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iPhone 16 Series Cases.. Camera Control Cover?
- Thread starter Breanna417
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Seems strange, since virtually every camera in the history of cameras has had a shutter button you had to physically press to take pictures. If there was no button you still have to physically tap on the screen, which to me is even more awkward. It sounds like the error exists at the camera holder's end.
I'd consider holding a modern DSLR and notice the difference. It's lightyears better than what Apple did.
- DSLR shutter buttons stick out of the camera. The iPhone 16 button is recessed. DSLR buttons are thus much easier to press.
- DSLR shutter buttons have a rounded side profile (e.g., not flat), meaning even light pressure on the middle will depress it. The iPhone 16 button is flat.
- DSLR shutter buttons are naturally placed above your right index finger when gripping it. The iPhone 16 button is further away than a typical landscape hold → your finger needs a long stretch → reduces your finger precision.
- DSLRs are much heavier. Thus, the "weight" of pressing the shutter is much less likely to move the heavier mass of the DSLR. The iPhone 16 is much lighter. Lighter pushes will shift the phone.
- You grip a DSLR with a far sturdier grip below the shutter button, thus allowing your index finger to push against your thick palm. In the iPhone 16, there is no weight on the opposite side.
This definitely feels like a Gen1 test. Maybe in 2-3 generations, we'll have "Camera Control with Touch ID" that has better placement and better UX, e.g.,
iPhone 6 launched with Touch ID Gen1.
iPhone 6S launched with Touch ID Gen2.
iPhone 7 launched with a capacitive button & Touch ID.
You make all those points about DSLR but with phones you had to press the screen and move the camera or the volume buttons which require to firm a push to prevent moving the camera. I've not heard people complain about missing focus with their phones
I'd compare the camera control to a point and shoot or a phone with a shutter button (in my drawer I have a Nokia 920 and a Sony X Compact, but I've had about four other phones that had shutter buttons) since it's more comparable in terms of overall form factor. The third point still applies, the first one does too to some extent (two of the phones I've had basically had flush shutter buttons), but the other three... not so much, particularly the last two. The problems with it being imprecise and not intuitive seem to stem from how the capacitive controls are implemented, which hopefully they can refine and tweak in a future update.
I love the idea of a physical camera button, the button on screen i've always found awkward to use. My Xperia Z1 compact had a physical shutter button that also functioned as a camera quick launch. It was a bit squishy this one looks better implemented.
Along with being the first waterproof phone (and having the perfect compact size) the Xperia Z1 was so ahead of the competition back then. It even had rounded edges but flat sides, best of both worlds. Such a shame how Sony squandered their lead.
I for one am really happy to see the return of the shutter button, alongside the action button, two features I miss the most on my current SE, perhaps alongside magsafe and USB-C.
Along with being the first waterproof phone (and having the perfect compact size) the Xperia Z1 was so ahead of the competition back then. It even had rounded edges but flat sides, best of both worlds. Such a shame how Sony squandered their lead.
I for one am really happy to see the return of the shutter button, alongside the action button, two features I miss the most on my current SE, perhaps alongside magsafe and USB-C.
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So, I have several cases already: Lake Green Apple Silicone; Andar Aspen (navy); Caseology Parallax; Supcase Unicorn Beetle.
These have basically all possible options for the camera control. I've obviously not had my 16 Pro Max for too long, but some initial thoughts in the various ways these cutouts are done:
First party capacitive pass through button: Apple Silicone:
The button works basically perfectly. No difference in swiping and half pressing for accessing options. Very responsive, with no lag or any issues.
Benefit: doing a full press is far easier with this case than it is on the bare phone. Gives a bit of a soft release feel that is far less jarring to the camera when fully depressing, and feels like how I'd expect the button to feel.
Detriment: Being right on the side and flush, I accidentally press the button all. the. time. I think I've done it 10 times since I got the phone an hour and a half ago. I'm sure I'll learn not to push there, but LOTs of accidental presses.
Full cutout: Andar Aspen:
Obviously allows full access to the camera control, via a scooped out edge. Ironically, the bare camera control button is fairly hard to depress fully to take a shot. It's not particularly easy to depress fully either without a case, nor with the cutout. Of course the half press and sliding work perfectly here.
Surprise benefit: the cutout makes me MUCH less likely to accidentally press the camera control button. This is a very nice thing.
Hole Cutout: Caseology Parallax:
Very similar in feel to the full cutout of the Aspen, though centers your finger a little better. Same haptics / hard press on full shutter press, etc. Also the same benefit of reducing the accidental presses.
Third-party capacitive pass through button: Supcase Unicorn Beetle:
The depth of press feels similar to the Apple Silicone, and softer than the bare button. The pass through done here does work, but not as smoothly as the Apple case. Supcase used like 50 small copper wires vertically integrated into the button to pass conductivity, but it just doesn't work as well. I have to have significantly more deliberate swipes to operate the control. Same accidental pressing here as well. I'm going to return the Supcase.
These have basically all possible options for the camera control. I've obviously not had my 16 Pro Max for too long, but some initial thoughts in the various ways these cutouts are done:
First party capacitive pass through button: Apple Silicone:
The button works basically perfectly. No difference in swiping and half pressing for accessing options. Very responsive, with no lag or any issues.
Benefit: doing a full press is far easier with this case than it is on the bare phone. Gives a bit of a soft release feel that is far less jarring to the camera when fully depressing, and feels like how I'd expect the button to feel.
