DSLR means Digital Single Lens Reflex. A system of combined mirrors allow shooting and zooming by fixed or interchangeable lenses. The digital cameras of a lifetime are DSLRs and now Xiaomi wants something similar.
A camera with a single sensor and gigantic variable zoom
The patent and the leaks make it clear that Xiaomi wants to stand out in the photographic section. He has already shown that he knows how to do things well in terms of brute force and that he is getting more and more points in software treatment. one of his upcoming smartphones could arrive with a simplified camera.
The term simplified would refer to the number of sensors, not to the overall complexity of the camera. This would have a main sensor only and a system of mirrors to be able to implement a variable zoom.
That is, the device would have a zoom system similar to that of the compact cameras: A series of concentric rings change the focal length with a different optical and true zoom at each point. Xiaomi, with this system, would end the digital zoom at any point of the increase.
Samsung already tried something similar
You must not think that this is the first time we see something like this. Samsung released a few years ago the Galaxy KZoom, a compact camera with a “big” screen, Android, and the features of a phone. The zoom and camera quality stood out, although it was too thick and heavy to become the users’ favorite smartphone.
Technology has come a long way since then, so now Xiaomi could implement a much more advanced system. usable on a daily basis. Even so, a smartphone like the one proposed in the patent could have a fairly considerable hump due to the camera module.
Whether or not it will arrive is a complete unknown. At the moment we only have some leaks, rumors and an officially filed patent. We will have to wait to see if it becomes a reality. Would you like to see something like this? Do you think it would be smartphone with the best camera on the market?