In the age of social media, image is everything. To create that image, great photos and a way to share them are a must. Apple has again risen to the occasion. The company’s latest iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, and iPhone 11 Max all offer stunning photography. That’s all thanks to the iPhone camera lenses,, standard features with the latest generations.

With Wide, Ultra Wide and Telephoto lenses now available on iPhone, photographers and social media gurus can explore a whole new level of their craft. To create the best images possible, understanding how and when to use these iPhone camera lenses is beneficial.

What Are The New iPhone Camera Lenses?

The iPhone 11 series features three different lenses, each serving a unique purpose. None is necessarily more important than the others. But, together, they offer a well-rounded photography package. 

Wide – Every iPhone made to date has the Wide lens, including all three iPhone 11 models. This is the most familiar lens and likely will continue to be the most frequently used. Technically speaking, it’s a six-element lens with a 1x zoom and an f/1.8 aperture. The Wide lens offers 100% focus pixels and optical image stabilization.

Ultra Wide – The Ultra Wide is a step up for iPhone camera lenses. It, too, is available on all three iPhone 11 models. The Ultra Wide differs from the Wide in that it is a five-element lens and offers a wider field of view. Without an external lens, it provides a 120-degree field of view and an f/2.4 aperture. Zoom in to 0.5x using the Ultra Wide lens.

Telephoto lens – The new Telephoto lens is currently only featured on the iPhone 11 Pro and iPhone 11 Pro Max. This is a 52mm, five-element lens. It offers an f/2.0 aperture and a 2x optical zoom. The Telephoto lens can actually go up to 10x digital zoom. But it’s important to note that digital zoom creates a lower image quality.

The Updated Apple Camera App

To accommodate these robust iPhone camera lenses, Apple updated the Camera app. The updates allow for the full benefit of multiple iPhone camera lenses and new camera systems. Some of the changes include:

• A moon icon that lets you use iPhone Night mode when low light is detected.
• The ability to transition from photo to video mode using QuickTake video.
• A zoom control radial wheel that offers custom zoom options.
• The option to select which lens you want when using Pano mode. Tip: combine Pano with the Ultra Wide lens for a truly stunning landscape photo.

The layout of the Camera app has also been revamped. Some controls have been moved or omitted completely. For example, the Smart HDR image setting is gone. Apple decided Smart HDR is the new standard – and now the only option.

Other formatting updates:

• The app’s font received a subtle refresh.
• The flip camera icon was redesigned from a camera with circling arrows to a circle with bigger circling arrows.
• Square photo has been removed from the main wheel. To take a square photo, change the aspect ratio in the toolbar.
• A triangle disclosure indicator, which pulls down an extensive toolbar with the timer, Live Photo mode, flash, filters, and aspect ratio. 

What is Capture Outside the Frame?

Capture Outside the Frame is another new feature with the iPhone 11 Camera app. As the name implies, this feature shows the additional data outside the active viewfinder. It saves this data, so you can crop or adjust the photo after taking it. Capture Outside the Frame also works with videos.  

Note, this functionality requires using Apple’s high-efficiency image and video formats (HEIC and HEVC, respectively) instead of JPEG. These are smaller file sizes, which might help free up storage space. However, HEIC and HVEC are not always compatible with popular software programs, apps, and platforms. They may need to have their format converted later.

It’s also important to know that the data captured outside the frame is not available forever. It is available for 30 days for using the excess to make edits or corrections. After 30 days, the excess data is deleted. The original image remains, no matter what.

To enable this option:

1. Go to your iPhone camera settings.

2. Select the Camera section.

3. Scroll down to the Composition section.

4. Tap the switch button next to Photos Capture Outside the Frame. When turned on, the switch is green.

5. While there, tap the switch for Videos Captured Outside the Frame and Auto Apply Adjustments. The latter will automatically apply any composition adjustments that need to be made to your images.

How to Switch Between the iPhone Camera Lenses

To use these cool iPhone camera lenses, follow these steps to access them.

1. Open the Apple Camera app.

2. At the bottom of the viewfinder are numbered buttons: 0.5x, 1x, and 2x. (Note: Only the iPhone 11 Pro and Pro Max have 2x). 

