In 2016, Apple introduced the photo-flagship iPhone 7 Plus with a unique shooting function - portrait mode. It is designed to take a photo "like on a DSLR" - they, as you know, leave a person in focus in the foreground and blur the background.
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Portrait Mode is out of beta this year, but only available on newer Apple smartphones. Why? You will find the answer to this and other questions below.
Which iPhones have Portrait Mode available?
Portrait mode is only available on iPhone 7 Plus, 8 Plus and iPhone X for one simple reason - Apple's design only works on smartphones with a dual main camera.
So, if you buy a new iPhone 8 for shooting, keep in mind: it will not have the main photo “chip” (at least for now). Competitors, by the way, get by with one - for example,.
How does Portrait Mode blur the background of iPhone photos?
Two lenses are required to use Portrait Mode on the iPhone, as each of them is of a different type: one of them is 12-megapixel wide-angle, the other is also 12-megapixel, but with a telephoto lens. In portrait mode, the cameras perform their own tasks: the wide-angle captures the distance to the subject, and then uses this information to create a map with nine levels of depth. The map plays a key role - thanks to it, the Apple image processor understands what exactly in the picture needs to be blurred and what needs to be made clear.
In order to make the photo look “like on a DSLR”, the Apple image processor goes through level after level and blurs each of them at different scales (the “bokeh” effect). It makes levels that are closer to the subject a little clearer than levels that are as far away from it as possible. Take a closer look at a photograph with a blurred background, and you will notice that grass and leaves that are close to the subject are much easier to distinguish than distant objects.
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Open the Camera app on iPhone, select Portrait mode, move about 2 meters away from the subject and press the shutter button.
How to take high quality portrait photos on iPhone?
The background blur mode works best when shooting people and still objects. There are also certain restrictions on lighting and distance from the photographer to who (or what) he is shooting. In particular, the mode does not work well in low light. If it's too dark for a portrait shot, iOS will display a notification on the iPhone screen. Also, don't get too close - Apple recommends not getting closer than 48 cm.
It is easier to achieve the perfect portrait shot when there is a lot of contrast between who or what is being photographed and the background. For example, if you shoot a white coffee cup against a light background, the iPhone sensors may simply not understand what needs to be made clearer, and where it is necessary to blur.
Is it possible to remove the blurred background effect from a photo?
Comparison of iPhone X, iPhone 8 Plus and iPhone 7 Plus camera specifications
What exactly makes new smartphones better than previous ones? We answered these two really frequently asked questions by collecting 30 (!) New iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus chips in one article.
1. New design glass and stainless steel body
The iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus have similar shapes and form factors to the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus. But due to the use of glass as the main material, not aluminum, as in the past six years, the new Apple smartphones have noticeably freshened up in terms of appearance. Most importantly, the iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus feel completely different in the hand. The glass is completely non-slip and very pleasant to the touch.
2. The glass in the iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus is the strongest ever used in a smartphone
Both the front and back panels of iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus are covered with special glass, the protective layer of which is 50% thicker than glass used in previous Apple smartphones. Thus, the glass case of the iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus is maximally protected from drops and scratches.
3. New oleophobic coating on both sides of the case
Both iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus glass are coated with a new and improved oleophobic coating. Any smudges and fingerprints are removed from the glass cases of smartphones with incredible ease.
4. The base of the iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus is made of stainless steel and durable 7000 series aluminum
For added strength and protection, iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus have a new stainless steel base and a reinforced frame made from aerospace-grade 7000-series aluminum.
5. New six-core Apple A11 Bionic processor
The iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus are powered by the most powerful and smartest processor ever built for a mobile device, the Apple A11 Bionic. The chip has six cores, four of which are responsible for efficiency, and two for performance. A11 Bionic is 25% faster than A10 Fusion.
However, it's not just about speed. A11 Bionic is the first processor with an embedded neural system built specifically for machine learning. It performs calculations for neural networks in an incredibly fast way, which will open up a lot of opportunities for developers to create unique applications using neural technologies.
