Periscope Cameras and the Next Frontier in Smartphone Photography!

Ever wondered about why latest smartphones are adopting periscope cameras? If you have questions, you're in the right place! We will break down everything you need to know about periscope cameras in a simple and easy-to-understand way.

What is a Periscope Camera?

The periscope camera, also called the periscope zoom lens, got its name because it works similarly to the periscope used on submarines and ships. Just like a periscope uses mirrors or prisms to see above sea level, the periscope camera in smartphones uses a setup of mirrors or prisms to enhance zooming capabilities.

When you take a photo, light enters the camera and passes through the lens array, reaching the camera sensor. This setup helps smartphones achieve an extended zoom range, mimicking the periscope's functionality in a simple and effective way.

How Do Periscope Cameras Work?

Apple's approach to incorporating a periscope lens in their devices is not yet clear. Generally, this technology uses a prism or mirror to bend light onto the lens sensor, enabling magnification without the need for external, bulky zoom lenses like those found in traditional DSLR cameras.

What's interesting is that periscope lens technology has progressed so much that it can now be seamlessly integrated into the compact design of smartphones. These tiny lenses don't take up much space inside the phone either.

What Are The Benefits Of Periscope Cameras?

The periscope camera design in smartphones allows for a higher maximum optical zoom range compared to phones with a regular 2X telephoto camera. To achieve better optical zoom, the camera bump needs to be thicker. However, with periscope design, smartphone manufacturers can make longer tunnels without increasing the bump size, improving hybrid zoom output, which is much better than digitally zoomed images.

If a phone has a Periscope telephoto lens, it can offer a hybrid zoom range of 10X or even higher, depending on the tunnel length and lens arrangement. On the other hand, phones with vertically stacked fixed-range telephoto lenses are limited to a smaller optical and hybrid zoom range. Ultimately, the periscope design is what enables features like the impressive 100X space zoom on phones like the Galaxy S20 Ultra.