Hey everyone.
As some you you may know, I am a big supporter of iPhone photography. I used my 3GS camera extensively for both artistic projects as well as everyday snap shots. I was always amazed at the quality of the tiny 3GS camera, and was very excited upon hearing the upgraded specs of the iPhone 4's cam.
I now own the iPhone 4, and after nearly a week of use, I must admit I'm quite disappointed with it.
The two main issues I have with the new camera; Noise and Over-Saturation.
With regards to the problem of increased noise over the 3GS, this seems completely backwards! The iPhone 4's larger lens diameter, along with the backlit sensor, were supposed to increase low light capability; and in theory also decrease noise in turn (less light sensitivity needed "ISO"). Even in fairly well lit, daytime settings I can see very obvious noise vs what I typically got with the 3GS.
Now onto the problem of Over-Saturation. Simply put, you can't take a picture of nearly anything without the iPhone 4 completely blowing out the colors. Almost any subject featuring vibrant colors is reduced to a flat blob of peaked color. Color correcting on a computer or using one of the many photo editing apps available only make this problem worse.
Ironically, what first got me to respect the 3GS camera, was a series of shots I took of a friend's band playing in a small club. Despite the very low lighting and constantly flashing colored lights, the pictures turned out pretty great.
Now tonight, I shot the same band, at a very similar venue, this time with iPhone 4. Nearly every shot was painfully noisy while still being dark. The shots that were nice and bright from the colored lights, were unfortunately turned into what looks like a "comic book" filter, due to the iPhones built in over-saturtation.
Lastly, the digital zoom slider makes it impossible to focus or expose for anything near the bottom edge. The digital zoom is a feature I will never use, an option to disable this would be much appreciated! =)
Sorry for my lengthy rant.
Luckily I do believe that both these problems, especially the over-saturation, can easily be addressed by a software update should Apple choose.
Am I the only one who currently thinks the new camera was a bit of a step backwards? =(
As some you you may know, I am a big supporter of iPhone photography. I used my 3GS camera extensively for both artistic projects as well as everyday snap shots. I was always amazed at the quality of the tiny 3GS camera, and was very excited upon hearing the upgraded specs of the iPhone 4's cam.
I now own the iPhone 4, and after nearly a week of use, I must admit I'm quite disappointed with it.
The two main issues I have with the new camera; Noise and Over-Saturation.
With regards to the problem of increased noise over the 3GS, this seems completely backwards! The iPhone 4's larger lens diameter, along with the backlit sensor, were supposed to increase low light capability; and in theory also decrease noise in turn (less light sensitivity needed "ISO"). Even in fairly well lit, daytime settings I can see very obvious noise vs what I typically got with the 3GS.
Now onto the problem of Over-Saturation. Simply put, you can't take a picture of nearly anything without the iPhone 4 completely blowing out the colors. Almost any subject featuring vibrant colors is reduced to a flat blob of peaked color. Color correcting on a computer or using one of the many photo editing apps available only make this problem worse.
Ironically, what first got me to respect the 3GS camera, was a series of shots I took of a friend's band playing in a small club. Despite the very low lighting and constantly flashing colored lights, the pictures turned out pretty great.
Now tonight, I shot the same band, at a very similar venue, this time with iPhone 4. Nearly every shot was painfully noisy while still being dark. The shots that were nice and bright from the colored lights, were unfortunately turned into what looks like a "comic book" filter, due to the iPhones built in over-saturtation.
Lastly, the digital zoom slider makes it impossible to focus or expose for anything near the bottom edge. The digital zoom is a feature I will never use, an option to disable this would be much appreciated! =)
Sorry for my lengthy rant.
Luckily I do believe that both these problems, especially the over-saturation, can easily be addressed by a software update should Apple choose.
Am I the only one who currently thinks the new camera was a bit of a step backwards? =(
