Xiaomi demonstrated an interesting new cameraphone concept in this year’s MWC in Barcelona, Spain. Although it reminds of previous efforts from other manufacturers, Xiaomi’s approach is fundamentally different. For example, Sony tried to use an external lens controlled by an Xperia smartphone.
The main advantage of Xiaomi’s concept is that it uses the ISP of the smartphone, so it is done on all post-processing devices. Phones and lenses are connected to nanoseconds via Xiaomi -owned laserlinks and data transfer. The transfer rate is 10 GBPS.
The lens connects a modified Xiaomi 15, which is similar to the Magsaefe on iPhones with QI2 magnets. The module in the place is rather clearly, however, as is to be in the accurate correct position, and you have to align it with two pin on the back. A gentle “snap” tells you that you are in the right place, but it is somewhat subtle, so we will always have to double-check when the lens is attached. Another way to find out is – an icon on the visualization of the camera. You know that you are successfully connected.
Since Xiaomi 15 is a small and some thin device, the heavy 100-gram lens makes the entire setup a bit strange, and of course you cannot use it with a case.
Overall, the purposeful is surprisingly good. It does not feel almost like a concept. There is no gap, and it is easy to switch between other cameras and modular lenses. Talking about other cameras, since the lens is very stretched, it is in the way of ultravide camera, so you can see its share in your photos.
The outer lens only draws electricity directly from the smartphone when it is activated. Once you switch to another camera, it stops. The defect is that it takes one or two seconds to launch, which can sometimes spend you a great shot.
The lens itself claims impressive glasses. It has a 100MP light fusion X Micro Four Third Sensor, which is larger than a 1 -inch type sensor, which has some Android flagship phone used, including Xiaomi 15 Ultra. It also provides a crop factor of 2x for a 50 mm equivalent. The sensor uses quad-bining, so native photos are revealed in 25MP resolution.
The sensor is paired with a 35 mm lens with a aperture from f/1.4 to F/11. There is also a manual focus ring, but the shutter speed can only be adjusted through the pro camera mode.
Controlling modular lenses
Interestingly, the entire module is built in the house with no third side. It includes lenses. Xiaomi does not deny potential leica participation, when the prototype is ready to be produced on a large scale, but for now, Xiaomi is keeping everything low at home.
Xiaomi did not share any plan to make it a ready -made product, so do not stop their breath.
