It seems like it's going to become common for mobile phones to come with a dual camera. We are not talking about the classic front + rear combination, but rather two rear cameras, or two front cameras. Samsung will also feature a dual camera, although this won't be available with the Samsung Galaxy S7, but rather in a phone that will be released later. Now, The Galaxy S7 is betting on a single rear camera. very advanced with Dual Pixel technology, and there is also a simultaneous capture mode front and rear using software.
Dual camera
Until now, dual cameras had been installed in those smartphones that had to differentiate themselves from the big phones on the market. This was the case with the Honor 6 Plus, for example. But it's also been the case with the HTC One M8 and the more recent LG V10. And it looks like it's going to become commonplace. It was even rumored that the new iPhone 7 could come with a dual camera, but what now seems clear is that it will be a later Samsung smartphone that will come with such a camera. However, it won't be the Samsung Galaxy S7.
It is important to distinguish two concepts that are often confused: on the one hand, physical dual camera (two sensors/lenses on the same side of the phone) and, on the other hand, the software dual camera mode that records simultaneously with the front and rear cameras. The Galaxy S7 doesn't include a dual rear sensor, but it can record with both cameras at the same time through Samsung's feature known as Dual camera.
This Samsung option was distributed as an app on Galaxy Apps and was compatible with several models: Note 5, S6, S6 edge, S6 edge+, S7 and S7 edgeThe usual flow was simple: download the app from Galaxy Apps, open the native camera, and select the 'Dual Camera' option. The screen was divided into two views to view the back and front, allowing you to take photos or videos from both sides of the device simultaneously.
For those seeking creativity, software dual capture offers options such as real-time reactions, one-on-one interviews, and vlogs that combine the scene with the commentator. However, their results and playback compatibility depend on the device and player: It is not the same as a physical dual camera which fuses information from two rear sensors to achieve depth effects, multiple optical zoom or better low-light performance.
Samsung Galaxy S7: standard camera
Although it seems that Samsung is already planning to launch a smartphone that will have a dual camera, the truth is that this camera would be ready to be integrated into a smartphone at the time the Samsung Galaxy S7 is launched. Let's keep in mind that it has been stated that the new Samsung flagship will arrive in the month of in FebruaryThe big problem would be optimize the software of the camera. Given that the Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge, and with it also the Galaxy S6 Edge+ and the Galaxy Note 5, have one of the best mobile cameras on the market, it is therefore logical that Samsung does not want to modify the camera, given the possibility that they get something worse by not having had time to carry out sufficient tests. Given this, it would not be surprising if dual camera would arrive with the flagship of the second half of the year. Normally, this would be the Samsung Galaxy Note 5. But after seeing that it has lost prominence in Europe compared to the Galaxy S6 Edge+, Samsung's second major smartphone of 2016 may no longer be a Galaxy Note.
As for the advantages of a dual camera, we find several. It gives us more possibilities to obtain different depths of field, something very useful if we have photography knowledge. You can also use both cameras to create a single image of a higher resolution, or a wider image. In any case, it won't be a feature we'll see like the dual rear sensors on the Samsung Galaxy S7, which will be released in February.
Dual Pixel technology and real improvements in the Galaxy S7
The Galaxy S7 introduced the first camera with Dual Pixel technology on a Samsung smartphone. Its sensor 12 SM with pixels of 1,4 um and luminous lens f / 1.7 It captures more light than its predecessor, with an angle equivalent to 26 mm y OIS for optical stabilization. Phase detection focusing is present on all pixels, enabling a extremely fast autofocus, especially in low-light scenes or with moving objects.
Samsung reduced the camera hump thanks to a better module design and maintained a more square (4:3) to make the most of the sensor area. In video, the S7 records in 4K is 30 fps, offers 1080p is 60 fps and slow motion to 720p 240 fps. It also incorporates functions such as Motion Photo (photos with small moments of movement), Moving panorama or with a Hyperlapse software stabilized.
The front camera remains on 5 SM with opening f / 1.7 and a wide angle equivalent to 22 mm, with useful tools such as Self Flash with the AMOLED screen and WideSelfie to expand the framing. At the overall experience level, the S7 added Always-On Display, certification IP68 against water and dust, support for microSD, Game Launcher to manage battery and notifications in games and compatibility with Vulkan API for efficient graphics.
In their day they circulated rumors about higher resolution sensors and on-screen pressure technologies, but what cemented the S7 was its balance between hardware and software in photography. In addition, Samsung offered accessory lenses such as Ph y wide angle through dedicated housing to expand creative possibilities.
Dual Camera Mode: Compatibility, Playback, and Nuances
Several users highlighted that the dual camera mode (front + rear simultaneous capture) was especially enjoyed in the Galaxy S7/S7 edgeSome newer models changed or removed that native option, and when playing videos created with that mode on other phones only one of the two views can be displayed if the player does not play the composite file. In such cases, it is often necessary to use the app's own player or compatible solutions to view both tracks simultaneously.
It is also common to find product sheets or store listings that mention “dual camera” for the S7. It should be noted that the Galaxy S7 has a single rear sensor; the “dual” refers to technology Dual Pixel PDAF (focus) and the aforementioned software dual capture mode, not two physical sensors on the back.
If you're interested in simulated depth of field, selective blur, or optical zoom from two focal lengths, that's typical of a dual rear camera architectureIf what you are looking for is to record yourself and the scene at the same time, just use the dual camera mode when available for your device and software version.
For those who are hesitating between changing their mobile phone for this function, the ideal thing is to check in Galaxy Store/Galaxy Apps If the option is available for your specific model, check the camera app and verify the playback compatibility of the generated files. This way, you can avoid surprises when migrating videos to other devices or systems.
The debate about the “dual camera” in Samsung usually starts from this confusion between double hardware y dual recording functionThe Galaxy S7 exemplifies this difference well: a single, high-quality rear camera with Dual Pixel, plus a front-facing + rear-facing capture mode that was once highly appreciated by content creators and families.