6. Tri-core graphics chip designed by Apple
The A11 Bionic processor integrates a tri-core graphics chip that was created by Apple. The company has long planned to abandon the services of third-party manufacturers in this regard, and finally managed to do it. Apple's graphics chip is 30% faster than the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus' PowerVR Series7XT Plus graphics chip, supports the new Metal graphics technology, and is best optimized for today's 3D games and augmented reality.
7. Improved and faster AR support
Have you noticed how most devices slow down when working with applications or games with augmented reality? Most likely, at least on the example of the same hit-phenomenon Pokemon GO, which turned the whole world's head in the summer of 2016. So, the iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus do not slow down when working with augmented reality. The A11 Bionic processor makes the augmented reality image much smoother and at the same time realistic.
8.Retina HD Display
iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus feature 4.7-inch and 5.5-inch Retina HD displays, respectively. The main characteristics of smartphone screens have not changed compared to the previous generation, but the additional ones have been improved. The displays of iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus have an expanded color palette, the highest brightness and excellent contrast ratio.
9. Best color reproduction in the smartphone industry
Color reproduction in the displays of iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus has been taken to a whole new level. Any images, including photos taken on smartphones, look incredibly saturated on the screen.
10. Support True Tone technology
iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus are the first smartphones in the world to support True Tone technology. Apple's new products use a four-channel ambient light sensor, which automatically adjusts the white balance on the screen depending on the color temperature of the light. This ensures that the display on iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus always looks like it was printed on paper.
11. New camera matrices
The cameras of the iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus received new sensors - larger, faster and based on the A11 Bionic processor.
12. Improved image processor
iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus feature a next-generation image signal processor designed by Apple engineers. It recognizes people, lighting brightness, movement and other details in the frame and processes them even before the user has taken a picture.
13. Shooting 4K video at 60fps
The maximum video quality for iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus has been improved. Smartphone users can shoot videos in 4K resolution at 60 frames per second.
14. Shoot slow motion (slo-mo) video at 1080p resolution and 240 frames per second
Improvements have also been made in the slow-motion video mode. Slo-mo videos are recorded in 1080p resolution at 240 frames per second.
15. Improved video creation capabilities in low light conditions
The optical image stabilization feature on the iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus cameras has learned to reduce motion blur when shooting in low light. Videos will always turn out stable, even if the smartphone is shaking.
16. Advanced video stabilization
The video stabilization technology in the cameras of iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus has been improved. It uses a new signal processor and a new larger sensor to eliminate any shaking while shooting.
17.Quad-LED True Tone Flash
iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus feature a new Quad-LED True Tone flash. It provides a more even backlight, which makes it possible to avoid overexposed areas when taking selfies.
18. Slow Sync Technology
The True Tone Quad-LED flash also supports Slow Sync technology. This unique Apple development combines a short pause between pulses and a slow shutter speed. As a result, selfies on the front cameras of the iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus in low light conditions are much better.
19. Effects and new filters for Live Photo
Live photos taken on iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus can be applied with various filters. For example, make the skin tone in the picture more natural. In addition, it became possible to add Live Photo effects, such as “pendulum” or “long exposure”.
20. Capturing HD video with the front camera
The front camera allows you to shoot video in HD format. FaceTime or Live Photo taking has been taken to the next level with the arrival of iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus.
21. Dual 12MP Camera
The dual camera on the iPhone 8 Plus just got better. The six-lens wide-angle camera has an ƒ/1.8 aperture and optical image stabilization, while the telephoto camera has an ƒ/2.8 aperture.
22. Improved portrait mode
Depth-of-field shots are even better on iPhone 8 Plus. The details of the subject in the photo are much clearer, and the blur is more natural. You can shoot in Portrait mode without any problems even in low light conditions.
23. Flash in portrait mode
When shooting in Portrait mode on the iPhone 8 Plus camera, the ability to use the flash has become available.
