The camera on the iPhone is not about taking the perfect selfie but there is more to it. You can use it to capture great moments in your life, such as a wedding, graduation ceremony, or a memorable vacation. Instead of using third-party apps, it is more convenient and practical to use the native iOS camera app.
Seeing that you are reading this article, it means you are looking for ways to take better pictures with your iPhone so that you no longer have blurry or grainy photos. We understand that it can be challenging to discover hidden features of any operating system because they're usually not readily visible. In this post, we will help you learn more about the hidden features of the iPhone camera so that you can take better pictures in no time.
1 - Switch to Video Recording Resolution
If you are shooting a video on your iPhone and notice that the quality is not as sharp as you expected, you can easily switch to a different resolution. The native iOS camera app with the iPhone supports 4K video recording at 30 frames per second, 1080p at up to 60 frames per second, 720p at up to 240 frames per second, and standard definition at up to 29.9 frames per second. You cannot switch between resolutions while recording a video, so make sure you have this option switched on while recording. If you wish to record a slow-motion video, the maximum supported frame rate is 120 frames per second.
On iPhone X and prior, go to Settings > Camera > Record Video, then enable Video Format Control to provide fast toggles. Quick toggles are available in Cinematic mode on iPhone 14 models to select between HD or 4K and 24, 25, or 30 frames per second.
2 - High-Resolution Photos
The camera on the iPhone is capable of capturing high-resolution images. If you plan to use the image in print, this option will come in handy. You can achieve a print size of up to 40×60 inches at a resolution of 6016 x 4016 pixels.
This option is useful when you plan to use the image for commercial or professional purposes. However, keep in mind that pictures taken with the high-resolution option will take up a lot of memory space on your phone.
- Open Settings on your iPhone.
- Click on Camera.
- Select Formats.
- Select Most Compatible. This results in higher-quality photos by saving images in JPEG format.
3 - Rotate the Photo After Shooting
This feature is helpful if you wish to rotate the image after you have taken the shot. If you want to capture a tall building but are standing on the wrong side, this option will come in handy.
In order to achieve this, please tap on the image to enter it and then tap on the icon that looks like a circular arrow with a line through it. After tapping on the icon, you will see a "Rotate" button at the bottom of the screen. Once you tap on the button, the image will rotate by 90 degrees.
You can either tap on the "Done" button or the "Save as new photo" option if you wish to save the image with the modified orientation. Alternatively, you can rotate the image before taking the shot if you wish to do so.
4 - Zoom While Shooting Video
This feature allows you to zoom in or out while recording a video. However, keep in mind that zooming in or out during recording will cause the video to be slightly blurry.
Using a double tap on the screen will allow you to accomplish this while you are recording a video. If you don't want to double-tap on the screen every time you want to zoom in or out while shooting a video, then you can enable this feature in the camera settings.
5 - Show Shorter Shutter Speed While Taping
If you are shooting a video in low light, you might notice that the shutter speed is too long. The shutter speed is the duration of time that the camera sensor is exposed to light. If the shutter speed is too long, the image will be blurry, so you can show a shorter shutter speed if you shoot in low light.
This option will come in handy if you want to get perfect shots even in low light. However, remember that shorter shutter speeds will result in a darker image.
A yellow indicator at the top of the screen represents the shooting mode. Set it to Manual. The Shutter Speed symbol is located directly above the shutter button (circled in red below). The Shutter Speed slider will show up at the viewfinder's base. To change the shutter speed, move the slider left or right.
6 - Lock Shutter Speed in Video Recording Mode
If you are shooting a video in low light, then the shutter speed will be too long, resulting in a blurry video. However, you can easily lock the shutter speed in video recording mode.
To do so, you first need to enter the camera settings, switch to video recording mode, and then lock the shutter speed. You will see a "Lock" button next to the shutter speed. Once you tap on the button, you will lock the shutter speed and be able to shoot a clear video in low light.
7 - Auto Exposure Lock
If you are shooting a video in low light, then the shutter speed might be too long, resulting in a dark and blurry video. However, you can easily lock the exposure while shooting the video.
To do so, you first need to enter the camera settings, switch to video recording mode, and then tap on the "Auto" button next to the exposure symbol. You will see "Auto" turn into "Lock," and the exposure will be locked. You can shoot a clear video in low light without worrying about adjusting the exposure.
8 - 3D Touch
Shoot and select focus; if you want to take pictures of the landscape and include the entire landscape in the shot, you must switch to landscape mode. However, if you would like to focus on only a specific object in the landscape, you must use the 3D touch feature.
To use the 3D touch feature, you first need to enter the camera settings and tap on the "Focus" option. After tapping on the option, you will see a slider that allows you to select the focus. You can tap on the slider and drag it to select the focus. With this, you can select the object in focus while shooting a landscape.
9 - Use Burst Mode For Incredible Action Shots
If you are a fan of shooting action shots, you must have already heard of burst mode. Burst mode allows you to take many photos in quick succession. It is helpful if you wish to capture an action shot, but your hands are not steady enough to press the shutter button once. When shooting a burst of images, hold the camera steady and don't move it because it will result in blurry images.
You can also use burst mode when shooting a portrait photograph if you notice that the person's eyes are closed or blinking. Press the shutter button once and then keep the steady camera while shooting a burst of images until the person has their eyes open.
10 - Use HDR To Capture More Color & Detail In Your Photos
HDR stands for High Dynamic Range. It's also among the most incredible iPhone camera capabilities for achieving ideal exposures in challenging lighting situations. HDR may capture more color and detail in both the dark and light parts of your image.
It's ideal for compositions with strong contrast, like a landscape with a brilliant sky and a dark foreground. The sky is probably going to be overexposed without HDR. Or perhaps the foreground is underexposed.
After going to Settings > Camera, turn off Smart HDR. Then, touch HDR to switch it on or off from the camera's screen.
Conclusion
We hope you have discovered some hidden features on the iPhone camera that you didn't know about before reading this article. If you follow these tips, then you will be able to take better pictures with your iPhone. When you pick up your phone to take a picture, you'll know exactly what settings to use to get the most out of your shot!
