Smartphone manufacturers are doing everything they can to improve the optics in built-in cameras, but there are space constraints that simply can't be challenged without radical changes. Despite their advances, the iPhone finds itself in the 8-megapixel territory, while a typical compact camera can offer twice the resolution without breaking a sweat. The new DxO One aims to change that by connecting to the iPhone through its Lightning port, turning it into a much more robust camera.
Taking a photo has become as common as sending a WhatsApp message. Social networks don't make much effort to preserve image quality, so any lens limitation can go unnoticed. However... sooner or later users want better photos without sacrificing the device's form factor. This puts manufacturers in a bind, who in the name of aesthetics continue to follow thinner and lighter designs. Engineers have managed to implement extraordinary developments that reduce the physical demands of an integrated camera, but they also can't perform magic. A conventional compact camera still offers more features and higher resolution than we find in many high-end smartphones, including the iPhone.
Inside the DxO One
Perhaps things can improve for Apple's smartphone in that regard, as long as the user accepts incorporating an external accessory like the DxO One camera. The first thing to note about the DxO One is its size. At just 6.7 by 4.8 by 2.5 centimeters, and weighing 108 grams, the camera guarantees complete mobility, so much so that it can be carried in a pocket like another smartphone. The sensor is exactly the same as we can find in the Sony CyberShot RX100 III, so its resolution climbs to a not-to-be-scoffed-at 20.2 megapixels per shot. Images in JPG format are stored on the smartphone, while RAW files are saved on a microSD card. When the camera is connected to the phone, the user can move it 60 degrees in both directions, or do a full rotation if they want a selfie. The DxO One offers a manual mode, but works automatically when it's not anchored to the smartphone.
Concerns and Compatibility
The potential problems with the DxO One come down to two. First, I have my doubts about the robustness of the Lightning connector, but it's likely the manufacturer knows something I don't. And second... the price. Turning the iPhone into a 20.2-megapixel camera requires a commitment of $600, a price at which you could go directly out and buy a wide range of cameras. (Compatible with iPhone 6 Plus, iPhone 6, iPhone 5s, iPhone 5c, iPhone 5, iPad Air 2, iPad Mini 3, iPad Air, iPad Mini 2, iPad (4th generation), and iOS 8 or later.)
