Smartphone cameras today are of very high quality and can be an alternative to a specialized camera if there are no special requirements such as extremely high zoom. The SwitchLens system, which allows the use of different lenses, is currently available on Kickstarter at a reasonable price. Unlike lens kits, it does not use the smartphone’s sensor, but its own sensor.
More precisely, an IMX283 sensor is used, a 1-inch sensor with a resolution of just under 21 MP. The sensor supports an ISO value between 50 and 25,600, and the exposure time can be set between 1/8000 and ten seconds. The system weighs 170 grams including battery. It is also possible to use a large microSD memory card. An IMX472 sensor can also be installed instead for an additional cost.
Different interchangeable lenses are available. For example, a pancake lens with a focal length of 27 millimeters is offered and a night vision camera with an aperture of F0.95 is also available, as well as a fisheye lens and a wide-angle lens with a focal length of 12 and 7.5 millimeters. Compatibility with Micro Four Thirds lenses from other manufacturers is a matter of course.
The camera system is not equipped with a screen; it is the smartphone connected by WiFi which acts as a screen. Wireless data transmission up to 10 meters is supported, which opens up further application possibilities. Images can be saved in RAW format.
A price of at least $199 plus shipping is currently listed on Kickstarter, but only the case is included. The usual but significant financial risks of crowdfunding campaigns apply.
