A new Chinese company, Sneaki Design, has launched a crowdfunding campaign on Kickstarter for their compact smartphone camera, SwitchLens.
This MagSafe and Qi2-compatible magnetic module is compatible with both iOS and Android smartphones. The camera is equipped with a 1-inch CMOS image sensor that captures 21MP RAW and JPG pictures and records videos up to 4K at 60 frames per second. Here’s a closer look at its features and specifications.
Innovative Approach to Mobile Photography
In the realm of smartphone photography and filmmaking, users often rely on third-party apps, additional lenses, and various add-ons that utilize the smartphone’s built-in sensors and lenses. These solutions have their advantages and disadvantages. Sneaki Design has introduced an alternative with SwitchLens, which includes a larger image sensor and a proper lens mount, allowing users to attach any Micro Four Thirds lens to their smartphones.
SwitchLens Features
SwitchLens is an independent camera system that attaches magnetically to iOS and Android smartphones using a MagSafe or Qi2 ring. The camera connects to the smartphone via WiFi, and users can control it with a free photo and video app. The camera is powered by a replaceable 3.7V 14500-type battery, measures 14 x 6.7 x 1.2 cm, and weighs 170 grams. It includes a USB-C port for charging and a microSD slot supporting memory cards up to 1.5TB. The left side has a lens release button, and the top features a shutter button.
Image Sensor
The key advantage of SwitchLens is its 1-inch CMOS sensor, capable of capturing 21MP photos in RAW or JPG and videos in MOV format up to 4K60P. Users have complete control over camera settings within the app, including white balance (2600K to 8600K), shutter speed (10 seconds to 1/8000th), and ISO range (100 to 12,800, expandable to 50 to 25,600).
Initially, the app only offered a Focus Peaking mode without autofocus capabilities. However, after reaching a stretch goal in the crowdfunding campaign, autofocus capabilities are expected to be added. Additionally, Sneaki Design has partnered with a lens manufacturer to offer seven affordable manual Micro Four Thirds lenses: 7.5mm F/2.8, 12mm F/2.8, 25mm F/1.8, 27mm F/2.8, 35mm F/0.95, 35mm F/1.8, and 50mm F/1.8.
Price and Availability
The SwitchLens crowdfunding campaign is active until July 26th. Various rewards and bundles are available, starting at $199 for the camera body alone, $346 for a 3-lens kit, and $649 for a 6-lens kit. Shipping is expected to begin in November 2024.