• The 1x (Wide) lens is the default. 
• To use the Ultra Wide lens, tap the 0.5x
• To use the Telephoto lens, tap 2x.

3. Custom zoom settings can be made by swiping up on one of the numbered buttons. A radial zoom wheel will appear. Use a finger to turn the wheel and set the zoom anywhere between 0.5 to 10x (or 0.5 to 5x on the basic iPhone 11 model).

5. You can always go back to one of the three standard zooms by tapping the numbered button on the viewfinder.  

The Best Use for Each of the iPhone Camera Lenses

A skilled photographer knows the right place and the right time to use a particular lens. Since Apple now offers multiple lens options, learning the best use for each one is helpful.  

When to use the iPhone Wide lens:

The standard Wide lens has a moderately wide field of view, which makes it the go-to for a variety of settings. It’s great for capturing everyday moments – selfies, funny pet pics, and casual poses. Use the Wide lens with Burst mode to catch quality action shots. Or, try it with Portrait mode. The 1x Wide lens captures more of the background in Portrait mode. Capture dramatic blurred effects with this lens. To avoid overwhelming the photo with blur, reserve Wide lens for portraits shot from the waist up. Less background means less blur and more focus on the subject.

To sum up, the Wide lens is good for:

• Selfies
• Scenic landscapes
• Still life
• Casual family photos
• Action shots
• Portraits

The Wide lens is the default lens for a reason. It’s designed to work in almost every scenario. When in doubt, use the Wide lens. That said, there’s a trick to deciding if the iPhone Wide lens is the right choice. Simply enable Capture Outside the Frame. With this feature turned on, the viewfinder will show you what else is available to shoot. You might be persuaded to use the iPhone Ultra Wide lens, instead.

When to use the iPhone Ultra Wide lens:

As indicated above, the Ultra Wide lens provides a 120-degree field of view but offers a little less detail. The result is a dramatic sense of scale. This lens especially comes in handy when you can’t back up far enough to fit everything – or every person – in the frame.

That’s why the Ultra Wide lens is the better choice for capturing:

• Scenic landscapes
• Architecture (skyscraper buildings, monuments, etc.)
• Groups of people
• Pseudo-panoramic shots

When to use the iPhone Telephoto lens:

The iPhone 11 Pro’s Telephoto lens is another great option for portrait-style photos. In fact, it’s the default lens option in Portrait mode. (Tap the 2x icon in the bottom left corner to switch it.) Unlike the Wide and Ultra Wide iPhone camera lenses, the Telephoto lens zooms in. It offers detailed images of a subject that is positioned physically far away.

Use the Telephoto lens for:

• Wildlife photography (helps you remain discreet from a distance)
• Small subjects with a lot of detail (insects, flowers, etc.)
• Portraits and headshots

Are All These Lenses and Features Worth It?

In years past, the iPhone camera saw gradual changes from generation to generation. But the upgraded iPhone 11 camera is, by far, the most substantial evolution yet. While the iPhone Wide lens still offers the same 12 megapixels and f/1.8 aperture as the XS, the Ultra Wide and Telephoto lenses are big improvements. These iPhone camera lenses open the field of view, allowing in more light and greater detail. Each photo or video taken with the iPhone 11 is a high-quality work of art.

The post Do More Lenses Mean Better? A Guide to All the iPhone Camera Lenses appeared first on The Motif Blog.

Since the invention of photography, photographers have relied on the flash to take photos in the dark. It was the only solution for adding light and illuminating subjects. Thanks to new iPhone camera software, evening shots can be taken without the disruptive, overpowering light. iPhone Night mode nearly eliminates the need for professional equipment. Your trusty tripod being the exception. Learn more below about this feature, including how it works and how to use it effectively.  As it turns out, there’s a lot of light to uncover in the darkness.  

