LG Phone with Too Many Cameras

If the five cameras on LG's V40 ThinQ seemed like a

lot to you, how about 16? The Korean company may

be working on a smartphone camera with that many

lenses, according to a recently filed patent seen by

LetsGoDigital. Arranged in a 4x4 matrix, it's designed

to capture a scene from multiple perspectives in a single

shot. That will allow you to shoot 3D movies and manipulate

shots by, say, moving someone's head around or replacing

it completely.

In one example, LG shows how you'd be able to select the

best photo in a series, or create a single shot from multiple

angles. You could also rotate the head of your subject (or a

teddy bear, as shown below) with whatever angle makes

them look best.

In another example, you'd be able to draw around a

person's head with your finger. The system would use AI

to recognize them and search for any other photos. It could

then replace the head in the photo you just took with, for

instance, a more flattering shot.

According to the patent, the smartphone would let you use

the main camera to take selfies by equipping it with ... a mirror.

Yes, the same kind of "technology" used on much older flip

phones and compact cameras.

There's no indication yet that LG will ever release such a phone,

but it's obviously trying to stay on top of the technology. Much

like the megapixel race several years ago, smartphone makers

are trying to grab the interest of increasingly bored consumers

by adding more cameras, it appears. Samsung's Galaxy A9

has four at the back, and Nokia will soon release a model with

five. The way it's going, the entire back of your phone will soon

be riddled with lenses.