Photography

With every generation of iPhone comes camera improvements, as Apple continues its tradition of high-quality imaging and display. The iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus, while not changing the game completely, feature substantial improvements over the iPhone 5s camera. The raw number of megapixels has not increased past the 8MP seen in the 5s. However, Apple has improved the image sensor and added several still and video capabilities.

Rumors that Apple would increase the number of megapixels on the iPhone 6 did not pan out. Specific components were even cited, however the 13 megapixel Sony Exmor IMX220 image sensor did not make the cut in the production iPhone 6. Improved Face Detection, a protruding lens ring, and a redesigned circular True Tone flash are all new to the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus. But what else has been changed in the latest iSight cameras?

The iPhone 6 keynote presentation at Flint Center is coming up fast. Speculation and last minute leaks have been piling up for weeks, with the next generation camera being one area of interest. Apple routinely touts the lens improvements and low-light capabilities of the iPhone camera. Now, parts photographed by Feld & Volk show optical image stabilization (OIS) could be entering the mix.

OIS works by allowing the components to physically move, in turn sharpening the image by reducing vibrations and other movement at the image sensor. The rear camera parts pictured here are said to be from the 5.5-inch iPhone 6. It remains unclear whether or not the smaller 4.7-inch iPhone 6 model will also feature OIS. Compared to the current iPhone 5s camera module (below, right) the new part is larger and flatter.

Apple consistently improves the camera in each iteration of the iPhone, and the iPhone 6 will be no different. The company's secret plans have already leaked, pointing towards several design changes and tweaks that will make the iPhone 6 an even more capable image capture device. The iPhone 5s camera was already proof that Apple is more interested in quality over quantity when it comes to the megapixel race.

The iPhone 6 will certainly build on improvements seen in the 5s. The iPhone 5s improved low light sensitivity by increasing the aperture to f/2.2 and bumping up the image sensor pixel size to 1.5 microns. The most obvious redesign feature involves a protruding lens ring on the iPhone 6. The new device will allegedly be so thin that in order to incorporate an improved camera assembly, an iPod touch style camera lens will be required.

When taking photos with the iPhone, there are actually several ways to release the iPhone camera shutter. The tweak TapToSnap adds yet another option to the list for those with jailbroken devices.

Once installed, TapToSnap makes fumbling for the iPhone shutter release button a thing of the past. Tapping anywhere on the live camera preview screen will capture a photo immediately. Of course, this means that refocusing on a specific location in the viewfinder will always snap a photo.

The popular messaging app Snapchat has added a new location-based feature to enhance users' photography. Known as Geofilters, these custom borders, graphics and text packages can only be added to photos taken in specific locations. Snapchat explains that Geofilters have been developed for neighborhoods in New York and Los Angeles so far.

Snapchat does not store users' locations, but in order for the Geofilters to be available, Location Services must be enabled for the Snapchat app. The early focus on Los Angeles is not surprising, considering that Snapchat headquarters is located in the area. Various businesses and places such as Disneyland and the Venice neighborhood are showcased in the video below.