What is Periscope Lens in mobile camera ? How it works ? Oppo Reno 10 Pro Plus Camera having Periscope Lens .. how it works ?

What is Periscope Lens in mobile camera ? How it works ? 

The periscope lens in a mobile camera is an innovative optical technology designed to provide smartphones with enhanced zoom capabilities without compromising on the device's slim profile. It works on the principle of utilizing a periscope-like arrangement of mirrors and lenses to extend the optical path, allowing for greater magnification without physically increasing the thickness of the phone.

Here's how the periscope lens works:

1. Traditional Lens Limitations:

Standard smartphone lenses have limited physical space inside the phone, which restricts the extent of optical zoom they can achieve. Increasing optical zoom would require a larger lens or more focal length, making the phone thicker, which is not ideal for slim and sleek designs.

2. Periscope Design:

To overcome this limitation, manufacturers employ a periscope-like design, inspired by the periscopes used in submarines. This design uses a set of mirrors to redirect light and create an extended optical path within the phone.

3. Light Reflection:

When you activate the zoom feature on your smartphone camera, the periscope lens system engages. Light from the scene you are photographing enters the primary lens as usual. However, instead of passing through the lens and reaching the camera sensor directly, the light encounters a series of mirrors.

4. Mirror Arrangement:

These mirrors inside the phone are strategically positioned to reflect the light at specific angles. By bouncing the light around, the periscope lens effectively extends the distance the light travels inside the phone while keeping the phone's thickness unchanged.

5. Longer Focal Length:

The extended optical path allows for a longer focal length, which results in higher magnification. In practical terms, this means your smartphone can achieve significant zoom levels, such as 5x, 10x, or even more, without adding bulk to the device.

6. Image Stabilization:

Since longer focal lengths can make images more susceptible to motion blur caused by hand movements, modern smartphones often incorporate image stabilization technologies to counteract this effect. Optical image stabilization (OIS) or other stabilization methods help ensure sharper images even at high magnification.

7. Zoom Quality:

While periscope lenses do enable impressive zoom capabilities, it's essential to note that the image quality may not be the same as that achieved through the primary lens. Zoomed images can suffer from reduced clarity and detail compared to regular shots taken with the main lens.

In summary, the periscope lens in a mobile camera is an ingenious solution that allows for powerful optical zoom without compromising the slim design of modern smartphones. By using mirrors to extend the optical path, periscope lenses have brought significant advancements in smartphone photography, making it possible to capture distant subjects with greater clarity and detail.