Dual Camera Issues...

[mfldmike]

So I read somewhere on here that the dual camera system on the 7 Plus isn't working as advertised, so I decided to try it out myself.

Try covering up one of the lenses and switching 1x-2x

This camera is not switching...

If I leave my finger covered on the normal lens and switch to 2x (should switch cameras) and I should be able to see something...I don't, I don't see anything even though the 2nd camera is uncovered.

What gives???

Can anyone else confirm?

 

[veedubshafer]

So I read somewhere on here that the dual camera system on the 7 Plus isn't working as advertised, so I decided to try it out myself.

Try covering up one of the lenses and switching 1x-2x

This camera is not switching...

If I leave my finger covered on the normal lens and switch to 2x (should switch cameras) and I should be able to see something...I don't, I don't see anything even though the 2nd camera is uncovered.

What gives???

Can anyone else confirm?

Just tried it. Mine works properly.

 

[mfldmike]

Yeah that's really weird, I tried it both ways again...it seems to be an intermittent issue with mine...

 

[ant the ninja]

So I read somewhere on here that the dual camera system on the 7 Plus isn't working as advertised, so I decided to try it out myself.

Try covering up one of the lenses and switching 1x-2x

This camera is not switching...

If I leave my finger covered on the normal lens and switch to 2x (should switch cameras) and I should be able to see something...I don't, I don't see anything even though the 2nd camera is uncovered.

What gives???

Can anyone else confirm?

Mine works the same as yours.

 

[mfldmike]

I wonder if this version of iOS isn't as polished as it seems...

 

[TommyA6]

So I read somewhere on here that the dual camera system on the 7 Plus isn't working as advertised, so I decided to try it out myself.

Try covering up one of the lenses and switching 1x-2x

This camera is not switching...

If I leave my finger covered on the normal lens and switch to 2x (should switch cameras) and I should be able to see something...I don't, I don't see anything even though the 2nd camera is uncovered.

What gives???

Can anyone else confirm?

Are you doing this in poor lighting? The telephoto lens won't activate if the light isn't sufficient. The phone will use digital zoom instead.

 

[mfldmike]

I wouldn't call it "poor" lighting, I'd call it indoor lighting

 

[Rok73]

Which can be classified as poor. Try it outside in daylight.

 

[Synomenon]

So I read somewhere on here that the dual camera system on the 7 Plus isn't working as advertised, so I decided to try it out myself.

Try covering up one of the lenses and switching 1x-2x

This camera is not switching...

If I leave my finger covered on the normal lens and switch to 2x (should switch cameras) and I should be able to see something...I don't, I don't see anything even though the 2nd camera is uncovered.

What gives???

Can anyone else confirm?

Do you normally block one of the lenses when taking pictures on the 7 Plus?

 

[noobinator]

I wouldn't call it "poor" lighting, I'd call it indoor lighting

Unless you are lighting your subject artificially for purposes of photography, most indoor lighting is going to be considered poor lighting.

 

[mfldmike]

Do you normally block one of the lenses when taking pictures on the 7 Plus?

Well obviously no, but do you normally blindly buy new tech without testing it?

If a camera is advertised as 4K video and you take a video, wouldn't you want to know that it's actually 4K and not enhanced 1080?

 

[Synomenon]

Bought my 7 Plus and have been using it as I normally would (I guess you can call that "testing"). Mine works fine.

 

[noobinator]

Another thread mentioned this has something to do with how far/close your subject is. It will only use 1 camera if it's too far/close. I forgot exactly what was said though but try focusing on a close and far subject and do the same test.

 

[mfldmike]

I stepped outside and "tested" it again, this time I see an image but it's blown out...so it stands to reason that the dual camera does not work in "indoor" or "poorly-lit" areas...

 

[geoff5093]

Do you normally block one of the lenses when taking pictures on the 7 Plus?

The OPs point is that he wants to make sure the telephoto lens is actually working and its not just 2x digital zoom.

 

[maxsix]

I stepped outside and "tested" it again, this time I see an image but it's blown out...so it stands to reason that the dual camera does not work in "indoor" or "poorly-lit" areas...

A long time Apple practice is the use of smoke and mirrors marketing hype.

It does help sell products and grab media attention. It's the key to Apples long term success. Furthermore they know a high percentage of buyers actually believe the company's every word.

So it follows that the magic of the dual lens camera may not be magical at all, instead it's just an attention getter that helps bolster sales. How it actually works may be argued for ages, meanwhile Apple continues to be fat and happy from robust profits.

 

[mfldmike]

A lot of people are going to notice "noise" issues in their photos IF they use 2x in poorly-lit areas; the phone isn't using the dual-camera but, its using software zoom to capture the photo...

 

[mfldmike]

http://m.imore.com/iphone-7-plus-telephoto-wont-shoot-low-light-situations

Thanks to someone at imore that answered my thread over there

 

[Markarian421]

I stepped outside and "tested" it again, this time I see an image but it's blown out...so it stands to reason that the dual camera does not work in "indoor" or "poorly-lit" areas...

From your first description I had a hunch that it might be measuring the light level with the lens you have covered, this would seem to confirm that. Covering up one lens is at a minimum confusing it about what the light level is and what the exposure should be. Indoors, with one lens covered and the other seeing lower (indoor) light levels it might just refuse to switch.

 

[Shanghaichica]

http://m.imore.com/iphone-7-plus-telephoto-wont-shoot-low-light-situations

Thanks to someone at imore that answered my thread over there

I was just about to post that link. I think the dual lens optical zoom is only really useful outside. I've used it indoors and I've now mapped out my living room and bedroom and know where I can use optical zoom and where It's not worth using it because it will be digital zoom during the day time.

I think outside in the daytime the optical zoom should work 99% of the time.

 

[mfldmike]

Yeah, it just threw me for a loop at first...

This is why I appreciate these forums ✌️

 

[Floris]

Could someone give me a real life situation where you want to take a picture but cover the camera with your fingers to block it from taking a picture?

 

[TurboPGT!]

Let me get this straight...

If the ambient light sensor does not detect a bright enough value, the telephoto lens simply does not engage when switching 1x to 2x, with no indication whatsoever of this in the UI?

Am I getting that right?

 

[Shanghaichica]

Let me get this straight...

If the ambient light sensor does not detect a bright enough value, the telephoto lens simply does not engage when switching 1x to 2x, with no indication whatsoever of this in the UI?

Am I getting that right?

Yes that's what happens. So there is no way to tell until after you've taken the shot.

 

[TurboPGT!]

Yes that's what happens. So there is no way to tell until after you've taken the shot.

That, I must say, is incredibly poor. Are you sure there is no indication in the UI at all? The camera App has all kinds of subtle UI to indicate what is going on. No visible difference whatsoever? If my phone ever ships I will surely test this.

I have to say though, this seems like huge oversight from the UI perspective if true. I fully understand Telephoto not engaging during low light, but this should reflect in the UI so the user is aware.