Autofocus on 3G S - how?

[Drumjim85]

So i noticed in the online demo that when you select an area to focus on, it zooms in and out to get it in focus. Which makes me think that there is a moving lens in the iPhone 3G S.

I was wondering if the autofocus is just a software thing, or if there are actual moving parts.

(i searched for this and found nothing)

 

[Knolly]

Yes, there are moving parts, that's how focus works. It has to have a moving lens in order to change the focus distance.

 

[Lint Labs]

liquid lens?

There are a couple technologies where you apply a current to change the shape of the lens material (like the liquid lenses that got a lot of attention a year or two ago), so there is no mechanical movement, but I don't think those have been used in any consumer products yet. I think if Apple was using a liquid lens they would have made a big deal about it.

Would be cool though.