You see the world in stereo—now your smartphone can, too. Your brain captures and combines imagery from your left and right eyes, then merges the information into one image. And select Qualcomm Snapdragon processors featuring dual image signal processors (ISPs) can now do something similar: They enable manufacturers to add two cameras onto the back of devices, one for each ISP. We’ve already seen these on smartphones including the ZTE Axon and Axon Pro, HTC One M8, and HTC Butterfly 3.
The Snapdragon processors in these phones use information from both cameras to unleash new, creative options for your photography. Using dual video streams, the processors can translate the multiple pictures they take into depth information, much like the way your brain perceives depth as it receives slightly different information from your two eyes. And once you have depth information, new features become available:
- Fast autofocus: With depth information, Snapdragon processors are engineered to set your camera’s focus plane quickly and accurately, so photos are especially sharp.
- ReFocus: Snapdragon processors can assign each of the cameras different focal points, so they fire at the same time but capture varying focus and depth information. That way, you can change what’s in focus after you capture your photo.
- Segmentation: Depth maps allow Snapdragon processors to understand what is in the foreground and background, landscapes, and people. You manipulate these focus planes after you capture the image.
With these terrific new capabilities, your Snapdragon powered smartphone can help you come closer than ever to the kinds of photos you never thought you’d be able to capture.
Qualcomm Snapdragon is a product of Qualcomm Technologies, Inc.
