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Green orb in iPhone camera

I have had my fair share of issues with Apple, to say the least. Odd things occurred for a while but that was linked to something else.

This is odd enough for me to post about. In the last 4 months - I have taken probably 200 videos. There is a green orb floating around in 4 of those. One was taken at night, two during the day and one through a glass window. I experimented with following it (to see if it was a defect in the camera) but it bounces around and will disappear eventually.

Not sure what my question is except - anyone else?

[Re-Titled by Moderator]

Posted on Nov 14, 2020 7:35 PM

Best reply

Lawrence Finch

Level 10

204,020 points

Posted on Mar 22, 2021 8:01 AM

In every one of those images you are shooting into the sun or a bright source of light. Any photographer, professional or amateur, will tell you that is a huge no-no. What is happening is the image of the sun is reflecting back and forth between the lens elements in the camera. This will happen with any camera, from an iPhone to a $10,000 professional DSLR.

The only way to avoid it, with any camera, is to keep a light source out of the image, either off to the side or behind the photographer.

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74 replies

Apr 29, 2021 5:42 PM in response to VioletM

Then you are very lucky. Have you ever wondered why professional (and advanced amateur) photographers have monster “lens hoods” around their lens? And have you noticed that iPhones out of the box don’t? You can get clip on lens hoods for iPhones if you would like to try one.

Did you READ the link I posted? Do you understand it? Here it is again if you missed it→https://photographylife.com/what-is-ghosting-and-flare/amp

Apr 29, 2021 5:45 PM in response to VioletM

I think you're misinterpreting what I mean by the "physics" of optics. I'm not suggesting you or anyone here needs to be a scientist. I do mean however, people need to understand that ALL CAMERA's have limitations in their ability to avoid capturing lens flare. I have no clue what you're experiencing with your iPhone. The camera system in iPhone 8 is not as capable as the camera in iPhone 12. It does NOT have night mode capabilities at all. It doesn't have the same camera system or resolution as the newer phones.

If you think your iPhone 8 is all of the sudden taking worse photos, schedule an appointment at your Apple Store Genius Bar for evaluation.

Mar 24, 2021 11:17 PM in response to Standclearofclosingdoorsplease

Same exact thing. Spirits one may wonder until a technological explanation, but that would point out a flaw in the system.

Mar 28, 2021 6:26 AM in response to pogster

https://discussions.apple.com/thread/250666894?page=2

No one seemed to have much to say to all of these people with blue light issues? Is it due to the infrared light in night mode?

Nov 22, 2020 3:24 PM in response to karina184

Again - not moving it’s stills from a video I didn’t even notice this one until recently I’m sorry. So much but I’m perplexed. Here is another

Nov 22, 2020 3:29 PM in response to Standclearofclosingdoorsplease

I’ll stop after this video stills but you can see - it’s odd. Taken from same angle yet they move out of screen

Jan 30, 2021 7:57 PM in response to Standclearofclosingdoorsplease

I have the same thing...photos (2) and a video taken at night (won’t let me post video)

Zoe2_22

Level 1

4 points

Feb 12, 2021 12:35 PM in response to Zoe2_22

Sorry pic was not very helpful

Mar 27, 2021 7:58 PM in response to starstuff1313

Zoom in to the live frames, you can clearly see the movement.

Nov 22, 2020 3:11 PM in response to karina184

One more thing - it will appear and disappear within same one take video.

Nov 22, 2020 3:31 PM in response to Standclearofclosingdoorsplease

Nothing strange or unusual actually. Watch this video for an explanation and things you can do --> How to Fix The Green Dots

Feb 11, 2021 3:12 PM in response to Stella Wade

Agreed!

Feb 11, 2021 4:00 PM in response to Standclearofclosingdoorsplease

And what did Apple say when you took your phone into your Apple Store Genius Bar for evaluation?

Feb 11, 2021 4:53 PM in response to lobsterghost1

A bit confused. In response to what are you referring to - the green dots? Nothing. I never brought it to their attention as it became evident it’s not a unique or isolated incident.

Kurtosis12

Level 9

63,046 points

Mar 22, 2021 7:54 AM in response to Standclearofclosingdoorsplease

It's a phenomenon known as lens flare.

https://photographylife.com/what-is-ghosting-and-flare/amp

Green orb in iPhone camera