iPhone camera
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iPhone 6 camera quality compared to all other iPhone models
Size aside, the bevy of camera enhancements Apple has baked into the two iPhone 6 models really make both devices extraordinarily compelling. While there's nothing wrong with admiring the stunning photos made possible by the new iPhone cameras, one can gain an even greater appreciation for how far iPhone camera quality has come by comparing iPhone 6 photos against photos taken from previously released iPhone models. And to that end, Lisa Bettany of Camera+ recently took it upon herself to test the iPhone 6 camera against seven other iPhone models. The visuals are fascinating, and the jump in quality, even from the 5 to the 6, is readily apparent. Bettany's full post pits the iPhone 6 against other iPhone models in a variety of shooting scenarios, including backlit environments, daylight shots, and more. One area where Apple has made huge strides is in lowlight photography. In that particular area, the iPhone 6 is represents a huge leap forward. Make sure to check out Bettany's full post for the full breakdown of iPhone camera comparison shots.
iPhone 6 slo-mo at 240 fps is awesome; watch wine being poured into a glass
We're so impressed with the new iPhone 6's slo-mo capabilities, we had to share some more examples. Late last week The Verge posted photos of Iceland taken with the iPhone 6 Plus and the results are nothing short of astounding. If you haven't seen it yet, by all means, please check it out. Not to be outdone, video recording on the new iPhone models is just as electrifying. If you haven't yet checked out TechCrunch's demo of how the Cinematic Video Stabilization feature can improve your video footage, do it. It's out of this world. The iPhone 6 models also provide higher quality slo-mo footage as the new iSight camera can shoot footage at 240fps in 720p, a step up from the 120fps the iPhone 5s was capable of. Showcasing this improved slo-mo footage, check out this clip of wine being poured into a glass. iPhone 6 Slow Motion Wine Pour 240fps from Osborne Images on Vimeo.
Swivl motion-tracking dock now shipping to early adopters, future YouTube stars
Good news are in for folks who swiftly snagged one of those motion-tracking docks we showed you a while back, as they are now being prepped for shipping. After many months of teasing, it looks like the Satarii Star Swivl is finally getting ready to leave its prototype days behind. Those who unleashed the hefty $179 on the add-on can expect it to be on its way as soon as today. As for the ones who missed out on the first batch, you'll have to get in line and sign up via the company's site to know when more pop up. Also available now is a companion iOS app, which can be used to remotely trigger the camera for some self-recording action. We know you've waited long enough to take the Swivl for a spin, but in the meantime you can remind yourself why you bought in by peeking at the flaunting press shots below.
Swivl intros companion iPhone app, we make sweet video with it
Sure, when we first encountered the device formerly known as Satarii Star it may have been a pipe dream in dire need of funding (and frankly a better name), but after playing with the company's latest Swivl prototype we can confirm it's very much real and honestly, pretty darn cool. For those unaware, the $159 "dock" of sorts, rotates whatever you stuff into it a full 360-degrees all while chasing a portable marker. New today, is an accompanying iPhone app that can remotely trigger recording from the marker all while including other niceties like the ability to lock focus during capture. So how did we get along with our limited time with the startup's latest prototype? Hop on past the break to find out. %Gallery-142160%%Gallery-142167%
Belkin preps LiveAction camera remote for your iPhone
Look past the typical FCC dowdiness and you'll notice a Belkin-made remote shutter release for the iPhone. We have no notion of price or availability, but the regulatory paperwork does at least reveal how it works: the controller triggers still or video recording via Bluetooth and the accompanying LiveAction app, and it also houses a detachable stand for propping your phone up on a "variety of surfaces." Stop-motion shenanigans spring to mind, but the more obvious use is for group photos -- and you might consider pairing it with one of these to avoid cropping heads.
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.
Olloclip three-in-one lens for iPhone 4 review
The age of lugging around a pricey DSLR kit just to capture casual fisheye, wide-angle and macro photos may be nearing its end -- for some of us, at least. Designed by a startup duo in California, the Olloclip was the first project featured in our Insert Coin series, and we were thrilled to learn not only that it was successfully funded, but that the device is ready to ship to both early supporters and new customers just two months later. The accessory brings the functionality of all three lenses to the iPhone 4, and it does so well enough to warrant leaving your pro kit at home on occasion -- assuming, of course, that your photographs aren't responsible for putting food on the table. While a bargain compared to its professional equivalents, $70 is a lot to spend on any iPhone accessory, so the lens's price tag may not sit well with some users. Also, design limitations mean you won't be able to use the lens with other devices, and there's no way to guarantee compatibility with future iPhones as well. Nonetheless, we had a blast shooting with the Olloclip, and we think you will too. Head past the break to find out why.%Gallery-128329%
Insert Coin: Olloclip three-in-one lens for iPhone 4 (video)
In Insert Coin, we look at an exciting new tech project that requires funding before it can hit production. If you'd like to pitch a project, please send us a tip with "Insert Coin" as the subject line. We typically prefer to mount our macro, wide-angle, and fisheye lenses directly on a DSLR, but lugging around a pro-level kit isn't always an option. The olloclip adds some flexibility to your iPhone 4's camera, complimenting the built-in lens with a three-in-one optic that clips onto the phone and can be stored in your bag or pocket when not in use. The attachment includes three lenses: a 180-degree fisheye on one side, a wide-angle lens on the other, and a 10x macro that's revealed after unscrewing the top of the wide-angle. Based on the intro video, the wide lens appears to have some rather significant barrel distortion, so we hope inventor Patrick O'Neill and designer Chong Pak are able to work that out before this hits production. A $45 pledge to this Kickstarter includes one olloclip, which you're getting at a 25 percent discount. Lenses should ship 4 weeks after the project hits its $15,000 funding goal -- if it does hit that goal -- and are expected to retail for $60.
