The Future of Mobile Photography: Micro Four Thirds Accessories

Revolutionizing Smartphone Cameras with Compact Power

NEWS  Photography  June 20, 2024  Reading time: 2 Minute(s)

Max (RS editor)

---

The Micro Four Thirds (MFT) system, long celebrated for its balance between compact size and powerful performance, is making waves in the mobile photography sphere. Two innovative companies, SwitchLens and Alice Camera, are pioneering MFT smartphone camera accessories, bringing DSLR-like quality to the convenience of a smartphone.

 

Alice Camera: A Game-Changer for Creators

The Alice Camera, developed by London-based Photogram LTD, aims to blend the simplicity of smartphone photography with the superior quality of a DSLR. This headless MFT camera, equipped with a Sony IMX294 sensor, attaches to your smartphone and is controlled wirelessly via an app. Despite its 10.7 MP resolution, lower than typical MFT sensors, the camera excels in video creation with 4K output at 30 fps and exceptional low-light performance.

After three years on Indiegogo, the Alice Camera is ready to ship to early backers by August 2024. While it lacks physical controls, relying on a companion app for most functions, it promises an innovative photography experience for $764 on pre-order, with a planned retail price of $955.

SwitchLens: Versatility and Affordability

SwitchLens offers a similar concept, aiming to transform smartphones into powerful digital cameras with an optional Micro Four Thirds sensor upgrade.

  The standard model includes a 21 MP 1-inch sensor, upgradable to a Sony IMX472 MFT sensor for an additional $99. This sensor enhances SwitchLens with phase-detect autofocus, a feature absent in the Alice Camera.

Targeting iPhone users with MagSafe and Qi2 magnetic ring compatibility, SwitchLens emphasizes ease of use and reliability. The body-only pledge starts at $199, with an MFT sensor-equipped model priced at $298, significantly undercutting Alice Camera's cost.

The Future of Mobile Photography

The introduction of MFT smartphone accessories by SwitchLens and Alice Camera signifies a shift in mobile photography, offering compact yet powerful solutions for creators.

These innovations promise to elevate smartphone photography, bridging the gap between convenience and professional quality.

 IMAGES CREDITS: PHOTOGRAM LTD | SWITCHLENS