Dual Camera iPhone 7 Plus Could Offer 'DSLR-Like' Quality, 3D Depth Mapping

[MacRumors]

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.

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.

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.

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

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

 

[voyagerd]

Now if the laws of physics could enable us to have optical zoom the same as a 400mm lens on a phone, I'd be set.

 

[goobot]

Why do I need to get a phone that's way too big for me in order to get the improved camera?

 

[magicschoolbus]

meh, new cameras on iPhones never really excite me.. and i never purchase a new phone because it has a better camera.

 

[cwwilson]

This is gonna be interesting.

 

[AppleWarMachine]

oh course it looks better...comparing it to an iPhone 5 and 5s

 

[MattXDA]

Crispy Bacon

 

[japjoe7]

So friggin annoying...why are they comparing to the 5s instead of the a new 6s. Probably because there is not much of a noticeable difference.

 

[MikhailT]

Noise reduction is a huge problem with the 6/6s cameras, something iPhone 5S is better at. The samples used here is on iPhone 5S as well, so that means the next iPhone camera with LinX features will be the biggest improvement in image quality in many years, assuming Apple didn't do anything else to mess it up.

 

[Glassed Silver]

If I see the words "SLR[-like] quality" and "phone" in one sentence one more time...

That's some of the biggest PR bull ever and most of the media outlets chime right in.

Glassed Silver:mac

 

[citysnaps]

Why do I need to get a phone that's way too big for me in order to get the improved camera?

Because the improved camera module is too large for the smaller phone's case.

 

[MikhailT]

So friggin annoying...why are they comparing to the 5s instead of the a new 6s. Probably because there is not much of a noticeable difference.

Because these PDFs were made at the time when iPhone 5S was the newest model and right before Apple bought the company out. Since Apple bought the company, you can bet no further public information is allowed.

And iPhone 6s is definitely worse than iPhone 5S in noise reduction quality IMO.

Source: http://snapsnapsnap.photos/iphone-6s-camera-comparison/

 

[69Mustang]

The LinX tech looks great but how does it compare to what we already have in today's iPhones? Comparisons to the iP5 and 5S are dramatic but would the results look as drastic v the 6S or 6S+?

 

[japjoe7]

Because these PDFs were made at the time when iPhone 5S was the newest model and right before Apple bought the company out. Since Apple bought the company, you can bet no further public information is allowed.

And iPhone 6s is definitely worse than iPhone 5S in noise reduction quality IMO.

Source: http://snapsnapsnap.photos/iphone-6s-camera-comparison/

Hmmm, sounds reasonable. I'm going to test noise with my wifes 5s tonight against my 6s plus

 

[shanson27]

Boring, only for the plus version

 

[Dydegu]

1. Apple needs to give us some native photography modes: aperture priority, shutter priority, etc. The world's most popular camera doesn't offer its users much to learn more about how to take great pictures.

2. With improved low light capability, the whole anti-recording at concerts/shows crowd isn't going to be too happy.

 

[MH01]

Great to see improvements in image quality, though SLR like.... Yeah, you cannot fool physics even with marketing lingo .

 

[AyeKay15]

In the words of Daniel Bryan, YES YES YES YES YES YES!!!! Thank you Apple, I love you so much

 

[1Zach1]

Nice post, but I feel as though it's a wasted effort for something that won't be on the 7, 7+ or any 7 variation.

 

[AyeKay15]

Boring, only for the plus version

Nice post, but I feel as though it's a wasted effort for something that won't be on the 7.

It's fine dude, who cares? Just save up an extra $100 for the Plus.

 

[DevNull0]

If I see the words "SLR[-like] quality" and "phone" in one sentence one more time...

That some of the biggest PR bull ever and most of the media outlets chime right in.

The best part is when the idiots who fall for that PR see my pictures (shot with a D90 from 2008) and ask me where I got them printed because they came out so much sharper than their iPhone prints.

But then you have people in the photo forum here who insist their iPhone is as good as an SLR and show side-by-side pics under ideal lighting to prove it. When you suggest they try shooting in dimmer light or compare crops so you can really see sharpness at print resolution, they never seem to notice those posts.

 

[MacRum2011]

just wish there was a manual focus because auto focus is absolutely ridiculous at times.

 

[I4u]

So friggin annoying...why are they comparing to the 5s instead of the a new 6s. Probably because there is not much of a noticeable difference.

-- This is an older picture when LInx were in acquisition by apple.
[doublepost=1453920438][/doublepost]

oh course it looks better...comparing it to an iPhone 5 and 5s

This is an older picture when LInx was in acquisition by apple.

 

[Popeye206]

Well.... looks like a drastically improved camera is on the way.... Sweet.

 

[DevNull0]

Nice post, but I feel as though it's a wasted effort for something that won't be on the 7.

So if its for a product you don't have any interest in, it's a wasted effort? Lots of people will buy a 7+ and enjoy this feature. If you're not one of them, that's your problem, not Apple's or the 7+ users.

By your logic, it's wasted effort for Apple to make a phone at all because it won't run OSX. Or it's wasted effort for a Ferrari to have a powerful engine because it won't be on a Ford Focus.

Here's a hint, there are more people on this planet that you, and more usage cases than yours.