[Interview] The People Behind the Galaxy Z Series’ Camera Innovations ②: How Portrait Video Recreates the Look of Professional Camera Lenses

Unveiled at Galaxy Unpacked July 2026, Samsung Electronics’ Galaxy Z series introduces My FanCam — a new feature that lets users focus their edits on a person of their choice — as well as an enhanced Portrait Video that recreates the look of professional camera lenses.

While the two features offer different camera experiences, both draw on expertise spanning foundational technology research, feature development, and user experience design.

As part of “The People Behind the Galaxy Z Series’ Camera Innovations,” Samsung Newsroom sat down with experts from Samsung Research and the Mobile eXperience (MX) Business to discuss the technical challenges and collaboration behind the two features.

A sharply defined subject against a softly blurred background creates a sense of depth long associated with professional camera lenses. Researchers have continued to explore ways to achieve this effect in smartphone video.

With the Galaxy Z series, Portrait Video recreates the distinctive depth and Bokeh1 of a large-aperture lens.2 To make this possible, Samsung Research analyzed the optical characteristics of actual camera lenses and developed AI-powered video processing technology, while the MX Business optimized it for the device.

▲ (From left) Sang-uk Park, responsible for camera development at the Mobile eXperience (MX) Business, and YoungGeol Kim of the Visual Technology Team at Samsung Research

Samsung Newsroom spoke with YoungGeol Kim of the Visual Technology Team at Samsung Research and Sang-uk Park, responsible for camera development at the Mobile eXperience (MX) Business, about how Portrait Video evolved from a research concept into a Galaxy camera feature.

A New Level of Depth in Portrait Video

Q. What is Portrait Video? What has changed with the latest Galaxy Z series?

Park: Portrait Video keeps the main subject in focus while softly blurring the background, creating a cinematic look that makes the subject stand out.

Originally published by Samsung. Read the full story at the source →