Compact zoomable camera device for portable digital electronic devices

A compact zoomable camera device, comprising:

• an optical module for capturing an image of an object, the optical module comprising:
• a first lens group defining a first optical axis;
• a first barrel for receiving the first lens group;
• a second lens group defining a second optical axis and a second focal plane associated therewith, the second lens group being arranged in a manner such that the second optical axis perpendicularly intersects the first optical axis;
• a second barrel for receiving the second lens group;
• a light directing unit configured for directing light beams from the first lens group to the second lens group;
• an image sensor module comprising:
• an image sensor positioned at the second focal plane of the second lens group;
• and
• a housing enclosing the image sensor for protecting the image sensor from contamination, the housing being movable in the second barrel along the second optical axis of the second lens group;
• and
• a microelectronic mechanism system (MEMS) micro-actuator configured for moving the image sensor along the second optical axis, so as to dynamically position the image sensor at the second focal plane of the second lens group.