Iphone4sCamera
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Just how good is the iPhone 4S camera?
Yes, the iPhone 4S is pretty darned good for a smartphone camera, but people are getting a bit too misty-eyed over the quality. We've been flooded with well-meaning comparison images, some pitting the iPhone against some high-end still and video cameras from companies like Nikon and Canon. Today, the makers of the great little Camera+ app sent us some shots comparing the original iPhone, the 3G, the 3GS the 4, and even the lust-worthy Canon EOS 5D Mark II, which sells for a paltry US$3000+. The tests show two of the old iPhone cameras out of focus, which isn't exactly fair. No, those cameras didn't have tap-to-focus, but it was possible to get some pretty fair macro images. I've done it. Also, at the small size the images have been presented, it's not a surprise that the iPhone 4S looks pretty good against the big Canon. The differences start to show up in full resolution, and when the more expensive camera images are not heavily compressed. Same with some of the video comparisons I've seen. The iPhone 4S is shown against a semi-pro camera, but in a very small video window. Try viewing the output of both cameras on a 50" monitor and then we'll talk about it. If you really want to compare still cameras, try low light imaging, and blow the frames up so we can see the resolution and the noise. I don't expect the iPhone 4S camera to surpass, or even closely approach, the results of a high quality DSLR -- and neither should you. I do think the 4S camera is the best one Apple has offered, and likely the equal of the best of the Android cameras. Earlier this year I got some very nice photos in Monument Valley with the iPhone 4, so I know that Apple is crafting some nice cameras. I also think the 4S can give a really good account of itself against some of the low-cost point and shoot cameras, and that's a pretty compelling argument for the iPhone 4S. It's also the view of the Camera+ folks. If your expectations are not inflated, you'll love the camera Apple has lovingly produced. The images are sharp and the color fidelity looks excellent. On an already great phone, this camera is something of a bonus. Just don't expect miracles.
Report highlights iPhone 4S design changes
If you think the new iPhone 4S is just the same old iPhone a report in DigiTimes may have you thinking again. The publication quotes an IHS analysis which looks at some key under-the-hood changes in the new iPhone beyond the obvious faster processor, antenna redesign and addition of the Siri software. Wayne Lam, a senior IHS analyst says the iPhone camera is a 5 lens system, a first for any smartphone. The new camera is getting raves from users, and comparisons show it's a very high quality implementation for both still photos and high definition video. The report also praises the fact that the iPhone 4S can operate on multiple carriers using different cellular systems and frequencies. Here in the US, the same phone can work on AT&T, Verizon and Sprint. "No other handset OEM produces a single device for multiple operators and for multiple geographies on this scale." IHS also highlights other changes to processors and architecture in the iPhone 4S. It adds up to a significantly different user experience that is not obvious when just looking at the new iPhone but pays some big dividends for iPhone 4S owners.
Chipworks throws an iPhone 4S under its infrared microscope, finds Sony-sourced image sensor
Look closely. Can you spot it? That gray abyss is actually an infrared image by Chipworks revealing an iPhone 4S' Sony-branded, 8 megapixel CMOS sensor. Looks like Howard Stringer wasn't bluffing to Walt Mossberg back in April, after all. At the time, it was reported that Apple's usual sensor supplier, OmniVision, was experiencing production delays, prompting speculation that Sony would eventually usurp the position. While the iPhone 4S that Chipworks looked into seems to confirm this, it's pointed out that Apple does have a habit of "dual sourcing" components (with its contacts saying this should be no different), so Sony may not be the sole supplier this time around. What ever the case, there's no denying that the iPhone 4S takes some stellar shots. You'll find more information -- including X-rays of the 4S -- at the source link below.
