A dual-lens camera system is composed of two lenses that see the same scene from two perspectives.

Both lenses create two separate images. The first image captures the scene as it appears to the human eye, while the second captures it as seen through a wide-angle lens with a field of view more than human vision but with less resolution and depth of field.

These images are combined to form one final shot with increased depth of field, better resolution, and less distortion compared to a single-lens camera.

Dual-lens cameras have been around for centuries, with the earliest dual-lens reflex camera (TLR) being invented in the late 1800s. At the time, photographers first had to use a ground glass screen to view the image. Once the image is in focus, the camera is adjusted, and the ground glass screen is switched for a photographic plate.

This concept heavily influenced the Rolleiflex, which came in the 1920s and marked a turning point in the development of dual-lens cameras.

TLRs were developed to improve the focus ability of film cameras, and they quickly became popular among photographers.

Dual-lens cameras offer more advanced features than single-lens cameras, including improved focus, wider camera angles, and better zoom. Dual lenses allow for different focal length coverage using a telephoto lens and a wide-angle lens, which is ideal for capturing both close-up and wide-angle shots.

Today, these cameras have various applications, from mobile devices to industrial imaging systems and security cameras. Thanks to their many advantages, dual-lens cameras will likely stick around for a long time.

2022 was a big year for dual-lens security cameras. We made great strides in the development of dual-lens security cameras, and we are confident that dual-lens security cameras will be a game-changer in the security industry, and we are committed to continuing to develop the technology to make sure that our customers are always getting the best possible security solution.

Two technologies are used in dual lens security cameras: dual-lens camera video stitching, and the AI zoom tracking system, which combines a wide-angle and telephoto lens.

Video stitching technology on the dual-lens camera allows you to view surveillance footage from a wide angle of 180 degrees, while the wide-angle and telephoto lenses on the security cameras allow you to keep an eye on every detail and keep your property secure.

1. The video stitching technology in dual lens security camera

The Video Stitching technology dual lens security camera is a type of surveillance camera with two lenses that are able to take two separate videos concurrently. This allows the device to create a 180° ultra-wide video field of view, which is great for covering large areas and providing more comprehensive protection. The two videos are then blended together seamlessly with advanced algorithms that clean up any blurring due to object or camera movement.

Common applications of dual-lens in camera

Twin-lens reflex camera

The twin-lens reflex camera is one of the earliest applications of dual-lens. One of the lenses is used for taking the picture, and the other is the viewfinder – where the user looks through to compose the image. This design was first used in the late 19th century and mainly functioned as a film camera.

For starters, the dual-lens allow for more accurate focusing. With the secondary lens, the user can see what the final image will look like before taking the picture, ensuring the composition is perfect. Finally, the placement of the lenses makes it easier to take photos in dim lighting conditions.

Twin-lens reflex cameras are no longer common as they were phased out just before the introduction of digital cameras.

Cell phone dual-lens cameras

The trend of dual-lens on smartphones started in 2011 with HTC's EVO 3D. It was a groundbreaking phone at the time, as it was one of the first to use two lenses for 3D photos and videos. Since then, dual-camera smartphones have come a long way.

After the EVO 3D, other phone brands started to use dual-lens technology for other purposes. For example, the iPhone 7 Plus and Samsung Galaxy Note 8 used dual-lens to introduce (limited) optical zoom capability to their devices.

On the other hand, LG's G series from 2016 used dual-lens to allow their device to take wider angle shots.

Finally, Huawei and Honor's 2017 flagships utilised dual-lens which worked together rather than separately. This method allowed proper depth-of-field photos with sharper detail and fancier effects.

Dual-lens car dash cam

A dual-lens car dash cam is placed in the car and can record the road ahead of the driver, the car's interior, or a 360-degree view of the vehicle's surroundings.

This type of camera is especially beneficial because it allows you to capture footage from your surroundings when driving.

This can be invaluable if you are involved in an accident or witness something suspicious. In addition, dual camera dash cams typically offer multiple perspectives compared to single-lens dash cams, making them ideal for recording large vehicles.

Doorbell dual-lens cameras

As the name implies, these cameras are fixed at the front door to monitor what's happening outside. Its two lenses combine to provide comprehensive footage of your doorstep – proving an effective deterrent against pesky porch poachers and other suspicious individuals.

Some of them use motion detectors which prompt the camera to start recording as soon as someone comes within range. An alert is immediately sent to your phone, and you can watch the footage on the camera app.

With all their advantages, dual-lens cameras are an excellent fit for any security system.

This is not to say their single-lens alternatives are unreliable; both work just as well depending on your needs. If satisfied with the basic functionalities, you should get single-lens cameras.

What do you think about dual-lens cameras? Are they better than the single-lens cameras? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!