iPhone 14 Pro Max iPhone 14 Pro Max Camera Issues after "Shake"

[Motnos]

I got my 14 Pro Max on launch and initially was very happy with it until a couple of days after delivery I experienced the camera shake issue while trying to record a video on Whatsapp, the shaking was so bad the device was physically vibrating.

I believe this permanently damaged the camera as now when taking photos there is always a weird graining/haze in the background of the photos and the focus itself takes forever. Comparing it to my Girlfriend's 12 and Mother's 11 those base model devices now take better photos by far with much better clarity and sharpness.

Going via Apple Support they were unwilling to replace the device as the hardware diagnostics showed no problems, despite the senior level advisor I spoke to on the phone agreeing there was clearly an issue, In the end, I took AppleCare out and requested an express replacement for tomorrow.

I've attached some photos below, the pictures of my dog show the grainy/hazy background, and the pictures of the cat show the overall camera performance close-up.

My suggestion to anyone who had the camera shake problem would be to try and get it replaced as who knows how much damage it did.

 

[antiprotest]

Thanks a lot Apple.

 

[Andeddu]

Cute pets but the pictures are awful and look like they were taken by an SE1. Hope you get a replacement without issue!

 

[JPack]

Given how important the camera is, I'm surprised Apple doesn't have a way to evaluate camera quality problems. There is no way a remote "diagnostic" can determine image quality issues. I'm guessing most victims of this issue won't even know it unless they've got something to compare against.

 

[Motnos]

Honestly. I'm a bit taken back with the service from Apple this time around, I've had to jump through so many hoops to get this resolved.

I've spent over 3 hours speaking to their techies, numerous live chats, all agreeing their is a problem but nobody authorising a replacement.

I literally had to buy an AppleCare subscription just to force their hand on replacing the device.

The best part of it is the replacement device is delayed (thanks to UPS) and I'm meant to be away from tomorrow for a few days, despite this, they expect my current device to be returned by the 4th of November or I get charged a few hundred for the privilege and they aren't willing to extend the return window.

 

[DanRO]

I think the issue you think you might have should be more visible in videos, if videos are fine I really think it’s still software

 

[Motnos]

I think the issue you think you might have should be more visible in videos, if videos are fine I really think it’s still software

Interesting you mention that @DanRO

Videos were showing similar strange behaviour, with slow focusing and lack of clarity.

The good news is the replacement phone actually did arrive today, and it's all set up and working. The focus seems to work as you would expect and the clarity and sharpness of the photos and videos on the new device is so much better.

My advice to anyone else who is having the same problems is to get the device replaced while you still can

 

[DanRO]

Good to hear that. What about close up shots? for example of documents, just like in the other topic regarding this issue. I do have for work an iPhone 11 and the photos of documents for example, are much clearer, while on the 14Pm even from a distance, the margins of the photo look blurry (with the main lens)
Could you also test that and see if you have the same?
I honestly think is because of the sensor size and still unpolished photo processing. At least this is me hoping

 

[Motnos]

Good to hear that. What about close up shots? for example of documents, just like in the other topic regarding this issue. I do have for work an iPhone 11 and the photos of documents for example, are much clearer, while on the 14Pm even from a distance, the margins of the photo look blurry (with the main lens)
Could you also test that and see if you have the same?
I honestly think is because of the sensor size and still unpolished photo processing. At least this is me hoping

The main camera seems pretty useless when it comes to Close Up shots. I have to enable the macro camera manually (I have it on toggle rather than auto) to get anything to be visible.

Using the macro mode however, it's clear and sharp, as you would expect. (On both devices)