Camera Mic uses iPhone mic as shutter-release button
Can't seem to get just the right angle when taking a picture with your iPhone? Then you may want to check out Camera Mic, which turns the microphone on your iPhone or on your headset cable into a shutter-release button. Brought to our attention by Lifehacker, Camera Mic snaps a picture any time you tap the microphone -- or possibly even when it hears a loud noise nearby, which of course could lead to a full library of forgettable photos to sort through. But even with the potential to take pictures when you don't mean to, I could see this app coming in especially useful for those of us without forward-facing cameras. When we want to take a group shot that actually includes us, we have to turn the camera around and hope we can hit the shutter button. The ability to just tap the headset cable could make it much easier to take a photo worthwhile of being put somewhere other than in the trash. Available on the App Store for just US$0.99, Camera Mic is compatible with iOS 3.1 and later on the iPhone, iPod touch and iPad. (Maybe they mean iPad 2? Thanks, @Victimsofgravity.) Between the professional photographers using iPhones and reporters at The New York Times recording the news with theirs, the iPhone is sure showing its versatility in the photography world -- and an app like Camera Mic has the possibility of making it even more popular. [via Lifehacker]
The New York Times to provide reporters with the iPhone 4
The New York Times is giving their mobile reporters iPhone 4s to shoot video out in the field along with the ability to upload them to NYT servers using Aspera's high-speed file transfer software. Brought to our attention by MacStories, The New York Times' Editorial Director for Video and Television, Ann Derry, recently spoke to the Beet.TV Online Video Journalism Summit about the decision, saying that the iPhone 4 is a "game changer" for mobile video and the news business. The first NYT staff member to receive and use his new iPhone 4 was Andrew Ross Sorkin, who used it for his coverage of The World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. You can watch his report, "Setting the Stage at Davos," over at the NYT site. With a critically acclaimed director shooting movies with an iPhone and even some professional photographers giving them a go, it's no surprise that the media is starting to use them as real-time news-collecting devices. When even my local news station asks me each night to send in any video I take with my iPhone, I know it has become a rather mainstream phenomenon. Click Read More to watch video of Ann Derry discussing the iPhone 4 and The New York Times. [via MacStories]
Infinicam gives you a boatload of filters for your iPhone images
It's been almost a year and a half since I took a look at CameraBag, an app that allows you to filter your photos, mimicking classic film cameras from days gone by. Now the creators of CameraBag have stepped the game up with Infinicam. The app can generate an almost unlimited amount of filters to apply to images, and also provides 18 border styles to suit your photographic whim. I tried the app on a variety of landscape images, and found the results interesting. You simply press an on-screen button and the app will generate a random filter. If you like it, you can save it to a favorites list. If you don't, just press the button again. The app has some preset styles, which can be accessed by tapping on your image. Once you have what you want, the image can be saved to your camera roll, or emailed. You can save the image at the full resolution of your camera, or you can make it smaller. There is also an easy-to-use cropping tool. I enjoyed using this app. I don't think it's for the semi-pro, because you really don't have control of the image. You're just making random stabs to see what comes up. Sometimes the results are stunning. Sometimes they are pretty weird and not worth saving. There is a history function that lets you retrace your steps. I'd love to see the app add the ability to keep the filter chosen and then modify it slightly with hue or saturation and other parameters. Photographers looking for more control would be wise to look at Filterstorm for a very flexible and powerful app. If you like the look of old cameras and films Hipstamatic is also worth a look. Check the gallery for some examples. Infinicam costs US $1.99, supports the Retina Display on the iPhone, but works on the iPhone, iPod touch and iPad and requires iOS 2.0 or later. %Gallery-107779%
Apple HDR head to head with two top competitors
I recently expressed surprise that Apple has dipped into the world of HDR (high dynamic range) photography. It's a great upgrade for the camera, and will help users get better pictures if they use the feature wisely and at the right time. Megan Lavey has just done a nice summary of what the Apple HDR feature can do, and it's worth a look. So what about the HDR apps that were already available for the iPhone? How does the Apple version stack up to what are probably the two best paid HDR apps? Has Apple made the paid apps irrelevant? To test them all I took some pictures in challenging sunset lighting giving me bright skies and deep shadows. It's the kind of mix of light and dark that HDR is designed to help with. I also captured some images in bright morning sunlight with moderate shadows. %Gallery-101827%
