Tech Talk Week #3 - Topic No.1 - Periscope Lens

[Foxhound]

Hey guys! So today's talk is about a new Innovation in mobile photography is Periscope lens!

• What are Periscope lens?!

So a periscope is usually used in submarines where the field of view is above water and parallel to the submarine. A Periscope lens is a set of two 45° lens angled at both the end so the combination of 2 of those forms a 90° Angle or an L shaped tunnel

The 1st Periscope Lense of s20 Ultra

• Why are Periscope lens used in mobile cameras?!

Mainly zooming requires optical lens movement. So as in traditional cameras, the lens move backwards and forward, however, the sleek form factor of a phone does not allow so much space. This is because there needs to be more gap between the sensor and lens elements to move vertically and create the optical zoom range, which is not possible in the cramped space of a smartphone.

Using a periscope lens settlement lets mobile phone makers arrange the lens and sensor in such a way that lens element have more space to move, thereby extending the zoom range significantly.

This is achieved by using an L-shaped tunnel as discussed before. The back end has a rectangular opening for collecting light which then falls on a prism. 

The rectangular opening of s20 Ultra

The prism bends the light at 90-degree which then passes through the lens elements and then falls on the sensor where it is processed.

This setup enebles the folded mini lens to obtain a high-quality zoom magnification while using the camera. 

• Limitations of a periscope lens

Light a important factor while considering photography. The light which is reflected in sensor help the mobile to processes images. A Periscope camera is designed in a way to be accommodated sideways. This setup requires more ways and passage for the light to hit the sensor. The light has to travel a grater distance hence resulting in some loss of quality. However Samsung uses advanced AI to enhance the image and make it crisp!!

Here is an example how a periscope lens did wonder to capture amazing image even at a distance of over 2 Kms

The fort at a distanceof 2.1 kms (Notice the temple at extreme left!!)

The temple visible at 100x zoom

[Ramudutv]

Good

[B_Sensarma]

Great arrangement! But for 100X, the hand needs to remain rock steady and there has to be sufficient light on the object. Is there any image processing for those as well?

[ilpjohpophiphihpiphi]

Good