You may be wondering what exactly true optical zoom means, and how it compares to current smartphone tech. So, let’s find out what it’s all about.
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(Pocket-lint) – Sony’s flagship Xperia 1 IV smartphone is packed with incredible features, one of the most exciting among them is the first true optical zoom lens to be found on a smartphone. But, you may be wondering what exactly true optical zoom means, and how it compares to current smartphone tech. So, let’s dig in and find out what it’s all about. How zooming works on most smartphones
Most smartphones have fixed focal length cameras. In traditional photography, these are known as prime lenses and are often used due to their excellent image quality and affordability when compared with premium zoom lenses. Photographic zoom lenses are also typically larger and heavier than prime lenses, but you might not have to carry as many lenses with you, so there’s a tradeoff in practicality. In phones, fixed lenses make the most sense due to the size constraints. No one wants an L-shaped phone with a massive lens hanging off the back, after all. So, to get around the limitations of fixed focal lengths, smartphone manufacturers did the equivalent of what a lot of photographers do, filling their bags with prime lenses of different lengths. Of course, in the phone realm, this means having a camera array with (typically) an ultra-wide, normal and telephoto camera.