What is iPhone Night Mode?

iPhone photo night mode is a camera feature introduced with iPhone 11 and iPhone 11 Pro. It is now available on the iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Pro. These iPhone models have Apple’s A13 processor and a large camera lens that allows for an adaptable light sensor. When iPhone Night mode is activated, the dual cameras analyze the amount of available light. Using machine learning, the cameras determine how many frames are required to create a clear Night mode photo. A series of images are captured at different exposures – long and short. The iPhone then selects the best parts of the scene and combines the sharpest images of the series. The software also eliminates noise and enhances color for a truly detailed shot. This all occurs within the camera program, unseen by the photographer. The end result is a single, clear night photo.

Why Use iPhone Night Mode

The iPhone Night mode feature is just one more example of how Apple’s software continues to evolve. It constantly adjusts to innovate and meet consumer demands. With iPhone Night Mode photos, you receive:  

More clarity – Night photography tips are helpful and empowering, but some iPhone shots may still suffer from blurriness. To prevent blur, the camera’s shutter must stay open longer. With most cameras, that can lead to overexposure and unbalanced colors. The iPhone Night mode changes all that with its wide camera sensor and A13 processor. Every iPhone Night mode photo has more detail, less noise, and authentic coloring.

Less hassle – Unlike the flash function, Night mode is automatic. Photographers don’t need to remember to turn it on. The iPhone will detect low lighting and auto-enable Night mode. Photo exposure can be adjusted manually if desired. Once enabled, Night mode suggests a range of exposure times. Preview your options and select the exposure time that works best for the subject. 

When & Where to You Use iPhone Night Mode

iPhone photography settings should be used for certain times and certain places. iPhone Portrait mode is not the right camera orientation for capturing a mountain many miles away. It’s designed for portraits. Likewise, Night mode isn’t always the right option for every evening photo.

Night mode works best when there are no moving subjects. As indicated above, the iPhone camera software is stringing together multiple photos to produce the clearest shot possible. If there are pets or people scampering around in the frame, the final image will be blurred.

Additionally, stabilization is key. When a camera’s shutter is open for a longer time interval, the lens must remain as still as possible to catch the shot. Reserve Night mode photos for opportunities that allow for the stabilization of the camera. Avoid busy areas, where cameras may get bumped. Prop the camera on a solid surface or use a tripod.

Another thing to look for: glaring ambient light. Night mode is meant for low lighting scenes. While total darkness won’t work, neither does one source of bright light. A blazing yellow street light will create high contrast, which diminishes the clarity.

iPhone Night mode can only be used when the camera detects appropriate lighting situations. If the sensor doesn’t detect medium to low lighting, the feature won’t activate. In a sense, iPhone tells you when and where to use Night mode.

How to Use iPhone Night Mode

Apple has made using iPhone Night mode easy. Follow these step-by-step instructions to us it:  

1. Open the camera app on iPhone 11 or iPhone 12.
2. Tap the moon icon in the top left corner (next to the Flash). It will turn yellow when enabled. If the icon is gray, Night mode is available but not auto-enabled.
3. Set the scene and use iPhone photography tips to arrange the composition.
4. Use the timer dial above the Shutter Button to adjust exposure time in seconds. This is how long the camera must be stabilized in order to take the photo.
5. When ready, tap the Shutter Button and take the photo.

1. When ready, tap the Shutter Button and take the photo.

The iPhone 11 and iPhone 12 camera software will automatically default to the exposure time it deems best. You can, however, manually adjust this up and down to change the look.

How to manually adjust exposure time in Night mode and what that does:

Once Night mode is enabled, the timer dial appears in the bottom center of the screen.

1. Slide the dial up to increase the exposure time. This keeps the shutter open longer, allowing more light into the lens. This can be great for low-lighting photography. It’s not so great for scenes with any movement. The longer the shutter is open, the more time it has to capture the scene. If any part of the frame moves, the lens will catch it and some clarity will be lost.

2. Slide the dial down to decrease exposure time. A short exposure makes for a quick photo, which is handy. But there’s a fine line between time and lighting. Without sufficient time to let in light, you may get an image that’s still too dark. This is usually the issue when the lighting is already quite low in the scene.

For the most part, Apple’s default exposure time is often the right choice. It never hurts to experiment, though.

Savor the Night

Night mode on an iPhone 11 or iPhone 12 is like a shiny new toy. After some experimenting with it, collect your best Night mode photos into one album. Then, using the Motif app, quickly feature them in a cohesive photo book. The Motif app allows you to design a photo book on an iPhone in six simple steps. When the book arrives at your door, relive those special memories instantly and savor the night forever.

