Chinese smartphone giant Oppo has announced multiple new camera innovation technologies at its event today. The upgrades are primarily around smartphone camera sensors, modules and algorithms. Oppo stated that it has been focusing on self-development and optimisation of underlying imaging technologies in order to enable users to “capture the beauty in life with ease”. Among the newly-announced camera innovation are Oppo’s new RGBW sensor, 5-200mm Continuous Optical Zoom, Five-axis OIS technology, and next-generation under-screen camera with a series of proprietary AI algorithms. Let’s take a look at the new camera innovation tech announced at the Oppo event.

Oppo’s next-generation RGBW sensor

RGBW sensors aren’t new – back in 2015. Earlier, Huawei P8 introduced the sub-pixel formation to smartphones. However, this new sensor will enhance light sensitivity with improved colour performance. The sensor does so by introducing additional white sub-pixels, DTI technology, and Oppo’s self-developed 4-in-1 pixel algorithm.

Oppo showcases multiple camera innovations for smartphones — Image Source: Oppo

As a result, the new sensor allows for 60 per cent more light to be captured than previous sensors. All the while achieving an up to 35 per cent reduction in noise to deliver much clearer and brighter images in low-light conditions. The next-generation RGBW sensor is also able to make portraits more expressive in both photo and video. It will do so by enhancements to skin, texture, and contrast. The new sensor will be commercially released in Oppo products from Q4 2021.

OPPO’s continuous optical zoom

Oppo unveiled its new 85-200mm Continuous Optical Zoom module, which adopts the glass + plastic (G + P) technology. It will use two ultra-thin, high-precision aspheric glass lenses to boost optical effects, including but not limited to minimizing stray light. The module also features a tunnel magnetoresistance sensor (TMR sensor). It allows the lenses within the camera module to move with increased stability and precision. Additionally, an upgraded guiding shaft motor increases the dynamic tilt in which the lens system can be moved, supporting continuous optical zoom at higher magnifications.

Five-axis optical image stabilisation (OIS)

OPPO’s new system will shift the sensor itself when the amplitude of the movement exceeds a threshold. It will do so with the five-axis system including horizontal shifting (x), vertical shifting (y), and rolling – together with algorithm compensation. It delivers a maximum stabilization angle of ±3°, which is three times greater than traditional OIS tech on smartphones.

Moreover, Oppo claims that it’s five-axis OIS offers three times better stabilisation than traditional tech on mobile phones. It can help significantly improve stability, clarity, and colour performance; increasing the vibration compensation performance by up to 65% in night and motion shots, the company added.

Oppo under-screen camera tech and algorithm

Lastly, the company also introduced its new under-screen camera tech. It uses transparent wiring and a new design to offer a much finer display quality with a smoother visual experience. Oppo claims that the new algorithmic compensation tech precisely controls the chromaticity and brightness of the entire screen, with a deviation of only about 2% and an improved screen lifespan of up to 50%.

In addition to this, the company’s research team has also developed a series of imaging AI algorithms. These include diffraction reduction, anti-condensation, HDR, and Automatic White Balance (AWB). The algorithms claim to optimise the imaging quality of the under-screen camera.

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