24. Portrait lighting function
The biggest addition to the Portrait mode is the new Portrait Lighting feature. It uses face detection technology, allowing you to change the background and lighting of pictures with the effect of depth of field. With just one tap, an iPhone 8 Plus user can change the background to day, studio, contour, or stage.
25. Support wireless charging
With a glass back, iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus now support Qi wireless charging. Smartphones can be charged by simply placing them on any supported wireless charging dock.
26. New, louder stereo speakers
The iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus received an upgraded stereo speaker that is up to 25% louder than their iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus counterparts. In a separate way, Apple worked on the sound of deep bass. Their new iPhones deliver top-notch playback, allowing you to enjoy smartphone movies like never before.
27. Water and dust resistance
iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus are IP67 water, splash and dust resistant. What does this mean? The first digit in the index indicates the degree of protection of the smartphone from the penetration of foreign objects. The iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus have the highest level of protection - dust cannot get into the devices.
The second digit in the index indicates protection against water penetration. iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus have level 7 protection. This means that smartphones can withstand short-term immersion to a depth of one meter without risk of damage.
Note that the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus had a similar degree of protection. However, the iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus have glass rather than aluminum cases, which is why Apple engineers again had to implement water resistance in smartphones using other methods.
28. Support fast charging
iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus support fast charging. Smartphones can be charged from 0 to 50% in just 30 minutes. For this, however, it is necessary to have .
29.Bluetooth 5.0
iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus feature Bluetooth 5.0 wireless technology. More speed, wider range, support for all existing wireless devices.
30. Updated colors: gold, silver and space gray
iPhones have been released in these colors before, but in the case of the iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus, these colors are different. Silver, gold and space gray are applied to the glass panels in six coats! Thanks to this, Apple was able to achieve the most attractive depth and the right shade of colors. In addition, multi-layer painting of glass panels made it possible to achieve the desired density.
You probably already know about Apple's "portrait mode," a feature that adds an artistic blur (bokeh effect) to photos taken with the camera. It was introduced with the iPhone 7 Plus, using its dual camera system to create the effect. At today's event, Apple announced a new addition to Portrait Mode called Portrait Lighting. As the name suggests, this allows you to control the visual effects of the lighting in your shots to achieve a compositional effect.
The capabilities of the new feature sound appealing, but what do Lighting portrait photos look like? Well, the gallery below shows a few examples shared by Apple. As you can see, Portrait Lighting provides several styles, depending on the effect you're looking for. "Studio lighting", for example, illuminates the subject's face, while "contour lighting" manipulates highlights and shadows to bring out the details of a person's face in a portrait.
For brighter results, the "step light" mode places the face against a flat black background. The effect can be removed or changed even after the picture has been taken.
Keep in mind that these are not just filters. These effects are applied using real-time image processing and manipulation supported by the dual camera system and Apple hardware in the latest iPhones. Perhaps this is why there are no prerequisites indicating that the iPhone 7 Plus will receive portrait lighting as soon as iOS 11 is released to everyone. Although I would like to hope that this is not the case.
While portrait lighting is still in beta, the results in the examples below seem promising. It is expected that Apple will be able to implement new features at a decent level.
The updated iOS 10.1 firmware version includes improved user data security, more stable RAM operation, and a number of new features for standard programs. With the release of iOS 10.1, the Camera app has an option to take photos in portrait mode. Let's take a closer look at all the features of this option, and how to use portrait mode on the iPhone 7.
Features of using the effect
Portrait mode is a way to take a photo that automatically detects the foreground of the photo. After you take a photo, the background automatically becomes blurry. This achieves harmony and depth of all components of the image. This feature is not innovative for smart devices. Previously, it was available in professional and semi-professional cameras. Attempts by other companies to add a portrait mode were not very successful, as users noted the poor quality of image creation.
Thanks to the dual camera lens in the iPhone 7 Plus, the quality of portrait shooting in some cases even surpasses that of semi-professional cameras.