The post Night Mode iPhone: Night Photography Tips appeared first on The Motif Blog.

When you want to take a photo, what do you do? Grab your iPhone, of course. It’s easy. It’s convenient. It’s always in your pocket. That doesn’t mean your iPhone is always the best choice. In some cases, an iPad camera has the upper hand.   

iPad Camera vs. iPhone: What’s the Difference?

Technically speaking, there are very few differences between the iPhone and iPad cameras. For comparison purposes, let’s look at the latest versions of each device. Below are the notable camera features of the Apple iPad Pro and Apple iPhone 11.

iPad camera features

·  Dual rear iPad camera: Apple added a second camera to its 2020 iPad Pro. The updated tablet “now includes 10MP Ultra-Wide camera that zooms out two times to capture a much wider field of view,” according to an Apple press release.

·  High resolution: The primary lens is a 12MP wide camera, which produces high-resolution images.

·  Aperture f/1.8: Remember what aperture means? It’s the size of your camera’s lens opening, and it’s measured in f-stops. The iPad offers a small aperture (f/1.8), which means it has a wide lens opening that lets in a significant amount of light.

·  4K video: The 4K video display means the iPad has 8 million active pixels. It is much sharper and clearer than standard HD video.

iPhone camera features

·  Dual rear camera: Apple iPhone 11 also has two rear cameras. One is a 12MP wide camera. The other is a 12MP ultra-wide lens, just like the iPad camera.

·  High resolution: The two 12MP cameras produce pristine, high-resolution images.

·  Aperture f/1.8 and f/2.4: The Wide camera uses the f/1.8 aperture, while the ultra-wide camera has an f/2.4 aperture. This is a notable difference between the iPad camera and iPhone 11.

Note: the iPhone 11 Pro and Pro Max phones feature the dual cameras, plus a telephoto lens with an f/2.0 aperture.

·  4K video: The iPhone 11 also shoots in 4K video.

·  Night Mode: Unlike the iPad camera, the iPhone 11 and iPhone 11 Pro offer Night Mode. This camera mode helps you master exposure in low light photography.

Camera quality is virtually the same on iPhone vs. iPad. Both take stunning photos and are ideal for landscapes, group shots, and other wide-angle images. However, when comparing functionality, the iPad camera has an edge. Just like a smartphone, the iPad is a convenient, portable device. You can take it anywhere. But it’s the bigger screen that makes the iPad camera a more functional option. More on that below.

Why Bigger is Better: Using Your iPad Camera for Photo Projects

Apple’s innovative thinking has brought a comparable photo and video technology to its various mobile devices. You really can’t go wrong when using the iPhone or iPad camera to capture your memories. For those who want to do more with their photos, it pays to have an iPad handy. Here are a few key advantages to using the mobile device that has a bigger screen.

Finer details.

It should come as no surprise that you can see more on a bigger screen. It’s why many people prefer to watch movies in a theater or on a big TV. It allows for the full effect. The same is true for the iPad camera. It picks up on smaller details before snapping the picture. It gives the photographer the ability to adjust the scene or reconfigure the camera settings in order to get the perfect shot.

Easier editing.

It’s equally as easy to crop a photo on iPad or enhance the color saturation. Many photo editing steps are the same on iPad as they are on an iPhone. The iPad’s bigger screen and unique accessories make those steps run more smoothly. The editing process with an Apple Pencil in hand and Magic Keyboard attached allows for even easier editing. The iPad was designed with creative gurus in mind.

Improved app performance.

The new iPad Pro is especially compatible with next-generation photo apps like Motif Photos. It’s been enhanced with the new A12Z Bionic chip and powerful Neural Engine. This allows for faster, smoother performance when using apps on the iPad. When creating a photo project, begin by download the Motif app. The photos taken with the iPad camera automatically integrate. And thanks to the iPad’s boost in performance, you can work on a photo project for hours without any interruptions.

The post Is Bigger Better? How to Take Advantage of Your iPad Camera appeared first on The Motif Blog.