Rumors about the iPhone 5 are getting more rampant by the day and yet, Apple is not even acknowledging that an iPhone 5 will hit the stores soon. There were some recent rumors, in the form of a video, about a leaked chassis design of the iPhone. That confirmed all the other rumors like a larger screen, a centrally placed front camera, the smaller connector dock, etc. However, the speculators have gone a step further and claimed that the iPhone 5 will feature a detachable camera.
Competition from Galaxy SIII and HTC One
If Apple has to succeed with the new iPhone, they will have to go up against the heavy duty and sensor loaded features of the Samsung Galaxy SIII. The other opponent facing Apple is the less formidable, but the no less HTC one, with excellent photographic capabilities. A 12-megapixel camera for the iPhone 5 seems to be the order of the day with other attractive features to take on the Galaxy SIII.
Removable Lenses for Serious Photography
For someone who is considering serious photography, removable lenses seem to be the only option considering camera lenses can be equipped with very little optical zoom and other photographic features. Sony Ericsson probably has the best camera phones till the HTC One was introduced and if Apple has to be a notch above that, some serious photography gear seems to be the only option left for it.
Patent for a New Camera
A reliable source on the iPhone5 quoted that Apple has filed for patents with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office for a mobile camera that had an option of replacing lenses. If this is true, then photography enthusiasts will have something to look forward to.
The patent included a schematic for an iPhone like device which has options for a camera with different lens options. Although the back panel was removed, the insides of the phone were still distinguishable.
Lens to Be Coupled with the Back Cover
According to the patent application, the authorization was being applied for a back panel that could be removed and replaced as easily as you do with a phone. This back panel was not connected to the imaging subsystem. It is supposed to hold the lens in a definitive place, similar to a SLR camera where you can remove and replace the lenses.
Not So Simple as It Sounds
According to experts, this is very difficult to implement, especially in mobile phones. The imaging subsystem is enclosed within the case, preventing direct access to the imaging system and the primary lens. So, the supplementary enhancing lens must be accurately aligned in order to perform up to standards. It should be in line with the image sensor, or risk producing low quality images.
Raising the Bar without Compromising on Functionality
At the end of the day, the iPhone 5 is a phone and should be able to function as a phone. There is no point in compromising this aspect of the device to incorporate new and advanced features into it. So, it will be interesting to see how Apple’s engineers incorporate the removable lens feature, without affecting its overall functionality as a smartphone.
