Google Nexus 5 could pack a Nikon camera

Reports are pointing to Google’s next Nexus sporting some rather special camera tech thanks to renowned imaging clever clogs, Nikon.

Google’s next reference smartphone has been the subject of many rumors recently but one that could actually happen is the tip that, according to a secret source, the Nexus 5 could have Nikon camera technology on board, with a “triple sensor” array. The camera is being referred to as the “selling point” of the Nexus 5, the source claims.

The loose-lipped tipster also listed some other decent specs including a 5-inch display capable of 1080p output, a Snapdragon 600 processor, 2GB of RAM and 8/16GB storage options.

The appearance of Nikon’s know-how echoes an earlier statement from Google’s Vic Gundotra, who said on Google+ last month that Google is specifically “committed to making Nexus phones insanely great cameras,” teasing that consumers need only “wait and see” to realise the truth of that statement.

Whether this is a push to keep up-to-date with snazzy snappers as found on the Galaxy S4, et al or because a lot of reviews of the Nexus 4 stated its camera as ranging from adequate to sub-par compared to cameras in devices like the iPhone or Android handsets from other OEMs.

Google and Nikon have worked together in the past, including on the Nikon Coolpix S800c, which features Android-based firmware. Google also acquired Nik software last year, the makers of the fabby Snapseed imaging app, and a company Nikon had previously made a sizable investment in.

The sensor of the new camera will reportedly be a three-sensor affair, which sounds like it could resemble the tech used in HTC’s Ultrapixel which combines three sensor layers, each with a smaller megapixel count, to create a single higher resolution image with better color rendering and light capture.

What do you reckon to this rumour? Possible?