Best-in-class smartphones are now measured not only by their classic flagship capabilities, but also by their capacity to deliver the perfect picture frame or video every time.
Imaging has long been a key item in consumers’ smartphone purchasing criteria. The year 2023 will be a year in which important trends in the field of smartphone imaging technologies will come to the fore.
As part of their collaboration to bring professional photography standards to the smartphone world, vivo and ZEISS, which have made significant breakthroughs in optics, hardware and software for three years, draw attention to the new mobile imaging trends expected this year and the features that users should pay attention to when making their choices.
Perfect shots even in low light conditions
While getting perfect shots in low-light conditions can be a challenge for smartphone cameras, success has become more possible with the significant advances made in recent years. 1-inch sensor imaging systems today deliver impressive results even in difficult lighting conditions.
1-inch sensors are disrupting the industry, helping to bring more light to the sensor and resulting in an improved signal-to-noise ratio. vivo and ZEISS predict that these sensors, one of the highlights in 2023, will raise the bar in mobile imaging to a whole new level.
On the other hand, Oliver Schindelbeck, Senior Smartphone Technology Manager for Consumer Products at ZEISS, explains that they have seen a trend towards larger and more lens elements in the industry over the years, emphasizing that today it is not enough to use plastic lens elements to obtain the best possible image quality.
Noting that it is now common to include similar glass lens elements in professional photography equipment, Schindelbeck states that by combining high-end glass material with high-end plastics, they improve overall image quality and significantly reduce unwanted effects such as ghost resolution images, stray light and chromatic aberrations.
Image processing now comes to the fore as an important factor when shooting in low-light conditions. Existing algorithms not only provide quality image post processing, but also open up new possibilities for image capture and scene analysis.
With algorithms and behind-the-scenes computational photography, relatively small glass elements and sensors can be overcome. Landscape detection and especially noise reduction stand out as two important features that benefit users who want to take spectacular night shots.
For example, an upgraded HDR algorithm is integrated into vivo’s flagship models to further optimize image tones. As a more recent development in imaging, flagship models today use special chips that combine high energy efficiency with the ability to run more powerful algorithms that greatly improve low-light shooting results.
artistic image design
Portrait shots will always be popular as emotional memories to be remembered in the future, beyond just being a photograph. At this point, it can be said that the area where mobile imaging devices make the real difference is portrait shots.
People now want crystal-clear images, as well as devices that will help them bring out their best artistic skills, take perfect portraits that they can keep as keepsakes or share on social media. vivo and ZEISS have achieved remarkable success here as well.
For example, lens flares, which are generally undesirable when they appear in photographs uncontrollably, can actually add a completely artistic look and feel to the photograph in some cases.
A special mode can create a distinctive lens flare look in stills that people usually see in many classic movies. This effect can be displayed prominently when there is a strong light source in the frame or in the background.
More real and more natural photos
When it comes to professional imaging, the classic 50-millimeter photographic lens should not be overlooked, according to vivo and ZEISS.
Since the field of view of the 50 millimeter lens is close to the field of view of the human eye, this lens allows for natural-looking portraits to be taken. This lens also allows you to shoot the subject from a reasonable distance of 1 to 2 meters.
Thus, since the camera is not brought too close to them, people do not feel nervous, they can act and appear more naturally and comfortably. The 50-millimeter lens also, with the right aperture, can deliver excellent quality even in low-light conditions, which is often the weakest point of many lenses.
The screens of vivo smartphones, along with the sensors of the camera, undergo extensive calibration processes so that consumers can fully see the high quality of the images and videos that the cameras can capture. Thus, users can view the photos captured by the lens with their true colors on the screen.
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