With the introduction of the zoom function in mobile phone cameras, the periscope module has become the standard, especially for flagship models. However, one challenge manufacturers face is the increase in the weight and thickness of the phone body at a time fans lookout for lightweight and thin smartphones. To mitigate this challenge, Chinese image sensor manufacturer O-Film has unveiled its latest periscope lens module for smartphones that is just 5.9 mm thick.

The model isn’t just compact, it also offers continuous zoom instead of being locked at a specific focal length like what obtains on current periscopes. The modules are said to be capable of smoothly transitioning between 85mm and 170mm (in 35mm equivalent) while the lens aperture simultaneously changes from f/3.1 to f/5.1.

Further, the new O-Film module will provide 3x to 7x magnification compared to a typical wide camera. The company claims that it can also manufacture periscope designs with 3-5x, 5-8x and 3.5-9.5x zoom ranges. There is a piezoelectric motor onboard which smoothly and accurately drives a 3-lens assembly alongside the autofocus mechanism forward and back to reach the desired focal length.

The Continuous zoom feature is said to offer higher quality images at different levels. The feature also adds to the usefulness of the periscopes as current designs with 5x magnification limit you to shooting only faraway objects.

In addition, the new module also has a prism which is deployed for Optical Image Stabilization (OIS). We hope to see this module gets adopted on a smartphone soon.

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