Xiaomi Shows Off Leica Lens Clip-On Concept That Turns Phones Into Cameras
Consumer electronics manufacturer Xiaomi has just released a concept device that turns smartphones into fully-functional high-end ‘Leica’ cameras.
The idea comes as a solution for the 12S Ultra released in June. While the phone features Leica-capable functions, they might not entirely match up to using a real Leica.
So what’s the next fix if you don’t want to lug a huge camera around? Attach it to the back of your phone, it appears.
The demo video, released by Xiaomi, imagines a one-inch, 50.3-megapixel sensor that takes up residence in the middle of the camera island. The sensor eliminates the need for a cutout to be made into the phone for a swappable lens port. In addition, light will be sent straight to the sensor for it to work.
A large circular sapphire glass has been employed to shield the sensor. This allows the user to switch it with different Leica M lenses.
Supporting it is a camera app that gives access to zebra lines, histograms, focus peaking, and other tools photographers will need.
To attach it, you would need to unscrew the protection ring. Then, using an adapter, mount the Leica M lens onto it. The company chose to use the Leica Summilux-M 35mm f/1.4 ASPH.
A team member has tested the experimental device, which looks like a thin DSLR with a lens attached to it from its side.
Phone📱? Camera📷? BOTH!
— Agatha Tang (@aggasaurus) November 2, 2022
What would you classify this as? #Xiaomi12SUltraConcept pic.twitter.com/uzJVzifou4
Unfortunately, the demo ends before Xiaomi can say whether the phone will hit the market. But as the 12s Ultra only saw 10 handsets being made due to exorbitant costs (reportedly, it takes US$41,210 to make a unit), one might be afraid to see the retail price of this remarkable and unusual variation.
[via Engadget and GSMArena.com, images via Xiaomi / Weibo]
