Apple are looking into a concept that would give their iPhone users the option of replacing or reconfiguring their camera lens to get optimal photos, reports AppleInsider. The company have filed a new patent – Back Panel for a Portable Electronic Device with Different Camera Lens Options. The patent also included pictures of a device that looked like the iPhone with the camera situated in the top left corner of the handset.
iPhone 5 users may be able to swap lenses like on a DSLR
The notes filed alongside the patent state that due to the quality of images taken with compact devices increases so does the need for even more sophisticated features. Such as those that are typically seen only on top end digital cameras such as the DSLR models. These include supplementary lenses along with filters and optical zoom and image stabilization which are not usually included with devices that have multi-functions, such as phones which have a camera.
The iPhone at the moment has a pre-assembled digital imaging subsystem and of course new lenses cannot be added. There is also no room for filters or mounts. Therefore Apple are saying that it would be good if a compact device could allow the user to be able to reconfigure the device while at the same time keeping the many benefits of assembling the device with a pre-assembled digital imaging system. Apple’s solution to this would be a phone with the subsystem along with a lens that came with an optical axis. The back panel on the handset would be removable so that users could gain access to the digital imaging subsystem.
Another use for the system would be a close-up lens which would allow users to take extreme close ups. A lens baffle could also be used and this would increase the focal length of the system and reduce the field of view in the photo taken.
The filing of the patent is of particular note since it was Steve Jobs passion to reinvent photography in devices before he passed away. He told a biographer that cameras on phones were the one area that needed more pushing. Could this be something that will be on the iPhone 5 when it is eventually revealed? With the latest iPhone 5 rumors suggesting that an aluminum back panel that appears detachable, we wouldn’t be surprised if this interchangeable lens technology does end up on the iPhone 5.
