Emma Okonji
Leading industry research analysts along with global experts in the field of optical imaging technology have shed light on what the smartphone industry can expect in 2022 with respect to mobile cameras, during a webinar titled “Global Mobile Camera Trends 2022: Innovation Talk”.
The global experts include TECNO, Samsung Electronics and DXOMARK and Counterpoint.
Discussions focused on how camera systems are evolving, and how they have become critical for Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) as consumers place increasing importance on image capture.
Innovations such as the combination of quality image sensors and advanced software algorithms, light sensitivity, image and video stabilization, and continuous lossless zoom have been highlighted by these industry players as Mobile camera trends to continue in the coming year.
The webinar was organised by leading technology research firm Counterpoint, with speakers from TECNO, a global smartphone brand focusing on rapid-growth in emerging markets; Samsung Electronics, a global leader in semiconductor, telecommunication, digital media and digital convergence technologies; and DXOMARK, an internationally renowned testing agency specializing in cameras, audio, displays, and batteries for consumer electronics.
Hosted by Counterpoint Research, its Vice President in charge of Research, Peter Richardson, joined otter speakers likeTarun Pathak, Hervé Macudzinski, Pan Xuebao, and Jimmy Hsu, to share their insights on camera innovation, market trends, and the latest developments in imaging technology.
Tarun Pathak, research director for smartphones at Counterpoint, highlighted that burgeoning mid-end smartphones across both developed and emerging markets like Africa, Latin America and India will help form factors of quad-cameras and above to dominate. Mr. Pathak also sees “the combination of quality image sensors and advanced software algorithms allowing brands to deliver great imaging experiences across all smartphone price points.”
Image Science Director and Product Owner of DXOMARK, Hervé Macudzinski, observed that smartphones would help bring DSLR capture quality and pro photographer’s skills into the hands of consumers. Further, he sees low-light imaging as a priority for devices in the highly competitive $400-$600 price bands – where significant improvements can be made.
Samsung Electronics’ VP and Head of Research and Development, Pan Xuebao, said: “We are close to the point where smartphone brands can now deliver DSLR-grade photography in the hands of customers.” He mentioned Samsung’s Tetra and Nona technology is bringing great performance across both bright and low light conditions by providing a bigger canvas to capture more light, while allowing smaller pixels for higher definition. Speed is also prioritized, with ISOCELL bringing faster autofocus capabilities.”
Senior Product Manager of TECNO Image Technology, Jimmy Hsu, mentioned that demand for more diverse features and personalization could drive demand for ToF (time of flight) and DVS (dynamic vision sensor), which would help smartphone cameras rival and outperform specialized cameras. TECNO already focuses on personalization, with advances in dark complexion imaging aimed at users across key markets in Africa, India and other regions, with Hsu highlighting recent achievements and breakthroughs regarding light sensitivity, image and video stabilization, zoom and high-resolution – powered by technologies such as RGBW and G+P, Sensor Shift and telescopic lenses.
