Samsung’s latest S24 smartphone lineup has stirred a wave of discussion, especially regarding the decision to swap the 10x prime lens for a 5x optical module. Initially, speculation arose that Samsung might compensate for the reduced magnification using AI wizardry. However, the reality is surprisingly straightforward—it’s a simple crop!
The Galaxy S24 Ultra, renowned for its 10x prime lens, now boasts a 5x optical lens, reducing the focal length to approximately 120mm. Yet, the ability to achieve the same coverage, equivalent to a 230mm lens on a conventional 35mm system, has not vanished. Contrary to misconceptions, Samsung has opted for a basic crop rather than relying on advanced AI techniques or resampling.
In the unveiling video, titled “The Artful Awakening,” set against the backdrop of the Louvre Museum, Samsung showcases the S24 Ultra’s capabilities. However, there seems to be some confusion in the accompanying text, as it inaccurately refers to “5x Optical Zoom and 10X Optical Quality Zoom,” misleadingly implying zoom capabilities. In reality, the S24 Ultra incorporates four distinct cameras with focal lengths ranging from 13mm to 111mm, achieving the desired coverage through a simple crop.It’s a simple crop!
It’s a simple crop!
The key revelation lies in Samsung’s approach to achieve the previous 10x coverage using the new 50MP module. The video explains that the camera captures 50MP images with the 5x optical zoom lens, followed by a center crop on the screen to create a flawless 12MP image without compromising quality.
This method, although aided by some AI refinement, echoes a traditional photographic technique—cropping. Analog APS (Advanced Photo System) cameras, introduced in 1996, employed a similar concept by cropping areas of the image in-camera to create different aspect ratios.
Drawing parallels to Nikon DSLR cameras with DX and FX formats, Samsung’s use of a 50MP sensor facilitates this crop-based focal length extension. The S24 Ultra’s 1/2.6″ sensor surpasses the 1/3.52″ sensor used in the previous 10x lens, resulting in a straightforward crop of the central area, producing 12.5MP images.
While Samsung warns of potential image deterioration beyond 10x zoom, the incorporation of a 5x optical lens, a 50MP sensor, and various enhancements positions the Galaxy S24 Ultra as a compelling option for photography enthusiasts. The real-world performance of the new 5x camera module awaits testing, but the versatile lens system, covering focal lengths from 16mm to 230mm, presents a comprehensive solution for both photographers and videographers.
Beyond photography, the S24 Ultra introduces the “Instant Slow-Mo” feature, allowing videos to be viewed at a slower frame rate, even those not originally shot in slow motion. Videographers can also benefit from filming 8K videos with optical 5x zoom, thanks to the 200MP and 50MP cameras.
The S24 Ultra’s video capabilities extend to recording 4K 60fps videos using any of its cameras, including the selfie camera. Samsung incorporates advanced technologies, such as Quad Pixel Autofocus for the 50MP telephoto camera, promising faster autofocus speeds and more reliable focusing in both horizontal and vertical directions.
In addition to these imaging features, the S24 Ultra offers Samsung’s updated Nightography and new AI-driven editing options for both photography and video. If the device lives up to Samsung’s promises, the Galaxy S24 Ultra may well retain its title as the “most versatile smartphone camera.”
The innovative approach taken by Samsung with the S24 Ultra’s 5x lens showcases a clever use of technology to deliver a 10x effect. Through strategic cropping, the device manages to emulate the performance of a 10x lens, offering users a versatile and powerful imaging experience. This blend of optical ingenuity and digital optimization reinforces the smartphone’s position as a cutting-edge device in the realm of mobile photography. As users explore the capabilities of the S24 Ultra, they can appreciate how Samsung has ingeniously harnessed cropping techniques to maximize the potential of its 5x lens.