To create your own photo in Portrait Mode, open the stock Camera app from your iPhone's main menu. All available shooting modes are displayed at the bottom of the screen. Swipe the list from right to left to see all the features. Find and select Portrait.
Before taking a photo, make sure you follow these tips:
- In order for the object to be clearly defined in the final image, move away from it by 2 meters. The camera will automatically detect the foreground and background;
- Follow the app's built-in tips. This will maximize the depth effect of the photo. For example, "move a little further" or "add more light." Hints and hints are displayed in a yellow rectangle at the bottom of the screen;
- After pressing the "Take a picture" button, do not move the phone for a few seconds. Otherwise, the composition of the photo may be disturbed.
With the help of portrait shooting, it is excellent to photograph not only people, but also animals, plants, stationary objects. In the pictures below you can see the results of using the new option, which is currently only available in the iPhone 7 Plus.
Portrait mode uses the dual cameras to create depth effects for incredible photos. Photos with a beautiful effect of blurring the background and sharpening the main subject.
I'll answer the question right away: Which iPhones have Portrait mode?? Portrait mode is only available on:
- iPhone 7 Plus,
- iPhone 8 Plus,
- iPhone X
This shooting mode allows you to achieve a blur effect for subjects up to 1.5 meters away. I note that shooting in this mode requires good lighting. In this mode, the smartphone uses the capabilities of the telephoto lens and innovative hardware photo processing.
How to turn on Portrait mode on iPhone
Portrait mode does not need to be enabled, it is initially enabled on supported devices. You can see the list of devices that support the "Portrait" mode at the beginning of the article.
How to shoot portraits
It's easy enough to take a perfect photo, just follow my steps and you'll have an amazing photo.
1. Make Sure that the person you are filming is no closer than 1.5 meters from the camera. Face and body detection automatically identify the subject.
2. note
3. After the camera settings are over, the bottom will appear yellow banner on which is written " depth effect". After that you can take a picture.
After taking a picture in portrait mode, you can edit it in one of the, for example, apply filters or crop.
How to shoot other objects and animals
Shooting objects other than people is not officially supported in portrait mode, but it's still possible. To do this, you need to manually change the depth of field in order to get a good picture.
1. Make Sure that the subject to be photographed is no closer than 1.5 meters from the camera. To select the main subject in the frame, tap once on the screen to open the focus point.
2. note to Camera hints (for example: Need more light, an object outside 1.5 meters, and so on).
3. After the camera settings are over, a yellow banner will appear at the bottom, which says "depth effect". After that you can take a picture.
How to Add Portrait Lighting to iPhone 8 and iPhone X?
The iPhone 8 and iPhone X have a Portrait Lighting feature that lets you add studio-quality lighting effects to photos taken in Portrait mode.
1. Select the photo you want to change.
2. Click Edit.
3. Swipe to the side to choose a lighting effect:
- "Studio Light" - brighten facial features,
- "Contour light" - a spectacular direction of lighting,
- "Stage Light" - highlights the subject in the spotlight,
- "Stage Light - Mono" - classic, stage lighting in black and white.
4. Click Finish.
Portrait mode on the iPhone X front camera
The tenth iPhone can shoot in portrait mode not only with the main rear cameras, but also with the front one. To take a selfie in Portrait mode, follow these steps:
- Open the Camera app.
- Expand the camera by clicking on the camera icon with arrows in a circle in the center.
- Swipe to select Portrait mode.
- Extend your arm, look at the camera and smile.
- Release the shutter by pressing any of the volume buttons.
How to cancel the Portrait mode effect
If you don't like how the blur effect worked in Portrait mode, you can remove it.
- Select the photo for which you want to undo the Portrait mode effect.
- Click Edit.
- Click "Portrait" at the top of the screen.
If you change your mind again and want to apply the Portrait mode effect again, go back into edit mode and click on Portrait again.
