Smartphone Maker Oppo Teases Retro-Styled Retractable Camera Lens GA S REGULAR Menu Lifewire Tech for Humans Newsletter! Search Close GO News > Phones

Smartphone Maker Oppo Teases Retro-Styled Retractable Camera Lens

It’s both water-resistant and fall-resistant

By Lawrence Bonk Lawrence Bonk News Reporter Florida State University Lawrence Bonk is a tech news reporter for Lifewire, specializing in gaming, AI, VR, and consumer tech, including iOS, macOS, wearables, and more. lifewire's editorial guidelines Published on December 8, 2021 02:14PM EST Fact checked by Jerri Ledford Fact checked by Jerri Ledford Western Kentucky University Gulf Coast Community College Jerri L. Ledford has been writing, editing, and fact-checking tech stories since 1994. Her work has appeared in Computerworld, PC Magazine, Information Today, and many others. lifewire's fact checking process Tweet Share Email Tweet Share Email Phones Mobile Phones Internet & Security Computers & Tablets Smart Life Home Theater & Entertainment Software & Apps Social Media Streaming Gaming If you are tired of reading about megapixel upticks and other digital camera buzz words, you may be ready for a blast from the past, a physical retractable lens. Chinese smartphone manufacturer Oppo has teased a nifty-looking retractable camera lens that should start appearing in the company’s future device releases, according to a Tweet and accompanying video. Oppo "Most pop-ups are annoying, but not our self-developed retractable camera,” the company wrote. Actual details are scant, but the video shows a retractable camera lens that activates with the push of a virtual button and looks to be water-resistant and shock-resistant. As a matter of fact, the company shows off the phone being dropped from quite a height with the camera elongated, which may indicate it can survive some serious real-world conditions. Additionally, a close-up shot of the camera indicates that the sensor is sized at 1/1.56-inches, features an aperture of f/2.4, and a full-frame equivalent focal length of 50mm. The housing of the retractable camera also looks to be twice the size of each of the remaining non-retractable cameras. Retractable lenses have long been popular with dedicated single-purpose cameras, thanks to the ability to have a larger aperture which increases light input and, as such, overall image quality. Smartphones have, until recently, shied away from retractable lenses for security reasons and to keep the phone as slim as possible. More details will be revealed at Oppo’s Inno World event on December 14. Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day Subscribe Tell us why! Other Not enough details Hard to understand Submit More from Lifewire How to Clean a Camera Lens The 6 Best Waterproof Cameras of 2022 Samsung Galaxy A Phones: What You Need to Know Samsung Galaxy S Phones: What You Need to Know The Next Google Event: News, Rumors, and Announcements The 9 Best Waterproof Phone Cases of 2022 Clean Fungus From Your Camera Lens The 8 Best Wi-Fi Cameras of 2022 DSLR Camera Basics: Understanding Focal Length Samsung Galaxy S10 Review: A Truly Elite, Premium Smartphone How to Get Sand Out of Your Camera Lens The 8 Best OtterBox Cases of 2022 OnePlus 8T Review: Spotty Cameras Hold Back This Speedy Beast Is the Galaxy Watch 4 Waterproof? Is the Galaxy Z Flip 3 Waterproof? Is the iPhone 13 Waterproof? Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookies Settings Accept All Cookies