Initial widescreen technology didn't make full use of a 35mm frame, cropping part of it and leaving it empty. Thus, ...

Distortion measures at -1.32% barrel, a good result for a 35mm lens. Further correction can be undertaken in software if required, although this is unlikely to be needed in most images.

It's just the bare camera module, the design is still kept secret. The aperture can be smoothly adjusted instead of jumping between the two extremes.