Front facing camera on M1 iPads

The front facing camera can take great selfies IF there is enough light. Remember it's really a selfie cam and for video chat (FaceTime, Skype, etc.), but it still needs a well lit environment to take a good photo.

Whilst the front camera of your 2021 iPad Pro and iPad Air have a higher pixel count (12MP) than many other iPad models, when the ultra-wide sensor image is nominally cropped for a selfie photo, the effective resolution is substantially reduced.

The front camera sensor is also relatively small, this being particularly apparent in low-light conditions. In good light, the camera can produce good image quality, subject limitations of the effective resolution. In lower light conditions, image noise will be more noticeable.

In summary, a digitally cropped 12MP ultra-wide camera sensor cannot hope to replicate the image quality of an un-cropped standard resolution camera of the same pixel density.

Hello Da Designer,

Just to confirm, does this issue occur when using the front camera in a specific app only, or does it happen in multiple apps?

Does this happen with all camera modes? More about using camera modes here: Use camera modes on your iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch

If the camera on your iPad devices aren't working as expected, please check out the following page for some steps that may help: If the camera or flash on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch isn't working

If the camera isn't working

1. Remove any case, accessory, or film that might block the camera or that places a magnet near the camera.

2. Test the camera by trying to take a photo.

3. If the photo is blurry, clean the front and back camera lenses with a microfiber cloth. If you see dirt or debris inside the lens or if the camera lens appears to be misaligned or blocked, contact Apple Support for help with your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch.

4. Restart your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch. 

5. Test the camera again by taking a photo. If your device has a front and rear camera, check if one or both isn’t working. To switch cameras, tap the rotate button .

Thank you!

Then have your iPad checked out. The front camera on my iPad Pro 11 M1 takes fine photos. Not that I actually use the front camera for photography to begin with. I've never considered the cameras on an iPad to be particularly important. But at f/2.4 the front camera is not a fast camera and requires really good lighting.

A not well composed photo I just took from the front camera on my iPad Pro 11 M1, but to me, it's more than fine enough as a selfie camera:

It was taken in portrait, so it's sideways here on the forum. But should give you an idea. And if you were hoping for pro quality from the little True Depth Front Facing Camera, you're just going to be disappointed. The camera is really there for video calls and quick selfies, not photography.