Detriment: Being right on the side and flush, I accidentally press the button all. the. time. I think I've done it 10 times since I got the phone an hour and a half ago. I'm sure I'll learn not to push there, but LOTs of accidental presses.
Full cutout: Andar Aspen:
Obviously allows full access to the camera control, via a scooped out edge. Ironically, the bare camera control button is fairly hard to depress fully to take a shot. It's not particularly easy to depress fully either without a case, nor with the cutout. Of course the half press and sliding work perfectly here.
Surprise benefit: the cutout makes me MUCH less likely to accidentally press the camera control button. This is a very nice thing.
Hole Cutout: Caseology Parallax:
Very similar in feel to the full cutout of the Aspen, though centers your finger a little better. Same haptics / hard press on full shutter press, etc. Also the same benefit of reducing the accidental presses.
Third-party capacitive pass through button: Supcase Unicorn Beetle:
The depth of press feels similar to the Apple Silicone, and softer than the bare button. The pass through done here does work, but not as smoothly as the Apple case. Supcase used like 50 small copper wires vertically integrated into the button to pass conductivity, but it just doesn't work as well. I have to have significantly more deliberate swipes to operate the control. Same accidental pressing here as well. I'm going to return the Supcase.
Changing to double click to activate camera in settings stops accidental activation. 👍🏻
There is a switch in camera settings to make double press start camera.
Would recommend changing to that. At least some accidental starting of camera stops.
I agree that Apple case seems best regarding the button right now.
Oh good idea. I don't know that I'm going to have a problem with that, but it's good to know there's a fix.
Is there any good feedback on how the different cc cutouts are working or not working well?
I am using the apple silicon case until
the Ryan London arrives. Obviously the apple case works fine and it actually feels quite now. It’s the first time I’ve used silicon. I always buy leather.
Wondering how those oval cutout cases are doing as for ease of use for the cc button?
I am using the apple silicon case until
the Ryan London arrives. Obviously the apple case works fine and it actually feels quite now. It’s the first time I’ve used silicon. I always buy leather.
Wondering how those oval cutout cases are doing as for ease of use for the cc button?
Unless Otterbox or another well known rugged case adds one first, I'm waiting for the Spigen Tough Armor T AI (Magfit + Camera Control). Looks pretty rugged and shows a similar camera control button as the Apple case. It also looks like the only truly rugged case that shows a camera control button built in rather than a cut out or hole.
I currently have settled for the Supcase Unicorn Beetle Grip. Don't love it because it doesn't feel like it's anywhere near the same level of protection as something like the Defender XT on my 14 Pro Max. Another thing is that the lanyard holes go all the way into the case as well as another hole where the magnet ring folds in. I do a lot of video in the dirt for BMX videos so I hot glued them closed.
As far as the camera control button goes, Supcase does have a solution here and it works perfectly when just pressing to open the camera or half pressing to change function. Sliding to actually zoom or select other functions works decent enough but I just can't see myself using that over the screen. At least not yet.
For now, I'm happy that the button is at least covered from the elements somewhat.
Sorry I didn’t see it first. Any further info on the hole cutouts? Is it harder to press the recessed button with the case adding even more separation?
Also at this time apple silicone case is the best case right now simply because it has the camera control cover which is way better than having a cutout. In the past I use to get souvenir cases but this year it’s a total disappointment like other cases because the cutout feels so weird. I expect most cases to adopt the camera cover option eventually in the next few weeks. I just wish apple would work with more vendors prior to release so that people have more options.
I don't think it bothers as many people as you think. I dislike the Apple cases and a cutout is not enough to get me to go back to them. My favorite third party cases have cutouts and I'm happily using them.
Thanks for this. I've been going caseless on my 14 Pro and now my Desert 16 Pro, but this is a nice compromise to get a little protection but still show the titanium sides (which is the best part of the Desert color). And the Rustic Brown back should look great.Magnetic Leather Back- iPhone 16 Pro Max | Black | Horween | MagSafe | NOMAD®
Ultra-thin and precision-cut, the Magnetic Leather Back for iPhone 16 Pro Max enhances your phone's look while maintaining its original feel. Made with ...nomadgoods.com
I picked up this since the only thing I need covered is the back so I don't scratch it up when I put it on my desk. I went naked with the 15 Pro and it was fine, but would like a little bit of scuff protection.
Discontinued Products | OtterBox
Apologies, but it appears the product you are looking for is discontinued! Take a look at our many products to provide the ultimate device protection!
www.otterbox.com
At least I have the Supcase UB Mag clear case with the camera button. I expect other case manufacturers to "catch up" with camera control buttons on the case by January 2025.
So glad I found this thread. Cases with cut-outs for the camera control drive me crazy. I hate it. I am surprised no more people are talking about this. Perhaps a poll can tell better.
I am now using the Supcase Unicorn Beetle. It felt too bulky and hurt my finger when holding it with one hand. Like @Jman13 mentioned, the camera control button doesn't work the best.
I personally prefer a leather case. It's comfortable on hand and just about right in thickness. I love Nativeunion and Moft, but they haven't come up with cases covering camera control yet. I guess I'll have to wait... Damn you, Apple!
I am now using the Supcase Unicorn Beetle. It felt too bulky and hurt my finger when holding it with one hand. Like @Jman13 mentioned, the camera control button doesn't work the best.
I personally prefer a leather case. It's comfortable on hand and just about right in thickness. I love Nativeunion and Moft, but they haven't come up with cases covering camera control yet. I guess I'll have to wait... Damn you, Apple!