How can I set the Depth-of-Field on the front camera on a new M1 iPad Pro?

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How can I set the Depth-of-Field on the front camera on a new M1 iPad Pro?

I have a new M1 based iPad Pro , 12.6”.

I see that it is very easy to set the depth of field for a selfie portrait using the camera that faces the user. I can not find a way to set the depth of field at all for the rear camera unless there is a face in the picture. I want to take pictures of still life objects such as flowers, electronic equipment, and craft projects. I don’t see a way to do so. It seems that Apple, for some bizarre reason, has removed the ability to control the DOF unless there is a face in the picture. That’s just nuts, and it is VERY disappointing! Why? or am I just missing something?

I am about to order two new iPhone 13 phones, but if they have the same limitation, I will be upgrading to something other than iPhones.

Am I missing something?

Posted on Oct 4, 2021 9:08 PM

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Answer 1

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Sparkz51 Author

Level 1

4 points

Oct 6, 2021 6:40 PM in response to SnickZ.

I downloaded and read the manual for the iPad Pro. It confirms that portrait mode is only available for the front camera to take selfies. The rear camera does not have the ability to control depth of field for still life photographs. The ability to do so has apparently been disabled. Again, I find that to be terribly disappointing.

I also downloaded and read the IPhone 13 Pro manual. It does state that the rear camera can take a portrait of still life objects. I also went to BestBuy this afternoon and confirmed that to be true. Now that makes sense!

I did submit feedback to Apple about the new iPad Pro camera. I doubt that I am alone with being frustrated and disappointed. I am sure that there are many new owners that are as surprised as I was.

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Answer 2

MichelPM

Level 10

81,547 points

Oct 5, 2021 5:43 PM in response to Sparkz51

There is NO Portatit mode/feature for the iPad Pro models back cameras.

Sorry.

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Answer 3

SnickZ.

Community Specialist

Oct 6, 2021 8:27 AM in response to Sparkz51

Sparkz51,

According to this article, the iPhone 13's rear camera is able to use Portrait mode on still life photos as well as contain Depth Control adjustability: Use Portrait mode on your iPhone

For your iPad, we would recommend leaving feedback by going to iPad Feedback

Take Care!

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Answer 4

Oct 5, 2021 3:33 PM in response to Sparkz51

Hello Sparkz51,

It sounds like you want to know if you can use Depth Control on your rear camera. We understand how important this is to you and we are here to help.

According to this article: Take photos with your iPad camera

Specifically the section titled "Adjust Depth Control in Portrait mode selfies"

It appears that you can only adjust this in Portrait mode selfies.

More information can also be found here: Edit Portrait mode photos on iPad

Hopefully this helps.

Cheers!

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Answer 5

MichelPM

Level 10

81,547 points

Oct 5, 2021 5:43 PM in response to Sparkz51

Send product feedback to Apple here.

Tap the link below.

Feedback - iPad - Apple

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Answer 6

Sparkz51 Author

Level 1

4 points

Oct 5, 2021 5:03 PM in response to MichelleT18

This confirms my belief that Apple has decided to remove the ability to use the rear camera, the better of the two, to be able to take shallow depth of field photos of anything other than a selfie or a portrait containing a face. Why on earth is it deemed to be a benefit to remove a feature that the iPad and/or iPhone 13 is capable of? That makes NO sense! Surely I can not be the only one that wants to be able to take pictures of still life objects that do not contain a face. Frankly, I don't care about selfies at all! I find this to be very disappointing.

If the iPhone 13 has this same restriction, I will be upgrading my two iPhones to something else that does not have such a ridiculous restriction. Does the iPhone 13 Pro have the same restriction? Can it take a still life photo that does not contain a face with adjustable depth of field using the rear camera?

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How can I set the Depth-of-Field on the front camera on a new M1 iPad Pro?

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