One could say that the iPhone camera has many issues…
Apple uses small sensors; doesn’t give you a pro mode for better control over your images; the iPhone can sometimes make people look orange (or blue); the ultra-wide and zoom cameras aren’t as good as the primary one, and so on and so forth…
However, all of that aside, the beef I have with the iPhone camera is a bit more specific, or rather more “technical” but at the same time simply related to “how good a photo looks”, if I may say…
The way I see it is that what’s “wrong” with the iPhone camera goes all the way back to the very reason you decide to snap a photo. Then, it ends with, well… the end result, which, more often than not, doesn’t match the initial depiction of what you were looking at / the very reason you decided this was a moment worth capturing, storing, and celebrating.
If none of this makes sense now, I’ll get (way) more specific when we look at the photo samples I took (and then edited)! So, what are the “real” issues with the iPhone camera, and how can you solve them within seconds by hitting the edit button in your Photos app?
Here’s my take…
The real issues with the iPhone 13, iPhone 14 camera relate to Apple’s general philosophy on photography
As I hinted, the real problem with the iPhone camera (at least in my view) ultimately is the fact that Apple doesn’t let us take greater control over our photos (before snapping them)!
Instead, as an iPhone 13 mini and iPhone 14 Pro user (all photos you’re about to see are taken with the iPhone 13 mini, which I prefer carrying around), I get whatever comes with Apple’s understanding of a “good photo”, and I have to… deal with it.
Lack of granular camera control on phones isn’t just an Apple problem, as Google, for example, also forces users to adhere to its photography philosophy by omitting a pro mode from the Pixel’s camera (new Pixels don’t even let you take full-res photos). On the other hand, good examples are Samsung, Xiaomi, Vivo, OnePlus, Oppo, Huawei (and more), thanks to their expert pro modes/settings and dedicated alternative automatic shooting modes, like Leica Authentic on Xiaomi phones, which comes from Xiaomi’s multi-million dollar partnership with… Leica.
iPhone photos are often too bright, which leads to a washed-out look and, therefore, false depiction of the scene – this is in no way exclusive to night photos (in fact, rather the opposite), but it’s way easier to spot when taking Night Mode images
Aggressive HDR can make iPhone photos look extremely flat and lifeless, lacking any “drama”, which “real” cameras often give us; technically, this is due to the fact that the iPhone wants to bring highlight (bright parts of the image) and shadows (the darker parts of the photo) closer together, instead of trying to separate them in an authentic fashion
Related to the last point and on the opposite end of the spectrum, the iPhone’s HDR often fails to stack images properly, which can lead to overblown highlights that are next to impossible to recover
Oversharpening – perhaps the easiest-to-grasp problem with the iPhone camera has existed for 2-3 generations now; unless you’re shooting in RAW/48MP mode (if you have that luxury), trees, branches, and buildings (or anything with well-defined texture) is bound to look way sharper than it’s supposed to
Take “real” photos with your iPhone 12, iPhone 13, iPhone 14! It takes 30 seconds of editing; I snapped hundreds of photos to make sure
How to take DSLR-like photos with your iPhone? It’s easy! Snap the photo and try fiddling with the settings after you hit the edit button in the Photos app. What usually makes my photos look way more realistic and “real” is:
Dial back Brilliance by some 30-60% (strongly recommend)
Dial down Brightness by some 20-40% (strongly recommend)
Reduce Noise by some 15-25% (recommended for photos with a lot of textures, which might look over-sharpened)
Add Vignette for a stylistic look (recommended for a more authentic “camera” look and where you need to bring back the “drama” in the scene)
I took hundreds of photos and edited them to look… better and more authentic (original photos on the left, edited on the right)
Apple, please give us a more authentic shooting mode; let us turn off HDR, and maybe change the lens supplier for iPhone 15
As you can see, the iPhone photo traits are as promised – high brightness, added sharpness, and inconsistent HDR. And as mentioned in the beginning, this usually leads to “lifeless” photos, which don’t just look different from reality but also often look… worse.
