Xiaomi Modular Optical System concept hands-on

26 February 2025
Although still a concept, it almost felt like a finished product.

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  • ?
  • Anonymous
  • t@S
  • 07 Mar 2025

S I R E, 06 Mar 2025Here you forget that most cameras that connect to the mothe... moreThis so called ‘100MP’ sensor is likely a variant of Sony’s existing 25MP sensor. It is a quad bayer sensor so it does everything that a regular 25MP sensor does but is capable of outputting image in higher resolution when necessary, such as when shooting in 2x digital zoom. Xiaomi seems to have perfected its demosaicking algorithms on 15 series so I would not worry about the final results potentially looking bad.

Just in case you are still concerned with pixel binning, I am here to inform you that quad bayer on micro four third sensor is not even new. According to DPreview, OM-1’s 20MP sensor is in fact 80MP 2x2 OCL quad bayer sensor always reading out in 20MP mode.

    Anonymous, 06 Mar 2025Hi, consider the following scenarios. 1. A camera has a ... moreYou summed up my point nicely but also made me realise SIRE's idea actually isn't bad either, since a camera module with a dedicated image processor ***with USB*** could indeed make it compatible (albeit limited) with non-Xiaomi phones, while achieving exactly what the LaserLink does on Xiaomi phones. I thought SIRE was somehow arguing that the point 2) or 3) would be the best solution, but I guess I've been assuming it wrong and that's definitely on me.

    Personally I wouldn't want to see myself connecting the module and a phone with a cable every time I use it, but at the same time, as long as it wouldn't affect what makes this concept special (Direct access to imaging pipeline on Xiaomi phones), I would totally understand if someone wishes this to be usable on other phones as well.

      senja, 07 Mar 2025Wtf? If anyone is annoying is you. They slap Leica brand... moreIf anyone is annoying... What? Complete your sentences.

      They cooperate with Leica? They use the name to boost marketing. Leica sells overpriced cameras for decades, if they just relied on filters, they'd be long gone. Hardware too is important which modern phones get mostly wrong with obscenely high pixel count, quad bayer pixel binning, over-processing, etc.

      Who ask for a USB port at the back when there is already one at the bottom?

      You're either drunk or too dumb.

        • s
        • senja
        • d@B
        • 07 Mar 2025

        hev.c, 05 Mar 2025I completely agree with you. This indeed doesn't reall... moreIt makes you look stupid agreeing with someone who is completely wrong...

        What he described has nothing to do with this concept. And imagine thinking that cheap cameras have better processing power than smartphone chips which are built on the latest technology. 🤣Not to mention little displays those cameras have...🤦‍♂️

          • s
          • senja
          • d@B
          • 07 Mar 2025

          S I R E, 06 Mar 2025You didn't offend anyone. You're annoying as hell... moreWtf? If anyone is annoying is you.

          They slap Leica brand on their phones, because they actualy cooperate with them...

          How would it look like to put a USB port on the back of the phone?🤦‍♂️

            • s
            • senja
            • d@B
            • 07 Mar 2025

            Anonymous, 05 Mar 2025Or just carry a camera like a normal person. You make it so... moreCameraman is not a normal person. You don't see normal people carrying a camera. This is not for photographers. It is for regular people.
            Regular people will not constantly put it on and off. Mobile phone camera will be enough most of the time.
            There will not be booting and connecting as you said. It is not wireless. It has direct contact. Mobile phone is always on anyway...

              YUKI93, 07 Mar 2025"...it is no more convenient than a pocket camera that... morePocket camera as in something like the RX100, not a smartphone.

                S I R E, 06 Mar 2025Here you forget that most cameras that connect to the mothe... more"...it is no more convenient than a pocket camera that will take undeniably better pictures."

                Actually, not really. I still got the QX30 with 30x optical zoom mechanism, and it still delivers better photo quality on long zooms than any smartphones of today, Xperia included. Maybe on short 1x-5x zoom you might see the smartphones has equal better or better photo quality, but that's about it.

                And yes, I still bring the QX30 everywhere. I still have no trouble using the QX30 on my phone.

                  • ?
                  • Anonymous
                  • t@S
                  • 06 Mar 2025

                  S I R E, 06 Mar 2025Here you forget that most cameras that connect to the mothe... moreHi, consider the following scenarios.

