Have you ever wondered why most smartphones often come equipped with two different types of zoom cameras: the telephoto camera and the periscope camera? While their purposes may seem similar, there are distinct differences in their design, capabilities, and image quality. Let’s explore the characteristics of each type of camera and why both are included in smartphones.
Telephoto Camera
A telephoto camera in a smartphone has a longer focal length compared to the primary camera. This enables it to capture images of objects that are farther away without sacrificing image quality.
Now, if you’re confused about what the term focal length means, simply put, it is a term used in photography to describe how much a camera lens can zoom in or zoom out. It’s like a pair of magical glasses for your camera that lets you see things closer or farther away.
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Shorter focal lengths are like wide-angle lenses that capture a lot of the scene in one shot, like a big group photo. Longer focal lengths are like telephoto lenses that bring faraway things up close, like getting a close-up of a bird in a tree.
Telephoto lenses use a narrow angle of view to magnify the subject, making it appear closer even from a distance. These lenses typically have a focal length greater than the standard or wide-angle lens on a smartphone, usually around 50mm or higher.
Telephoto cameras are useful for capturing portrait shots or zooming in on distant subjects while maintaining image quality. For example, the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra features a telephoto camera with a 70mm focal length, providing 3x optical zoom. Some smartphones even include multiple telephoto lenses for even greater zoom capabilities.
Periscope Camera
A periscope camera, also known as a periscope telephoto camera, is a specialized type of telephoto camera that uses a unique arrangement of lenses and mirrors to achieve an even longer focal length without increasing the phone’s thickness.
Instead of using a long lens that extends outward, the periscope telephoto camera uses a set of small lenses and mirrors arranged perpendicular to the main camera sensor. This arrangement allows for an extended focal length and greater zoom capabilities without adding bulk to the device.
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Periscope telephoto cameras are commonly found in high-end smartphones and are capable of more advanced zoom features. For example, the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra boasts a periscope telephoto camera with a 230mm focal length, enabling 10x optical zoom. However, extreme digital zoom beyond this point may compromise image quality.
Why Then Do We Need The Two Zoom Cameras?
As mentioned above, the main distinction between a regular telephoto camera and a periscope camera lies in their physical design and zoom capabilities. A regular telephoto camera achieves zoom by using a longer lens, whereas a periscope camera employs an arrangement of lenses and mirrors for extended zoom without added bulk. Both types of cameras help capture better images of distant subjects, but the periscope camera is designed for more powerful zoom capabilities.
Which Zoom Camera is Better?
The choice between a regular telephoto camera and a periscope camera depends on various factors, including the specific implementation of each camera, sensor quality, image processing, and software algorithms.
Generally, a regular telephoto camera may produce higher-quality images when zooming in slightly, thanks to its larger lens. However, a periscope telephoto camera can outperform a regular telephoto camera in terms of image quality when zooming in extensively, as it can achieve a longer focal length without compromising image quality.
Both types of cameras are capable of excellent image quality, and the decision on which one is better depends on individual needs and usage scenarios. While periscope cameras offer greater zoom capabilities, regular telephoto cameras may be preferable for users seeking optimal image quality for moderate zoom levels.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the inclusion of both telephoto and periscope cameras in smartphones provides users with versatile zoom options for capturing high-quality images of distant subjects. The choice between the two depends on the desired zoom range and image quality considerations.