Just like the editing suggestions I gave towards the beginning, it was very rare that I had to add any vibrance to the iPhone’s photos. In 95% of the cases, I simply reduced the brightness and brilliance of the photos, which automatically helped restore some of the color of the photos. What’s interesting is that there is, in fact, a smartphone on the market right now that takes photos pretty much the way I like them or the way I think the iPhone should also do it, and this phone is the Xiaomi 13 Pro (also, the Xiaomi 12S Ultra which offers an identical experience). This isn’t a Xiaomi 13 Pro story, so I won’t be talking too much about it, but the Leica Authentic Mode within the camera app of this device is what separates it from the rest of the pack (Pixel 7, Galaxy S22, iPhone 14).
What Xiaomi is currently doing is exactly what I imagine the future of the smartphone camera to be – give users a few options for photo styles – which are very different from filters in that they aren’t laid out on top of your photo but are the photo you take.
New iPhone 15 camera rumors and Photographic Styles – the right direction
But wait, doesn’t the iPhone have… Photographic Styles?
Yes, it does, and yes, they do help! However, they are far from making photos look natural. For instance, photographic styles don’t allow you to tweak highlights and shadows individually or reduce the artificial sharpening of photos.
Anyway, the rumors for iPhone 15 say that Apple is about to switch to using newer/better Sony sensors that allow for improved HDR – something that current iPhones can often get wrong…
Better hardware and Photographic Styles are certainly the right direction, but I think Apple should double down and make Photographic Styles the centerpiece of the new-gen iPhone camera, similar to what Xiaomi, OnePlus, Oppo, and Vivo are doing with their Leica, Zeiss, and Hasselblad partnerships.
Giving people the option to take vivid or more natural/authentic photos could take the iPhone camera from really good to outstanding… for more people. Do you agree? And will you use some of the editing tricks I showed off here for your own photos? Let me know!
CHICAGO (AP) — United Airlines has struck a deal with Elon Musk’s SpaceX to offer satellite-based Starlink WiFi service on flights within the next several years.
The airline said Friday the service will be free to passengers.
United said it will begin testing the service early next year and begin offering it on some flights by later in 2025.
Financial details of the deal were not disclosed.
The announcement comes as airlines rush to offer more amenities as a way to stand out when passengers pick a carrier for a trip. United’s goal is to make sitting on a plane pretty much like being on the ground when it comes to browsing the internet, streaming entertainment and playing games.
“Everything you can do on the ground, you’ll soon be able to do on board a United plane at 35,000 feet, just about anywhere in the world,” CEO Scott Kirby said in announcing the deal.
The airline says Starlink will allow passengers to get internet access even over oceans and polar regions where traditional cell or Wi-Fi signals may be weak or missing.
Sony has made it easy for Canadian consumers to preorder the PlayStation 5 Pro in Canada directly from PlayStation’s official website. Here’s how:
Visit the Official Website: Go to direct.playstation.com and navigate to the PS5 Pro section once preorders go live on September 26, 2024.
Create or Log in to Your PlayStation Account: If you don’t have a PlayStation account, you will need to create one. Existing users can simply log in to proceed.
Place Your Preorder: Once logged in, follow the instructions to preorder your PS5 Pro. Ensure you have a valid payment method ready and double-check your shipping information for accuracy.
Preorder Through Major Canadian Retailers
While preordering directly from PlayStation is a popular option, you can also secure your PS5 Pro through trusted Canadian retailers. These retailers are expected to offer preorders on or after September 26:
Best Buy Canada
Walmart Canada
EB Games (GameStop)
Amazon Canada
The Source
Steps to Preorder via Canadian Retailers:
Visit Retailer Websites: Search for “PlayStation 5 Pro” on the website of your preferred retailer starting on September 26.
Create or Log in to Your Account: If you’re shopping online, having an account with the retailer can speed up the preorder process.
Preorder in Store: For those who prefer in-person shopping, check with local stores regarding availability and preorder policies.
3. Sign Up for Notifications
Many retailers and websites offer the option to sign up for notifications when the preorder goes live. If you’re worried about missing out due to high demand, this can be a useful option.
Visit Retailer Sites: Look for a “Notify Me” or “Email Alerts” option and enter your email to stay informed.
Use PlayStation Alerts: Sign up for notifications directly through Sony to be one of the first to know when preorders are available.
