Samsung announces ultra-slim 5X Optical zoom camera module

Samsung Electro-Mechanics commenced its sojourn in the camera module market in 2003 and since then, the division has been developing camera modules for dual (OIS) cameras. The company has now announced that it has developed a flat, ultra-slim camera module capable of delivering 5x optical zoom. The device is even ready to meet with us as mass production will reportedly commence this month.
 
Since OPPO released the Reno smartphone with 10X hybrid zoom capability, the feature seems to be gaining ground. Huawei included a 5x optical zoom-capable camera sensor on the P30 Pro. It is common to get 2x optical zoom with a telephoto lens as found on most smartphones but ramping up the zoom to 5x requires some bit of engineering and that isn’t something to challenge Samsung. We must add, though, that Samsung recently acquired Corephotonics, the same company that worked with Oppo on optical zoom lenses. This may have played a role in the swiftness with which the technology is entering mass production.
 
Talking about the features, the module is barely 5mm thick, giving it a thinner build than most of the 2x zoom lenses that are in the market presently. The technology is no different from those of OPPO or Huawei. It still involves the use of a periscope design housing several mirrors that are used to reflect light sideways to keep things slim.
 
Samsung may likely be selling the camera module to other OEMs in the near future but may want to use it on its model first. Thus, the Galaxy Note 10 or any of the mid-range Galaxy series could launch bearing the 5x optical zoom periscope lens.

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