Pro Australian photogs have a go at the iPhone camera
There's no question that photography with the iPhone is really catching on. Now, with iPhone 4, the camera quality is up, and people seem to be using it more and more for pictures they want to keep instead of casual snaps. A pro group of photographers, the ACMP (Australian Commercial and Media Photographers) ran a competition soliciting photos taken with an iPhone. The requirement was that the entrants use the Hipstamatic app to acquire the images, and that no further image manipulation could be applied. Hipstamatic emulates old styles of analog photography, along with classic lens emulations and different film characteristics. The app is US $1.99. The results are interesting and artistic. I've put a couple of the winners in a gallery, and I've provided a link so that you can see all the entries. The grand prize winner of the competition, Andrew Evans from Sydney, received an iPad. Thanks to Gavin Blue for letting us know about the contest. Gavin was also a winner. %Gallery-101491%
Pro HDR gets an update for iPhone and leaps ahead of the pack
It must be the week for HDR app updates. Yesterday we reviewed a solid update of TrueHDR, and now we have another terrific update from Pro HDR. Even if you're not into HDR photography, this is one to check out. High Dynamic Range photography creates an image from multiple exposures that are combined to overcome the limitations of automatic exposure control in cameras. The technique can recover details that would be lost in shadows, and keep bright areas, like the sky from blowing out. The update to Pro HDR, which has just been released, has a new fully automatic mode. Instead of taking two pictures with your iPhone, and manually pointing to the brightest and darkest areas, this new option analyzes the scene, sets the exposure accordingly, and then takes the two images without any user intervention. You can also use the manual mode if you prefer. The app also claims faster image capture and better alignment. %Gallery-99917%
iChatAgent process shows up in iPhone OS 4.0 -- video conferencing coming?
As expected, Apple didn't introduce any new iPhone hardware today; knowing Steve Jobs & co., they still want to save some surprises when they unveil the 4G iPhone later this summer. Could one of those surprises be a front-facing camera with iChat support? Close TUAW reader AW sent us this screen shot that shows an iChatAgent process showing up in iStat ($0.99 in the App Store) on an iPhone running the new iPhone OS 4.0 SDK. The process is new to iPhone OS 4.0 and it suggests that Apple plans to implement iChat on the phone in some form. It seems unlikely that Apple would merely introduce an instant messaging app without support for video conferencing. Although a front-facing camera on the iPhone has been rumored from time to time and it's one of the most requested hardware features for the iPhone, battery drain during video conferencing is always a concern on a mobile device. If Apple has found a way to support multitasking without significant battery drain, it's possible that mobile video conferencing battery drain has been overcome as well. UPDATE: another screen shot from within Activity Monitor (sent to us by reader Mr. X) after the break.
Phone-O-Scope brings SLR lenses to the iPhone the hard way
We've seen a few iPhone camera mods and even the odd off-the-shelf case with interchangeable lenses -- but why buy new lenses when you already have some perfectly good ones for your SLR camera? That's the thinking behind this so-called Phone-O-Scope built by camera modder Bhautik Joshi, at least, which makes use of an always handy laser pickup from a CD player, some PVC pipe couplers and, of course, duct tape to let you attach any regular SLR lens to your iPhone. As you might expect, however, the end result isn't exactly flawless, but the Bhautik does seem to be happy with the "fuzzy, Holga-like images" he's able to get with the rig. Judge for yourself after the break, and find the details for building your own at the link below.
Snapture Flash adds crappy flash to crappy iPhone camera
The iPhone's camera may be thoroughly eclipsed by several of its competitors, but the insane popularity of Apple's baby means that we've seen tons of accessories aimed at making that 2.1 megapixel sensor somewhat more useful -- like the Snapture Flash here, which tucks a xenon flash with red-eye reduction into a sleeve-type case. Although it's powered by the phone, it's apparently quite low-power -- SnaptureLabs estimates that you'll take 1000 shots before going dry -- and there's some sort of "speaker amplification" built in as well, just in case you're super into enhancing mediocre parts of the iPhone experience. Bad news? You'll have to jailbreak your phone to get the Snapture app working -- hopefully that'll be remedied by the time this thing ships. Check out some sample shots at the read link.[Via Engadget Spanish]
iPhone camera problems and solutions
Apparently some people are reporting problems with the iPhone's camera producing green-tinted pictures. iPhone Atlas suggests that the problem is probably being caused by some defect in the iPhone's automatic white balancing. Fortunately, they also suggest some post-processing solutions with iPhoto or Photoshop. So, dear TUAW readers, have any of you experienced the green tinting in your iPhone photos?[via MacVolPlace]