4. Prepare for High Demand
Preordering the PS5 Pro is expected to be competitive, with high demand likely to result in quick sellouts, just as with the initial release of the original PS5. To maximize your chances of securing a preorder:
Act Quickly: Be prepared to place your order as soon as preorders open. Timing is key, as stock can run out within minutes.
Double-Check Payment Information: Ensure your credit card or payment method is ready to go. Any delays during the checkout process could result in losing your spot.
Stay Informed: Monitor PlayStation and retailer websites for updates on restocks or additional preorder windows.
Final Thoughts
The PlayStation 5 Pro is set to take gaming to the next level with its enhanced performance, graphics, and new features. Canadian gamers should be ready to act fast when preorders open on September 26, 2024, to secure their console ahead of the holiday season. Whether you choose to preorder through PlayStation’s official website or your preferred retailer, following the steps outlined above will help ensure a smooth and successful preorder experience.
For more details on the PS5 Pro and to preorder, visit direct.playstation.com or stay tuned to updates from major Canadian retailers.
Since the PlayStation 5 (PS5) launched four years ago, PlayStation has continuously evolved to meet the demands of its players. Today, we are excited to announce the next step in this journey: the PlayStation 5 Pro. Designed for the most dedicated players and game creators, the PS5 Pro brings groundbreaking advancements in gaming hardware, raising the bar for what’s possible.
Key Features of the PS5 Pro
The PS5 Pro comes equipped with several key performance enhancements, addressing the requests of gamers for smoother, higher-quality graphics at a consistent 60 frames per second (FPS). The console’s standout features include:
Upgraded GPU: The PS5 Pro’s GPU boasts 67% more Compute Units than the current PS5, combined with 28% faster memory. This allows for up to 45% faster rendering speeds, ensuring a smoother gaming experience.
Advanced Ray Tracing: Ray tracing capabilities have been significantly enhanced, with reflections and refractions of light being processed at double or triple the speed of the current PS5, creating more dynamic visuals.
AI-Driven Upscaling: Introducing PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution, an AI-based upscaling technology that adds extraordinary detail to images, resulting in sharper image clarity.
Backward Compatibility & Game Boost: More than 8,500 PS4 games playable on PS5 Pro will benefit from PS5 Pro Game Boost, stabilizing or enhancing performance. PS4 games will also see improved resolution on select titles.
VRR & 8K Support: The PS5 Pro supports Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and 8K gaming for the ultimate visual experience, while also launching with the latest wireless technology, Wi-Fi 7, in supported regions.
Optimized Games & Patches
Game creators have quickly embraced the new technology that comes with the PS5 Pro. Many games will receive free updates to take full advantage of the console’s new features, labeled as PS5 Pro Enhanced. Some of the highly anticipated titles include:
Alan Wake 2
Assassin’s Creed: Shadows
Demon’s Souls
Dragon’s Dogma 2
Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth
Gran Turismo 7
Marvel’s Spider-Man 2
Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart
Horizon Forbidden West
These updates will allow players to experience their favorite games at a higher fidelity, taking full advantage of the console’s improved graphics and performance.
Design & Compatibility
Maintaining consistency within the PS5 family, the PS5 Pro retains the same height and width as the original PS5 model. Players will also have the option to add an Ultra HD Blu-ray Disc Drive or swap console covers when available.
Additionally, the PS5 Pro is fully compatible with all existing PS5 accessories, including the PlayStation VR2, DualSense Edge, Pulse Elite, and Access controller. This ensures seamless integration into your current gaming setup.
Pricing & Availability
The PS5 Pro will be available starting November 7, 2024, at a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of:
$699.99 USD
$949.99 CAD
£699.99 GBP
€799.99 EUR
¥119,980 JPY
Each PS5 Pro comes with a 2TB SSD, a DualSense wireless controller, and a copy of Astro’s Playroom pre-installed. Pre-orders begin on September 26, 2024, and the console will be available at participating retailers and directly from PlayStation via direct.playstation.com.
The launch of the PS5 Pro marks a new chapter in PlayStation’s commitment to delivering cutting-edge gaming experiences. Whether players choose the standard PS5 or the PS5 Pro, PlayStation aims to provide the best possible gaming experience for everyone.
Preorder your PS5 Pro and step into the next generation of gaming this holiday season.
