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.

Moto Z and Moto Z Force in pictures

source: MotoG3 via Engadget

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19 Comments

1. Switch00

Posts: 536; Member since: Sep 04, 2013

Modular capabilities is the next big market coming up in smarthphone area. Smarthphones basicaly reached the neccesary level. Be there or be square...

posted on Aug 24, 2016, 1:13 PM 3

2. Gabbarx

Posts: 13; Member since: Jul 20, 2015

200% agree and trust me MotoMods are awesome if you consider them alpha version

posted on Aug 24, 2016, 1:22 PM 0

4. Nopers unregistered

Mods are beta. Alpha was LG friends

posted on Aug 24, 2016, 1:34 PM 0

7. trojan_horse

Posts: 5868; Member since: May 06, 2016

Why the hell does Motorola get all the modular hype, and LG is being left in the dark? This sucks!

posted on Aug 24, 2016, 2:06 PM 1

9. roldefol

Posts: 4744; Member since: Jan 28, 2011

Because their implementation was simpler and more elegant? And LG, despite their strides with the G3 and work with Google on the Nexus program, still doesn't seem to command as much industry respect.

posted on Aug 24, 2016, 2:22 PM 1

13. ibend

Posts: 6747; Member since: Sep 30, 2014

yeah right.. and because they promise that next year's moto Z will also compatible with older module, and they release SDK for developers so they can design new module..

posted on Aug 24, 2016, 8:02 PM 1

5. roldefol

Posts: 4744; Member since: Jan 28, 2011

That's what they said about 3D cameras.

posted on Aug 24, 2016, 1:35 PM 0

16. Sircaustic

Posts: 5; Member since: Aug 25, 2016

If this phone gets a good level of success, then it will open another world for third party modules (cheaper ones), which in turn might force other manufacturers to turn towards the same modular concept. It would be great to see that

posted on Aug 25, 2016, 7:40 AM 0

3. rubyonrails3

Posts: 375; Member since: Oct 01, 2014

Will it be a replacement of original camera on Moto Z or just an add-on.

posted on Aug 24, 2016, 1:26 PM 1

6. trojan_horse

Posts: 5868; Member since: May 06, 2016

Just add-on. But I think it won't be possible to use both the main camera and add-on camera simultaneosly.

posted on Aug 24, 2016, 1:48 PM 0

11. MrElectrifyer

Posts: 3960; Member since: Oct 21, 2014

No, it looks like it'll be a replacement for the camera lens and flash; there's clearly no hole for those to be sticking out through. The app and processing algorithm may be the same, but the former 2 major components are replaced, making it more like a DSLR (digital single-lens reflex) camera. It'll be an add-on if it were like them iPhone "DSLR" grips that do nothing to the iPhone's lens to make it anything like a DSLR.

posted on Aug 24, 2016, 4:14 PM 1

8. talon95

Posts: 1002; Member since: Jul 31, 2012

I would hope all of the software and electrical hardware, processing, memory for this module are part of the phone itself. What I don't want, is to buy a mod that is over prices because it duplicates all of electronics needed to run the camera. If that is the case, just put a screen on the back of the mod and make it a self contained device like any regular point and shoot camera.

posted on Aug 24, 2016, 2:14 PM 0

12. VZWuser76

Posts: 4974; Member since: Mar 04, 2010

So you want a snap on lens with optical zoom but use the camera on the Moto Z? Hasselblad is a high end camera maker (like in the tens of thousands of dollars for their cameras). Using a Hasselblad lens over a Motorola camera module is like adding a supercharger to a razor scooter.

posted on Aug 24, 2016, 5:02 PM 0

10. Bankz

Posts: 2550; Member since: Apr 08, 2016

I'm very sure LG abandoned the whole modular idea when the Moto Z launched. The bar has been set very high, even for ara tbh as far as implementation goes. Moto Z, What a monster! As for the camera, well no traditional camera will touch this till 2 years time at the very least, and by then the Z must have gone very far, except they go modular.

posted on Aug 24, 2016, 3:00 PM 0

14. buccob

Posts: 2978; Member since: Jun 19, 2012

The only way modules will work is if they also work with other devices or newer generations.... Otherwise I rather get an accessory such as the Sony Qx10 which works with whatever phone i have...

posted on Aug 24, 2016, 9:42 PM 1

18. roldefol

Posts: 4744; Member since: Jan 28, 2011

But now you're asking for a universal module that works with phones as small as an S7 and as big as a V10... it wouldn't be as seamless as the Moto Z, where it blends right in to the rest of the phone.

posted on Aug 25, 2016, 9:22 AM 0

19. Sircaustic

Posts: 5; Member since: Aug 25, 2016

maybe they can make different sized modules for 5", 5.5" & 5.7" phones. I mean, its the future and i havent seen it yet. It can be anything. My point was that the third party modules would reduce the cost of such modules which will force these main manufacturers to bring their price point lower too. Which, in turn, would be great for consumers.