                  1. A camera has a soc to process image, connects via usb
                  2. A camera does not have a soc, connects via usb
                  3. A camera has a soc, connects via wifi
                  4. A camera does not have a soc, connects via proprietary solution

                  Let's look at their advantages and disadvantages one by one 🙂

                  1.
                  Pros: Fast transfer speed, advanced image processing accessible on Xiaomi phones via usb, can be used on phones from other brands
                  Cons: Extra energy consumption, only basic image processing on phones from other brands, durability concern with the usb cable and looks bad, costs more because of the soc

                  2.
                  Pros: None
                  Cons: As Nick said, Android cannot process streams of images provided by an external device. The api mentioned in your convo is designed for a video call and not for plugging in a dedicated camera and taking good photos with it. This is not a viable solution

                  3.
                  Pros: No cables dangling around so one less failure point, looks clean
                  Cons: Extra energy consumption, only basic image processing, slow transfer, costs more because of the soc

                  4.
                  Pros: Fast transfer speed, advanced image processing accessible on Xiaomi phones, no cables dangling around so one less failure point, looks clean, costs less
                  Cons: Cannot be used on phones from other brands

                  To summarize my point, you are arguing that 1. is the best because of the wide compatibility, whereas Nick is arguing 4. is better because it costs less and has no cable. Sony tried 3. and it was so bad that it discontinued the lineup, sad🙁

                  I think both of you have a point, but I dislike this whole concept of attaching a lens to turn a phone into a camera. While it is a unique concept, most people will not bother carrying a lens when they can get a nice looking photos with their phones without it. Having to use a cable for an accessory like this is inconvenient, but I hate it if it can be only used on Xiaomi phones and not others.

                  You guys are both agreeing one one thing, and that is this is an interesting concept but has too many problems having to be resolved first. So please stop fighting and make a peace😉

                    Nick Tegrataker, 06 Mar 2025"nobody ever says the processing on Xiaomi is what we ... moreI read the discussion you had, and your opinion makes more sense, and its also put more maturely.
                    Having a lens with a separate image processing, makes it a separate, bigger, non-versatile, single purpose camera, that only considers the phone as a 'mass storage' device, like Sony did. And this is wasteful of money, processing power and size also.
                    Rather, it's far better is to carry a mirrorless camera (with wifi for file transfers) with the phone, because portability is ruined anyways.

                    Hence, I agree 100%.
                    Sensor can be on the phone, there's also no need for a huge circular hole in the phone, it can be 2 or 4 arcs too on the corners, and a manual shutter for the sensor. In that case, phone covers can be used with clever designing with cutouts.
                    Phone's Waterproofing can be done, but might increase thickness.

                      Nick Tegrataker, 06 Mar 2025"nobody ever says the processing on Xiaomi is what we ... moreHere you forget that most cameras that connect to the motherboard use a MIPI CSI, CSI - Camera Serial Interface. There's not reason this cannot be physically connected via USB, Universal serial bus. Pretty much the same what Xiaomi did but run the physical connection though USB port instead running is through their proprietary solution.

                      And again, I'm not against the product but it's implementation.

                      Your far fetched assumptions have bounds do they.
                      Only thing you could think of was *maybe* the magnets need to stronger and that's where you left many things need to improve.

                      Funny part that makes nobody laugh, whatever available foitage I've seen captured on this thing via youtube channels, Mr Whosetheboss and such (I wouldn't consider him a proper techtuber since he is more of tech-influencer than a knowledgeable enthusiast, but anyway, point is it is a big channel with all the possible resources and professional camera people and editors pumping out end video) where the end result is over-sharpened and poorly over-processed mess. The video looks like the sharpness was dialled up to 200%.

                      You keep mentioning cost but there is no word about cost. Betting you metaphorical "coins" on an assumption that this would lower the cost is a bold move and one that I don't see happening.

                      Cameras in all levels of interest is an expensive market and everyone knows it. Camera accessories and even basic gear costs a fortune for often no reason but that it's a níche. This thing will never sell too many units because only people who are deep into smartphone photography would be interested, add that to the fact it has to be then someone who would trust Xiaomi in a segment where they don't have a name (at least not yet).

                      Smartphone SoCs are powerful but for a smartphone, they are not dedicated ISP chips used in serious cameras, so no they are not objectively better if they were, we'd see more digital cameras using them.

                      Also, I see you're too invested in defending this no matter how many flaws are presented. That's okay, you like it, you like it. Everything bouls down to when it comes out and at what price.

                      Just quit with the nonsense defensive arguments.

                      Sony failed with the QX series because people prefer light weight nature of phones I don't see this thing doing any different since once the module is added, it is no more convenient than a pocket camera that will take undeniably better pictures.

                      Even the sensor on this is weird, the size benefits are completely negates by the quad bayer pixel binning.

                        I think the concept has potential.

                        When you want to fit a big sensor, you also need a larger actual (measured) focal length. Otherwise, you'll just end up with super-wide angle pics.
                        This means the lens will have to be at least big if not huge, no option.

                        Considering these, it is quite possible to have a shuttered/covered APS or full frame sensor on the phone, and a huge lens or lens adaptor attached to it.
                        It can't be a DSLR though, mirrorless is the only way it can be.

                          S I R E, 06 Mar 2025You didn't offend anyone. You're annoying as hell... more"nobody ever says the processing on Xiaomi is what we need"
                          It has more to do with the objective fact that smartphone SoC would be faster and could run far more complex image processing than an image processor that these detachable camera modules would be able to pack inside. Not to mention, having a dedicated chip would drain the battery faster and cause the price to go up. Again, if that's the setup you want then maybe you should get Alice Camera instead.

