My regular digital camera's lens is covered by a substantial slab of metal and plastic that I need to push to the right to start the camera. My film SLR camera lenses are covered by plastic clip-on covers.
My numerous digital camera lens are covered by.....fingerprints!
Indeed, since people carry their camera phones all over the place almost all the time, the chances of getting fingerprints, dust and dirt on the lens is much greater than with a typical digital camera. Also, when you reach for your cellular phone, how often do you place a finger on the lens?
Perhaps some of the fuzziness of camera phone photos is caused by a dirty lens.
Also, a camera phone's lens, just like other camera lenses, can get scratched. Do you ever put your camera phone in your pocket or purse -- next to your keys and loose change?
Give me a lens cover!
If the camera phone market is to evolve and grow, it needs to "grow up." The lack of a lens cover might seem like a minor quibble, but tell that to any photographer!
Sure a lens cover would add a tiny bit of plastic and it would have to be engineered to ensure the cover stays on -- and you don't lose it. But that's why there are professional design engineers.
Come on camera phone manufacturers, give me a lens cover!
Thanks for your comments.
I probably should have been a bit more accurate when writing about the concept of a lens cover. I don't care whether the lens is protected with a cover or a retractable mechanism or some other way. I just want it protected.
Posted by: Alan A. Reiter | Tuesday, December 09, 2003 at 10:07 AM
The Nokia 7650 has a lens cover integrated into its retractable keypad. A friend tried to convince me of this singular merit of this handset, but I selected a 3650 instead.
Posted by: Paul | Monday, December 08, 2003 at 09:27 PM
A major part of the appeal of the phonecam is the ability to reach into your belt holster and grab a shot in less than 1.5 seconds. I know that's what I can do with my Treo 600.
I agree that you must have some system for protecting the lens, but to start adding a lens cap that you must remove and/or keep track of smacks of trying to reinvent the digital camera that you would only take out on "special occasions." I look forward to the day when we won't be carrying keys or coins, but have a greater need to have quick access to a networked phonecam.
Plus, you could rig up something with a small piece of plastic and gaffer tape that would easily solve this problem. I also use this tape for a better grip to prevent dropping the phone.
Just my two cents.
BK
Posted by: Bill Koslosky | Sunday, December 07, 2003 at 08:08 PM