iPhone 5 to Resemble DSLR Camera as Apple Hints Changing Lenses in new Patent
The much awaited iPhone 5 may have a DSLR feature of changing the lenses based on the patent application filed by Apple last Thursday.
Since the new iPhone did not make any appearance in the recently concluded WWDC event, we all know that tech giant Apple has more time to work on its flagship phone. A recently filed patent application showed that consumers can expect a whole lot from the new handset.
There have been minimal speculations on iPhone 5's camera since most rumors focused on the screen size and retina display of the device. The new camera will include a digital imaging subsystem and an optical-axis lens covered by a removable back panel, which is a first for iPhone.
According to the application, "as the quality of digital images that can be obtained with highly compact devices increases, there is increasing demand for sophisticated features."
iPhone's camera system is usually encased within the device for protection, the company said in its patent that it would be "desirable to provide a structure for a compact device that allows the end user to reconfigure the optical arrangement of the device while retaining the benefits of assembling the device using a pre-assembled digital imaging subsystem."
This means that if the patent application pushes through, the device will allow users to open the back panel without disrupting the digital imaging subsystem to change the lens or take black and white photos at low light levels.
A potential camera feature that could be included in the device is a close-up lens that reduces the minimum focal distance, allowing extreme macro photography. According to the patent application, Apple could also be working in including better shutter speeds, providing better control of image exposure.
Apple already earned a patent earlier this month for its distinctive laptop teardrop design and the company also unveiled a patent for possible changes to be made on QuickTime player. As usual, the Cupertino-based company did not comment about the new iPhone 5 rumor and the patent application.