                          "somehow the most universal connector available can't do something Xiaomi did"
                          If you're thinking about turning this into a USB-connected external camera with no image processor inside but rather relying on the phone to do all the processing, then you would face some huge issue - It wouldn't be able to access the computational resources as freely as Xiaomi's or any brands' first-party camera apps due to Android's limited support on externally attached cameras (https://source.android.com/docs/core/camera/external-usb-cameras), and don't forget how inconsistently the aforementioned API is implemented across Android phones.

                          I think there are numerous issues to be overcome with this concept, such as the strength of the magnet, possibly compromised waterproofing, and obviously, a bulk of the lens (It's small for a F1.4 MFT lens but it's still pretty chunky for most people).
                          Nevertheless, I find it exciting that we might see a true hybrid of dedicated camera hardware and advanced smartphone image processing in the next few years. Looking at how great-looking samples from their latest flagships look, at least I'm being optimistic about the quality of photos we would get from this type of camera.

                            Nick Tegrataker, 06 Mar 2025What did I even do to make you feel so offended? Take a dee... moreYou didn't offend anyone. You're annoying as hell though. Stating speculations as fact is extremely cringe.

                            You say all sorts of bs to justify a poorly implemented product.

                            Saying use of the Xiaomi photo processing is the whole point is weird when they have no recognition anywhere to anyone for their processing prowess. They make phones with good hardware since a couple years but nobody ever says the processing on Xiaomi is what we need. There's a reason why they slap on established camera and lens brands like Leica, Hasselblad, Etc on phones to entice people.

                            Xiaomi makes a grip accessory for the ultra phone already so integrating that in a case with a lens is no difficult task. It is bulky now and it'll be bulky then just with better grip.

                            And I don't know where you get the idea that somehow the most universal connector available can't do something Xiaomi did with whatever they came up with.

                            You are arguing for the sake of argument while stating any nonsense as fact, that's textbook definition of a unfounded bias.

                              [deleted post]What did I even do to make you feel so offended? Take a deep breath and drink some water before you type comments, that should calm you down a bit.

                                S I R E, 05 Mar 2025I can see it's a different approach and if you haven&#... more"for some reson the phones image processing is of the utmost importance"
                                Yes, that's the entire point. This approach would be able to use this module like how you use your phone camera, with its image processing and software features being consistent with that of the built-in cameras, which is also why I believe this kind of product is better off proprietary rather than being gimped for the sake of having universal compatibility.

                                "why not the USB C 3.2 Gen 2 port, it is 10 gigabit with about as low latency and low cost one can get while not leaving out wide compatibility"
                                While that could partially solve the compatibility issue, on non-Xiaomi phones, a USB accessory wouldn't have access to their image processing pipelines like their first-party camera apps would have, so it would have to resort to a separate app that would rely on (inconsistently implemented) Camera2API instead - So its usability would be significantly hampered either way if you don't own a Xiaomi phone. This approach would also force the lens to be locked in a case that connects to a phone's USB port, or it must have a USB cable dangling around which would naturally hurt its usability/durability/both. At that point, you might just as well get Alice Camera instead.

                                  • S
                                  • Sandi
                                  • Lec
                                  • 05 Mar 2025

                                  I am absolutly interested in this!

                                  XIAOMI, please, please, OPEN YOUR STANDARD to ALL manufacturer and call it X(iaomi)-Mount ;)

                                  I dreamed about this, this is exactly what I need... a phone with excelent processor, memory and screen with decent lens. And when I need a set of external lens, like some variable zoom or prime lens that works directly with the build in camera and phone processing!

                                  WOW!

                                  FREE patent to lens manufacturer and phone maker! PLEASE!!!!!!!!!

                                    When this thing becomes reality it will be awesome.

                                      • h
                                      • hev.c
                                      • 32A
                                      • 05 Mar 2025

                                      Anonymous, 05 Mar 2025Or just carry a camera like a normal person. You make it so... moreI completely agree with you. This indeed doesn't really have much value. Actual cameras will truly produce results that are far better. I feel like this feature is being overhyped by many, and I don't see the practicality of it, especially when you consider that using a "cheap Sony, Ricoh, or Fuji that can actually be pocketed" will be much more convenient to use than this gimmicky thing that takes a while to set up and get used to.

                                        Anonymous, 05 Mar 2025Or just carry a camera like a normal person. You make it so... moreYeah, phones like this make no sense and are just for display, pretty much like tri-fold (that is actually dual) from huawewei. They just there, but do people need them, are they practical? Neah and neah. The idea behing a phone camera was to take pic fast and without to much fuzz, well this thing has no idea what it wants to be, a phone or a camera? And well none is good enough. A profesional camera? Well forget it! A phone? Ah forget it.

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