Huawei's new 50x SuperZoom camera on its P30 Pro smartphone sparks privacy concerns


The 50x digital "SuperZoom" on Huawei's latest smartphone reportedly gives users the ability to read writing and take pictures of a small animal from hundreds of metres away, but there are fears the technology could also encourage some to record citizens punching in their ATM security pin from across the road.
Key points:

Huawei's new P30 Pro has a 5x optical zoom, 10x hybrid zoom and 50x digital zoom

Experts say its a "transformative leap" in terms of making the zoom technology ubiquitous

The technology may also change how people behave in public — and even private — spaces

Technology experts have so far been divided on the P30 Pro's unmatched photography capabilities — including 5x optical zoom in addition to the digital zoom — with some praising it as a "breakthrough" while others warn it could present privacy and security dangers.

In comparison, the latest iPhone XS Max has 2x optical zoom and 10x digital zoom.

According to Huawei, the new device is equipped with a Leica four-camera system: a standard camera, an ultra-wide angle camera, a "time-of-flight" camera, and a new "periscope-like" lens in a fourth telephoto camera — it also features 10x hybrid zoom combining various technologies to enhance quality.
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