SwitchLens: Camera is compatible with many lenses and uses the screen of a smartphone

Smartphone cameras are now of a very high quality and can be an alternative to a dedicated camera if there are no special requirements such as extremely high zoom. The SwitchLens system, which supports the use of various lenses, is currently available to buy on Kickstarter at a reasonable price. Unlike lens kits, it does not use the sensor of the actual smartphone, but instead uses its own sensor.

Specifically, an IMX283 sensor is used, which is a 1-inch sensor with a resolution of just under 21 MP. The sensor supports an ISO value of between 50 and 25,600, and the exposure time can be adjusted to between 1/8000 and ten seconds. The system weighs 170 grams, including the battery. It is also possible to use a large microSD memory card. An IMX472 sensor can also be installed instead for an additional surcharge.

Various interchangeable lenses are available. For example, a pancake lens with a focal length of 27 millimeters is offered and a night vision camera with an open aperture of F0.95 is also available, as well as a fisheye and wide-angle lens with a focal length of 12 and 7.5 millimeters. Compatibility with Micro Four Thirds lenses from other manufacturers is a given.

The camera system does not come with a screen; instead, the smartphone connected via WiFi serves as the screen. Wireless data transmission over up to 10 meters is supported, which opens up further application possibilities. Images can be saved in RAW format.

A price of at least $199 plus shipping is currently being advertised on Kickstarter, but only the body is included. The usual but significant financial risks for crowdfunding campaigns apply.