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Incipio NGP Matte "Soft Shell" & Casemate Screen Protector iPhone 4 Combo Review
- Thread starter iPhoneDoU
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Guys, I'm sorry for not considering this issue in my review. I've only used the camera in decent light, so it didn't occur to me. I just snapped about 30 pics around my fairly dim room with and without the case on. I shot some of myself. It seemed like my arm was too short for those to demonstrate anything. I snapped pictures of various other things, from as little as 10 inches up to a few feet away.
I'm not trying to start a debate on this, but at least for me, right here, right now, holding the phone at a certain angle in relation to the subject seemed to negate any effect of the case on the flash. I tried this at several distances to confirm.
I'm sure if we all just complain enough, Apple will issue a statement on how to hold the phone properly for camera use. Oops, nevermind! I think I had my finger over the lens.
(Courtesy of LoganT)
I do like to joke around, but I wasn't joking about the issue improving at a certain angle, close to perpendicular to the ground. Anyway, I expect to take few enough low light photos that I won't be bothered by this, but I do apologize for not mentioning it in my review or demonstrating it properly afterward. Good luck with any makeshift solutions or further case shopping, and let us know how you make out.
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I noticed that the "case effect" of the flash seems to be more pronounced in pics taken 6-10ft away from the subject.
Now I know some folks might get nervous about using a razor knife to fix an issue with a case, but these are super-early production cases and well, crap happens.
So on that note, I've got a question.
The case opening (on mine) appears to be slightly off centered compared to the camera/flash. Specifically, the beveled opening in the case is almost "touching" the silver ring of the camera, on the side opposite of the flash. The polymer of the case is farther away from the camera on the side nearest the LED flash.
Is that "off-centeredness" what is causing the bloom effect with the flash? Maybe reflecting the light back into the lens/sensor? (don't shoot me if that's not scientifically possible, I'm not an optics expert)
If so, would taking a razor knife and "scalloping" out that area help? As I said earlier, I'm not afraid to use the WECSOG method on a case, I just want to make sure I'm modding the right area of the case. As Apple likes to say, "this can't be undone"
Sean
I noticed that the "case effect" of the flash seems to be more pronounced in pics taken 6-10ft away from the subject.
Now I know some folks might get nervous about using a razor knife to fix an issue with a case, but these are super-early production cases and well, crap happens.
So on that note, I've got a question.
The case opening (on mine) appears to be slightly off centered compared to the camera/flash. Specifically, the beveled opening in the case is almost "touching" the silver ring of the camera, on the side opposite of the flash. The polymer of the case is farther away from the camera on the side nearest the LED flash.
Is that "off-centeredness" what is causing the bloom effect with the flash? Maybe reflecting the light back into the lens/sensor? (don't shoot me if that's not scientifically possible, I'm not an optics expert)
If so, would taking a razor knife and "scalloping" out that area help? As I said earlier, I'm not afraid to use the WECSOG method on a case, I just want to make sure I'm modding the right area of the case. As Apple likes to say, "this can't be undone"
Sean
So am I understanding this correctly, that the 'case flash issue' isn't that the flash isn't covered?
If so, then the only other possible explanation I can think of is that the iPhone 4 has some sort of light sensor in the back, like it has in the front to determine the screen brightness, but there's one in the back according to what Apple said, to better adjust the camera for different lighting situations. Presumably it's also the sensor that determines when the flash should turn on (when set to auto). Perhaps THAT little sensor is being blocked by the case and so a lot of pictures are coming out with bad lighting?
If so, then the only other possible explanation I can think of is that the iPhone 4 has some sort of light sensor in the back, like it has in the front to determine the screen brightness, but there's one in the back according to what Apple said, to better adjust the camera for different lighting situations. Presumably it's also the sensor that determines when the flash should turn on (when set to auto). Perhaps THAT little sensor is being blocked by the case and so a lot of pictures are coming out with bad lighting?
I don't think there is a sensor being blocked by the case. I think it has to do with the way the flash is bouncing off of the case. I cut a wider hole around the flash, when I get back home tonight I will take 2 shots similar to the ones I previously posted.
If nothing else, try removing some material from around the opening for the lens instead of the flash. I think the case is reflecting light down into lens, via the material closest to the lens opening.
Sean
this case looks great and i'm thinking of getting one though the flash issue does seem a bit annoying.
i don't mind doing a bit of work on my own to cut the hole bigger -- out of curiosity, what did you use to cut? exacto knife? would like to make a somewhat clean rectangle if possible, and am curious to know your opinion on the best method to use.
i don't mind doing a bit of work on my own to cut the hole bigger -- out of curiosity, what did you use to cut? exacto knife? would like to make a somewhat clean rectangle if possible, and am curious to know your opinion on the best method to use.
First post here, but one thing you can try is taking a sharpie and outlining the hole in the case for the camera- the problem is caused by the case reflecting light weirdly into the lens, and the dull ink from the sharpie should negate that. I've seen someone due it with the Griffin reveal case and it seemed to fix the problem.
Just got this case from ATT. I went from the grip vue. First I got my clear grip vue from bb and it has the flash problem, then I got the smoke replacement from belkin and that case holds my power down all the time and it drives my nut. So I went to my ATT store and look for a soft case and it's the only one without crazy pattern.
Although it covers up the back, I could careless for that. I put it on right after I got it and realized how much snappier the buttons are. It almost feels like a naked phone. I also think they had a revision because the flash cut out is much larger. I have yet to test the flash out. I'll do that tonight.
Bottomline, if you don't mind a case that covers up the back and the side, I think it's a pretty good soft case.
Although it covers up the back, I could careless for that. I put it on right after I got it and realized how much snappier the buttons are. It almost feels like a naked phone. I also think they had a revision because the flash cut out is much larger. I have yet to test the flash out. I'll do that tonight.
Bottomline, if you don't mind a case that covers up the back and the side, I think it's a pretty good soft case.
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Just installed my Case-Mate screen protectors... and I hate them! I always get these perfect and this time even though I got the installation spot on and zero bubbles or dust, The openings are all cutout wrong. I got the front facing camera and the speaker lined up PERFECTLY, but the home button is all screwed up.
