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iPhone 12 Pro iPhone 12 Pro camera cannot focus up close

iOS 12.2 RC corrects this problem. I had the problem on 12.1, and no longer have it.
Whereas on 12.1 you could see that there would be no focus, 12.2 repeatedly focuses (on all lenses).
For extra close shots, the telephoto lens is better than the regular lens.
 
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Maybe....just maybe it’s not affecting ALL iPhone 12 Pros. Nah, that would be too simple of an explanation why some aren’t seeing any issues while others are.

Hell, even at adequate distances I’ve seen the camera hunt for focus more than my iPhone 11 Pro did, or just get it wrong. It does seem overall (at least on 14.1) that getting a crisp photo isn’t as easy or reliable as the iPhone 11 Pro Max was. Whereas I could count on a perfectly-focused photo almost all the time on the 11 Pro Max, the same hasn’t always been the case with the 12 Pro.

I’ve owned several DSLRs and know my way around manual mode, and have owned more phones than most people, so assuming I don’t know what I’m doing is definitely making an ass of yourself. While I can agree minimum focusing distance is likely further on the 12 Pro (which is causing some of the complaints), it’s not the ONLY issue.

It’s just that a couple trolls are in the “I don’t experience it so it can’t be happening to anyone” or “you’re using it wrong” mindset that is very infuriating.
 
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DeanLubaki said:
iOS 12.2 RC corrects this problem. I had the problem on 12.1, and no longer have it.
Whereas on 12.1 you could see that there would be no focus, 12.2 repeatedly focuses (on all lenses).
For extra close shots, the telephoto lens is better than the regular lens.
Click to expand...
New here...how long before the RC makes it as a public release? Like how long does it take typically? Also what are the stable releases called? Thanks a ton
 
Don't forget that 12 pro has an extra piece of lens which can very well be the reason why focusing distance is longer...
 
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Devhux said:
You obviously didn’t read my post two posts above yours as I clearly indicated this isn’t the only issue.
Click to expand...

So whats the other issue apart from the minimum focusing distance? Your post 2 posts above mine mentions nothing else.
 
Coffee_Time said:
Don't forget that 12 pro has an extra piece of lens which can very well be the reason why focusing distance is longer...
Click to expand...

Apparently that’s not the only problem on this thread so Ive just been told by Devhux. Not sure what other problem there is though.
 
When a few inches away, it looks like it has a much harder time focusing on black text over a white background than darker images.
 
purpleparrotuk said:
It won’t autofocus closer than 3 inches.
Click to expand...
Sure, closer than 3 inches is not reasonable to expect. But the issue being discussed in this thread is that some users have found the 12 Pro won’t autofocus properly even at around 6 inches, which is a distance at which the lens components can physically focus as demonstrated by third party apps that allow for manual focus controls.
 
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purpleparrotuk said:
So whats the other issue apart from the minimum focusing distance? Your post 2 posts above mine mentions nothing else.
Click to expand...
The issue is that at distances where you can manually focus the lens using 3rd-party apps, the autofocus (in same apps or in the stock camera app) doesn't work reliably. It isn't that the subject is too close / inside the MFD of the lens: if it was, you wouldn't be able to manually focus on it. The issue seems worse indoors / in medium or low lighting situations and doesn't seem to be present on the 12, just the 12 Pro.

If I had to guess I'd say that when the issue occurs the camera is trying to use the LIDAR sensor to focus but the subject is inside the minimum working distance for the LIDAR: in that case you'd think it should switch back to the usual contrast-based focussing system as a backup, but it doesn't for some reason (software bug most likely).
 
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alFR said:
If I had to guess I'd say that when the issue occurs the camera is trying to use the LIDAR sensor to focus but the subject is inside the minimum working distance for the LIDAR: in that case you'd think it should switch back to the usual contrast-based focussing system as a backup, but it doesn't for some reason (software bug most likely).
Click to expand...
I was thinking the same and tried covering the LIDAR sensor with my finger, but no improvement. Also thought it was maybe using the zoom or ultrawide sensor to aid in autofocus. So I tried covering those up as well, but still no change.
 
alFR said:
The issue is that at distances where you can manually focus the lens using 3rd-party apps, the autofocus (in same apps or in the stock camera app) doesn't work reliably. It isn't that the subject is too close / inside the MFD of the lens: if it was, you wouldn't be able to manually focus on it. The issue seems worse indoors / in medium or low lighting situations and doesn't seem to be present on the 12, just the 12 Pro.

If I had to guess I'd say that when the issue occurs the camera is trying to use the LIDAR sensor to focus but the subject is inside the minimum working distance for the LIDAR: in that case you'd think it should switch back to the usual contrast-based focussing system as a backup, but it doesn't for some reason (software bug most likely).
Click to expand...

I’ve now tested two different 12 Pros and had no issues taking photos of different objects in not so great lighting up close 3 inches away. If it’s not user error, you have a defective iPhone, return it.
 
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FangRock said:
It's not just previous models though, the 12 is ok and its' the same camera. The non-pro is more pro than the pro. The type of photography I do, I noticed this within five minutes of using it. I don't think it's ok.
Click to expand...

That’s why Moment makes a macro add-on lens for the iPhone. If you’re a pro, spending a few extra bucks for a lens shouldn’t be a big deal.
 
alFR said:
The issue is that at distances where you can manually focus the lens using 3rd-party apps, the autofocus (in same apps or in the stock camera app) doesn't work reliably. It isn't that the subject is too close / inside the MFD of the lens: if it was, you wouldn't be able to manually focus on it.
Click to expand...
+1 on this.

When autofocus doesn't work (greater or less than 3 inches), I can go to Halide or ProCam using manual focus and it will focus fine at the exact same distance. This is a workaround for now when I need to shoot close-ups reliably.
 
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Devhux said:
Hell, even at adequate distances I’ve seen the camera hunt for focus more than my iPhone 11 Pro did, or just get it wrong. It does seem overall (at least on 14.1) that getting a crisp photo isn’t as easy or reliable as the iPhone 11 Pro Max was. Whereas I could count on a perfectly-focused photo almost all the time on the 11 Pro Max, the same hasn’t always been the case with the 12 Pro.
Click to expand...
purpleparrotuk said:
So whats the other issue apart from the minimum focusing distance? Your post 2 posts above mine mentions nothing else.
Click to expand...
Seriously, it was the second paragraph in that post.
 
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