new HTC tech adds second lens to calculate subject distance

[lynnb]

HTC has added a second lens to their latest smartphone, which is used solely to calculate distance to subjects within the photo. See Engadget article here (scroll half way down to "duo camera" sub-heading).

Maybe this has potential for faster AF target acquisition, but also possibly of more interest, it could lead to more accurate software emulation of shallow DOF effects in small sensor digital cameras, and also in larger sensor cameras where a smaller aperture has been used.

Knowing the precise distance to multiple targets within the frame would allow different blur to be applied depending on distance from a selected focus point, for instance. This can be done in Photoshop now, but only with a fair amount of work, depending on what's in the frame and how far it is from the subject.

Imagine an X20 or GR Digital street shot taken in bright sunlight, with the DOF of a Summilux at widest aperture.

 

[Scrambler]

I have been thinking for a while that this is the future of coincident rangefinder cameras. Manual focus with overlay or AF. Optical hybrid VF per X100 but second sensor behind the RF window. Optional distance display and focus peaking, one frameline only, selectable coverage. And still true rangefinder focusing. And the option of AF with the electronics using RF albeit on a smaller base between primary and secondary sensors.

 

[dct]

+1 on that
similar thoughts since years when the discussion about 'saving a true RF. experience into digital' started.
The tech pieces are there...