The following describes the apparatus and associated algorithms related to a new type of imaging system that has several benefits over conventional camera architectures in terms of size, volume, shape, performance, and imaging capabilities. The imaging system includes an image sensor, a reflector, and a controller. The controller rotates the reflector relative to the image sensor to direct light from portions of a view of an external environment towards the image sensor. The controller synchronizes the image sensor with the reflector to capture images of the different portions of the view of the external environment. The controller then combines the images from the image sensor to form an image that includes the view of the external environment.