The elusive Hasselblad Moto Z camera module allegedly spotted; looks a monster with 10X optical zoom

posted by Ben R.

Aug 24, 2016, 1:09 PM

The elusive Hasselblad Moto Z camera module allegedly spotted; looks a monster with 10X optical zoom

One of the more intriguing aspects of the Moto Z and Moto Z Force are their modular capabilities. LG first brought this idea to the mainstream with its flagship G5 earlier this year. Along with the Moto Z series arrived a slew of Moto add-ons, or MotoMods, for early adopters to sink their teeth into. Arguably the most exciting — the Hasselblad-branded camera feature — was conspicuous by its absence, and as we sit here a couple of months after the Moto Z launch, it continues to elude. As it transpires, though, the wait may have been worth it, for a new leak suggests it could pack a 10X optical zoom lens.

Amid a generation obsessed with snapping every occasion and sharing on social media, a smartphone's camera capabilities are deemed paramount. Given that we also lust after devices with slick, elegant designs, only so much functionality can be bundled in by default. With a specialized MotoMod, however, users can retain the Moto Z's look and feel for the most part, and merely call on the module as and when required.

According to an image shared by the folks at Moto G3, the module will indeed carry the Hasselblad branding. The big surprise, however, is that the lens alludes to 10X optical zoom capabilities. Though we're not expecting a DSLR-level performance through a module likely to cost around $200, it could nonetheless pique the interest of wannabe photographers wielding a Moto Z. If nothing else, it does look a substantial bit of kit.

Back in June, the launch of the camera module seemed imminent, but things have quietened down considerably since. With IFA just around the corner and a likely unveiling therein according to current sources, we hopefully won't have to wait much longer to see precisely what this MotoMod offers, and how much it will cost.

In the meantime, you can check out how the Moto Z and Moto Z Force face off in our review.