The iPhone 8 camera remains one of the most impressive on any mobile phone. The 12-megapixel rear-facing unit resolves plenty of detail, displays realistic colors, and correctly works out when to use HDR.
It can shoot 4K videos at 60fps and 1080p video at 240fps and has a 7-megapixel front-facing camera for selfies. It also supports slow-sync flash.
Camera
On paper, the camera on the iPhone 8 is unchanged from last year’s – still a 12Mp sensor with an f/1.8 lens and optical image stabilization. But it’s also got a better processor, a new color filter in the lens, and what Apple calls ‘deeper pixels,’ which prevent light leakage between adjacent pixels.
The photos shot with the iPhone 8 are a natural step up from previous models. Detail and contrast are much improved, and it takes pictures without smudging to find information like the Google Pixel or HTC U11 does.
HDR
HDR technology can improve your photos by making them more vibrant and clear. It captures a series of pictures at different exposures and combines them into one image that captures more detail in light and dark areas.
However, iPhone HDR does not work well when photographing moving subjects. It is best to hold your phone steady or use a tripod when shooting with this mode.
When using HDR, it is essential to remember that the camera takes three photos at different exposures and then combines them into one picture. Too much movement can cause the multiple photos not to align correctly and create a blurring effect in your final images.
Panoramic shots
Panoramic shots are a fantastic way to capture sweeping landscapes. They offer a more comprehensive view of the scene than a single wide-angle photo and can be printed large, making them a great addition to your photos.
The panorama feature in the iPhone 8 allows you to take 180-degree and telephoto panoramic shots. They can be stitched together to create a high-quality image that is much more detailed than the standard photo size offered by iPhone photos.
Hold the iPhone vertically and aim at the subject to shoot a panoramic photo. Then, move the iPhone across the landscape smoothly to the right.
Face detection
The iPhone 8 and the upcoming iPhone X feature Apple’s Face ID facial recognition system. This technology replaces Touch ID and only unlocks the device if it recognizes your face.
Apple claims that Face ID has a higher degree of accuracy than Touch ID, and it can be difficult to fool. However, it’s still vulnerable to attacks using photos or masks.
Luckily, Apple’s security features keep hackers from accessing your data and using it for fraud.
The TrueDepth camera system uses infrared light to map your face and only unlocks your phone if it sees your face correctly. It also works in low light, even when your face is at an angle.
Portrait mode
One of the most popular camera modes on iPhones is Portrait mode, which blurs out the background to make a photo of your subject stand out. This effect is similar to the so-called bokeh effect found in some professional DSLR cameras.
This effect is achieved using software algorithms to simulate depth-of-field results typically achieved through a DSLR lens’s aperture. Although other smartphone makers have replicated the feature, Apple is the first to introduce it on its iPhones.
To use the feature, open the Camera app on your device and swipe right to access the Portrait option. The quality will be marked yellow to indicate that it is available on your device and can separate your subject from the background.