If you look at the specifications of some high-end phones, you may have seen a Periscope lens. The periscope lens provides optical zoom similar to the telephoto lens. So, a lot of people ask what is periscope camera in smartphones and how it works. In this guide, I will explain the periscope lens, how it works, and how it improves the smartphone camera experience.
A periscope lens is a type of telephoto lens that uses a lens system arranged similarly to a periscope to provide better optical zoom capabilities. Normally telephoto cameras offer 2X or 3X optical zoom. However, periscopic cameras typically offer 5X or 10X zoom. Another key advantage of using a Periscope lens over a Telephoto lens is its space-saving design. So, it allows smartphones to achieve impressive zoom without making it bulky.
A telephoto lens system uses multiple lens elements to achieve a longer effective focal length. When you zoom in, the element in the camera moves to change the effective focal length. But this adjustment makes a big camera bump. There is also a limit on how big a camera bump could be. So, you cannot achieve better optical zoom using a telephoto lens. A periscope lens was introduced to achieve better optical zoom without making the camera bump bigger. Now let’s discuss how the Periscope lens works.
What is a Periscope Lens?
A periscope lens uses lenses and mirrors in a way that redirects light to achieve a longer optical path. Light enters the lens and gets reflected using mirrors or prisms to reach the camera sensor from a different adage using a longer path. With longer focal lengths, periscope lenses can offer better optical quality. This design also helps in maintaining a slim profile on smartphones.
The periscope-like configuration helps the smartphone achieve better zoom capabilities without needing a bulky lens. Smartphone companies like Samsung, Huawei, and Xiaomi are using periscope lens technology to provide better optical zoom capabilities in their smartphones.
Although the Periscopic lens adds better optical zoom capability, it also has certain limitations. The limited space inside the smartphone prevents the lens array from moving too much. So, there is still a fixed limit of optical zoom the smartphone can get. It also doesn’t let you zoom in or out as freely as in a zoom lens. Due to the higher focal length, the field of view is narrowed, and it uses a smaller aperture. So images with the periscopic camera are not as good as the primary camera.
Wrap Ip
As I have already explained the periscope camera system helps smartphones achieve greater optical zoom capabilities without needing to make it bulky. This is the reason modern flagship phones are using it. Apple also added a periscope lens in o{hone 15 Pro Max to provide 5x optical zoom.
