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Dual Camera iPhone 7 Plus Could Offer 'DSLR-Like' Quality, 3D Depth Mapping
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You do know that internal components are shrinking in size with every passing day, right?
Yes. And that's why we probably won't see this in a smaller form at first but will eventually.
If we can have two cameras, why not two batteries, or *gasp* maybe just one battery that is bigger and lasts longer?
Well actually, it's not as simple as that is it? A larger phone, with a larger screen, needs a larger battery, so there's certainly not a one to one correlation between screen size increase and available space inside the shell.
You're also assuming that this new camera will be significantly bigger than the standard type, when the whole point is making a camera that improves quality while staying tiny.
Now the camera may indeed be a little bigger than a normal one, and there may indeed be spare space in the bigger phone that there isn't in the smaller one, but whether these two factors are true to the extent that Apple couldn't get the new camera in the smaller phone and maintain a decent quality, who knows?
I don't know, and I doubt you know either. I'm guessing they could and have chosen not to (assuming the rumours are accurate), you may guess otherwise if you wish, though I suspect your lack of inclination to believe that Apple might put profit ahead of concern for what certain amongst us would like speaks of a little naivety on your part.
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Earlier today, reputable KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo said the iPhone 7 Plus will likely have a dual-lens camera system based on technology Apple acquired from LinX Imaging. The new hardware could lead to some significant improvements in camera quality on Apple's next flagship smartphone.
LinX's multi-aperture cameras pack impressive image quality in a smaller size than single aperture cameras, meaning the iPhone 7 Plus may lack a protruding camera lens and be able to take SLR-quality photos -- think Canon or Nikon. The camera modules are also capable of very interesting technology called 3D depth mapping and more.
We previously provided an in-depth look at LinX's camera modules after Apple acquired the company, but it is worth recapping some of the major advantages of their technology, given today's iPhone 7 Plus rumor.
Noise Reduction
The images captured by the LinX camera are brighter and clearer, with significantly reduced noise levels, compared to smartphone cameras. Available detail when zoomed into a photo was also much greater, as can be seen in the comparison below. View this PDF for more side-by-side image comparisons.
![linxlownoise-800x424.jpg]()
Improved Indoor Photos
In the photo below, the image was taken in mid-levels of light, at approximately 40 to 50 lux, similar to a decently well-lit room in a house or restaurant. The LinX sensor let in more light than the iPhone 5 or the Samsung Galaxy S4, for a photo that is clearer and sharper with less noise.
![indoor40luxlightinglinx-800x405.jpg]()
Improved Low Light Photos
LinX technology is able to significantly improve low light performance by using multiple channels to increase the sensitivity of the camera for better detail. It also keeps exposure times short to cut down on the motion blurring that can impact photo quality in conditions where lighting is not optimal.
![linxlowlighting1lux-800x210.jpg]()
LinX technology doesn't have to compromise between pixel size and resolution, as it can use small pixels but still let in adequate amounts of light.
3D Depth Mapping
![linxpointmapping-800x519.jpg]()
LinX's multi-aperture cameras can create detailed depth maps of objects. With depth information on a per-pixel basis along with RGB information, LinX cameras can create 3D point clouds of objects from a single frame or a complete 3D model by combining several frames captured from different angles.
3D depth mapping has a number of useful applications, including 3D scanning of objects, sizing of objects, background removal and replacement and gesture recognition. The depth maps also allow for improved refocusing; by knowing the depth at every pixel, the feature allows for a synthetic blur to be applied that emulates a shallow depth.
Benefits Overview
- Better color accuracy and uniformity
- HDR - higher dynamic range
- UHDR - ultra high dynamic range
- Low noise levels
- Higher resolution
- Low module costs
- No Autofocus for modules of up to 20MP
- Zero shutter lag
- Small size allows for slim devices and edge-to-edge displays
Read A Look at LinX Camera Technology for more details about the dual camera systems.
Article Link: Dual Camera iPhone 7 Plus Could Offer 'DSLR-Like' Quality, 3D Depth Mapping
Interesting using 2 lenses and 2 sensors. I ask why not 1 lens with 2, even 3 sensors? Video cameras have done this for a very long time. Maybe lack of space in the ever skinnier cases.
Could be a deciding factor for me on whether to upgrade or not. Can't see them limiting it to just the Plus versions or else all hell would break loose.
I believe they might put profit first. I know they do put profit first. I just don't see this as being one of those times. Maybe eventually they'll add in some feature that only the Plus has, and I hope they do, and keep one great feature that makes sense for the bigger size. Right now, it's just battery and screen.
I am just glad i saved my upgrade. The 7 should be an awesome device. Still wonder why there not a native 360 degree camera app
Important takeaway: Better cameras can take better quality photos.
I'm a photographer and hearing that it could prouduce DSLR quality photos in an iPhone is just cringeworthy.
Yes, it would be incredible to have that capability, and an upgraded camera is only a good thing. But comparing it to DSLR is just plain marketing crap.
But it is nowhere near close to 35mm frame sensors, Song A7S lowlight capabilities, colour accuracy, megapixel count, lens options etc.
I am keen to see what Apple does come up with if this actually becomes a reality.
Yes, it would be incredible to have that capability, and an upgraded camera is only a good thing. But comparing it to DSLR is just plain marketing crap.
But it is nowhere near close to 35mm frame sensors, Song A7S lowlight capabilities, colour accuracy, megapixel count, lens options etc.
I am keen to see what Apple does come up with if this actually becomes a reality.
Now now. Let's not go wanting something that should be perfectly reasonable. You have to wait until Apple tells you that a bigger battery is now a possible.
No thanks. The battery in my 6+ lasts two days.
I'd much rather have a more capable camera.