are previous iphone photo-processing algorithms available for current use?

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are previous iphone photo-processing algorithms available for current use?

over the years as apple has consistently improved its image processing algorithm, the final look of photos has changed. most people including me will agree it has improved significantly. from the creative tool standpoint however, it would be cool if earlier image processing algorithms could be made available for current use, just as filters are used.

as a profound example of what i mean, about 10 years ago i had an android smart phone and by all metrics that camera was far inferior to today's smart phone cameras. BUT... in low light it created some pretty interesting accidents.

as another example, think of that grainy film quality seen in 16mm movie film

i realize that there are many hardware factors involved in the improvements, and that those are only available by using the older equipment, so here i am only speaking of the data-crunching aspect.

iPhone 12 Pro

Posted on Aug 5, 2021 4:45 PM

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Answer 1

Sealionguy Author

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Aug 6, 2021 10:47 AM in response to lobsterghost1

this is the type of photo in which the issue happens, because of the white at top. when i view this, unedited, on my iphone 12 the image rises in brightness over 3 seconds. etc. you came on so strong in your initial answers, i had hoped you might either work for apple or have enough experience to know what might be happening. sounds like no?

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Answer 2

Aug 5, 2021 4:59 PM in response to Sealionguy

Since what you are asking for doesn't exist, you may want to explore photo editing tools, which would provide way more creative freedom and better overall effects if you are looking for the ability to add interest or unique qualities to your photos.

There are so many options you can download from the App Store. I'm an Adobe Cloud user. It's not free software, but there are so many things you do with Photoshop and PS Express for iPhone. Other editing tools you might want to look at include:

Snapseed

Procam

Camera+

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Answer 3

Sealionguy Author

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Aug 5, 2021 7:21 PM in response to lobsterghost1

thanks for your reply and app suggestions. my question actually was DOES it exist, but it sounds like you're saying that the answer to that question is no, it does not. are you certain?

i actually do use photoshop (through adobe cloud) pretty extensively. but one of the things i like is exploiting technological failure as an intentional technique. while the iphone photo algorithm has improved massively, when you zoom closely on the image what you see is a painterly effect that is not found in real life. every capture medium (films, sensors, lenses) has its limitations, and it is the limitations that give it its defining characteristics and this interests me as much as the goal of capturing the best images i can.

i have another question which i'm hoping you'll know the answer to ... with my iphone camera (12 pro) i find that the intense and punchy brightness and contrast of native images become dull when i've used a third party app to edit the image. i'm hoping this is a known defect which is being fixed. have you also seen this issue, and do you know the reason and when it may be fixed?

thanks nick

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Answer 4

Aug 5, 2021 7:28 PM in response to Sealionguy

Yes, I'm certain that what you want doesn't exist. When iOS updates, previous versions of iOS are no longer accessible. There are no "parts" of iOS you can use from different versions. It's all or nothing and there is no way to go backwards. None. Zip.

I routinely edit photos and have never noticed a change in brightness or contrast. But then I'm usually using either the editing tools built into iOS or Photo Shop, with my paid subscription to the Adobe Cloud suite of tools. To your assertion this is a known defect that is being fixed, that would likely be a false assumption. It's more likely the photo editing tool you are using is causing the effect you're noticing and Apple has no control over any 3rd party application you may be using. If you're not pleased with the results you're getting from an application, I'd suggest not using it.

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Answer 5

Sealionguy Author

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Aug 5, 2021 8:43 PM in response to lobsterghost1

Thanks for confirmation on the first point.

Regarding the brightness/contrast issue I'm seeing, the third party app i'm using IS photoshop

May I ask what iPhone you're using? I'm using 12 pro with update 14.7.1

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Answer 6

Sealionguy Author

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Aug 5, 2021 9:55 PM in response to Sealionguy

ok, so apparently it may just be a 12 issue

and may have to do with the auto hdr feature, because it happens in certain photos, and seems to be most pronounced in high key images

for example, look at this pic (attached) which has lots of white at the top via the blown-out sky

when i open this image on my phone that bright white sky fades up from dim to full-on bright over about 3 seconds

on the other hand if i open that same image in photoshop on my laptop it doesn't appear so relatively bright

if i don't modify it in pshop, and send a copy back to open on my phone it will again rise to ultra-brightness.

BUT, if i modify it at all (such as by adding a text caption) and send the mod copy back, it will not rise in brightness but remain relatively dull

this is definitely a bug, possibly just on certain 12s, maybe on all

if you don't have this problem and you have a 12 please lmk

i'll probably go to the apple park tomorrow i paid too much for this grief lol

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Answer 7

Aug 6, 2021 11:19 AM in response to Sealionguy

No one posting here works for Apple. We are all just users, like you. I'm having a difficult time however, understanding what the issue is with the photo you have posted. It's a very interestingly composed photo for sure. I would have likely chosen a different focal length to have more of the mussels in focus, but I still like the composition. As to the brightness level, you have to recognize that Apple's software does use their own algorithms to provide the finished output. If you prefer to use your own editing however, you can shoot in raw on an iPhone 12 Pro Max. Then you wouldn't have any unwanted post edited data in your photo, which you could then plug into Photo Shop and do with as you please.

Ps: You're getting into a realm the average iPhone shooter isn't all that concerned with. If I really need the best photos for editing, I'll use my Nikon DSLR and one of the very dedicated lenses, which cost more than my iPhone did.

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Answer 8

Sealionguy Author

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Aug 6, 2021 12:59 PM in response to lobsterghost1

Thanks again for all your feedback. Perhaps I do need to return to using a DSLR. I've gotten so spoiled by the convenience of this tiny device. I am going to try showing an apple rep in person and see if that goes anywhere. If I learn anything interesting I will share it with you. -Nick

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Answer 9

Sealionguy Author

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Aug 6, 2021 1:09 PM in response to lobsterghost1

Are you by any chance in the silicon valley area? I would love to show someone what this looks like who also has photographic skill and experience. Like you said, most iPhone users are probably not looking that closely. As someone who also shoots with pro equipment, you would have more to offer.

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Answer 10

Sealionguy Author

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Aug 6, 2021 2:54 PM in response to lobsterghost1

I spoke with two guys at apple. They are aware of the issue and say it is only present in iphone 12s

The slow fade-in to maximum brightness when viewed on the phone is the intended feature, and the brightness is only supported by apple products with photos that have not been edited outside of apple apps

In the main Settings interface there is a camera setting (down at the bottom, the last one) to enable or disable "Smart HDR"

the photo I shared with you was taken with it enabled, hence my observations.

it appears that in general it does not register so pronounced, but due to the specific pixel values in that image and especially the large amount of white (blown-out sky) it is especially pronounced there.

the guys i spoke with said that adobe often waits a while before modifying their own algorithms to work specifically with apple's and not to expect a fix too soon, maybe ever

apparently there is a somewhat analogous observation one can make in watching videos depending on how the video was encoded. in both cases, the high brightness/contrast is intended for maximum user satisfaction but only works when viewed with the same software it was created with.

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