (12x at 48MP; 24x at 24MP); requires a third‑party camera app, compatible with iPhone 16 Pro/Max and 15 Pro Max; weighs 180g; pricing $299 for the 72mm lens (and $249 for the 48mm).
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.