A portable electronic device is configured in particular as a mobile telephone having a first housing element with a second side. A linking device links the housing elements in such a way that they are movable in relation to each other, the first side facing the second side in at least one first state. A camera for acquiring images is arranged on the first side in such a way that it faces away from the first housing element. Moreover, an optical deflection device is arranged on the second side in such a way that it reflects back light impinging upon the second side. In the first state, the camera is arranged in relation to the optical deflection device in such a way that it receives light via the optical deflection device, while a second state the camera is moved away from the optical deflection device in such a way that it receives light which has not been deflected by the optical deflection device.