There have been so many rumors about the iPhone 5 camera. Recently, some Chinese blogger created a sensation by leaking a so called prototype of the iPhone 5 (shown later in this post) that showed two cameras in the back. Supposedly, the two cameras work together to produce a 3d effect. But, Apple was quick to quell those rumors and that blogger. But, several other sites have been saying that the iPhone 5 camera will have 3d capabilities and some other special characteristics. Let us take a closer look at the whole story behind the iPhone 5 camera.
Where are the rumors about the iPhone 5 camera originating from?
The rumors that the iPhone 5 camera is going to have 3d capabilities are largely based on assumptions that were made that Apple is investing heavily into developing 3d technology for the iPhone 5. Apple has been filing several patents in the 3d niche. We don’t think that Apple would develop a 3d camera for the iPad. The Mac is also ruled out. So, the only possible candidate that will receive the benefits of those 3d patents will be the iPhone 5. This is what has led to many rumors about the 3d capabilities of the iPhone 3d camera.
Are there any devices that are already using 3d cameras like the 3d iPhone 5 camera that is supposed to come out?
Yes, this might surprise you but the fact of the matter is that there are a couple of devices that are already capable of capturing 3D video. One such device is the EVO 3D. The EVO 3D was introduced at the CTIA wireless event in 2011. It created a lot of hype. The other device that is capable of 3d camera capabilities is the Nintendo 3DS. The Nintendo 3DS uses two cameras to capture a 3d image. Supposedly, one camera uses a different depth to capture an image while the other camera also uses a different depth. Then, the software and hardware will process that image, giving you a 3d picture or at least a picture with the 3d effect.
If this technology is being applied to the iPhone 5 camera, the Chinese blogger could have indeed leaked a true image of the iPhone 5 camera, with a dual lens setup.
Will the iPhone 5 camera feature 3d capabilities?
A Chinese blogger released a leaked image of the iPhone 5, showing that the prototype has two cameras. The two cameras will take pictures at different depths that will then be processed by the iPhone, to produce an image with a 3d effect
This is the big question and we are not sure about what to tell you. We think that there is only a 40% chance that the iPhone 5 camera will have 3d capabilities. We think that the possibility is low because a 3D camera places an undue strain on the eye. Even the manufacturers of the Nintendo 3DS have warned several users to take breaks if they are going to be using the 3d camera for extensive periods of time.
The jury is still out on the whole 3d concept. We have seen several people massage their eyes after they have watched a 3d movie and we have done it ourselves. While it is fun for a while, it quickly becomes an annoyance when the eyes begin to hurt.
For this reason, we think that the iPhone 5 camera will not have 3d capabilities. But, who really knows? It could be that the 3D iPhone 5 camera will actually be what sets the iPhone 5 apart from the iPhone 4S, apart from other features such a a bigger screen, NFC technology and so on.
Would you like 3D capabilities in the iPhone 5 camera? Let us know with your comments.
Apart from a 3D camera, the iPhone 5 could also have other exciting new features such as 4G LTE support, a larger screen and maybe even a Qwerty keyboard. Check out the latest information on iPhone 5 specs here.