At the Xiaomi 15 launch event at MWC Barcelona last Sunday, Xiaomi showed off a concept device called the Xiaomi Modular Camera System. At the Xiaomi booth this morning, I was able to be among the first users of the device that, although still just a concept, is already operating quite smoothly.
What is the Xiaomi Modular Camera System?
It is a modified Xiaomi 15 with the ability to connect to a modular camera lens. Xiaomi is still quite secretive about sharing the full specifications of the modular camera module used. They only dare to say that it is a continuation of the Xiaomi 12S Ultra that was modified to accept Leica M-mount lenses three years ago.
The knowledge learned from this concept project has been used to develop the Xiaomi Modular Camera System. The lens is connected to the rear panel of the Xiaomi 15 using a MagSafe-like magnet with two physical pins. When connected, the lens is held tightly and does not feel like it will come off easily.
The lens uses Xiaomi's own Light Fusion X sensor. The lens is also Xiaomi's own design and, strangely, it is not produced in collaboration with Leica. The sensor size is M4/3 with the connection between the lens module and the camera being made using Xiaomi LaserLink Technology which has a large bandwidth. The image data from the camera module is then sent to the device before being processed by the Xiaomi AISP system in the Xiaomi 15.
How Does It Work?
Immediately after the lens is attached, an icon will appear in the Xiaomi 15's camera app. Press this icon and a new icon in the shape of a camera aperture will appear in the camera app. The lens connection process only takes about 2 seconds. Now only the image from the camera module will be visible in the camera viewfinder.
The camera module has a rotating ring like a real SLR camera lens. In the concept device it can only be used to change the aperture opening but later the software will allow the zoom level, light exposure and various other camera features to be controlled using the same ring. This reminds me of the Sony QX/QX100 bluetooth lens that was sold over 12 years ago except that it does not require a special holder hook.
Usage Experience and Future
Although it is still just a concept, the usage experience is fast and there is absolutely no lag. Immediately after the lens was installed, the bokeh effect was much better than the 50MP sensor used on the Xiaomi 15. The picture was taken in the blink of an eye. Unfortunately, I was not allowed to transfer the sample pictures taken from the Xiaomi Modular Camera System to my personal device.
Based on this 15-minute use, I can feel that the Xiaomi Modular Camera System is ready to be offered to the market in the near future. Xiaomi representatives also collected feedback on what the selling price should be if the Xiaomi Modular Camera System is sold later. In the world of mobile devices that is currently lacking in innovation, the Xiaomi Modular Camera System is a unique product that makes me quite excited. If you are also excited, just wait for the appearance, probably in the near future.