A photographic device that includes a main body, a lens barrel and a
barrel-positioning mechanism, which is operably coupled to the lens
barrel and the main body. The barrel positioning mechanism is capable of
moving the lens barrel between a retracted position, in which the lens
barrel is within the main body, and an extended position, in which the
lens barrel projects out of the main body. In some embodiments, the
barrel positioning mechanism is a purely mechanical component that moves
the lens barrel between the retracted position and the extended position
in response to the lens barrel being pushed in a direction generally
towards the main body. In other embodiments, the barrel positioning
mechanism includes an electrical motor that helps extend and retract the
lens barrel. In some embodiments, the extension/retraction of the lens
barrel is triggered by software.