Do minor scratches affect iPhone camera quality?

Light entering the lens is not in focus yet and cannot resolve any small details such as dust or scratches. However, if you point the lens directly towards a bright light source such as the sun, the image might take on a slightly hazy or foggy appearance and this phenomenon is referred to as flare (see link below). Even dust inside the lens cannot be resolved and will not cause loss of image quality.

Light entering the lens on the left is not in focus and cannot resolve small particles on surfaces, even inside the lens. Light doesn’t come to focus until the surface of chip/sensor in your camera/iPhone.

Here is a photo taken by Kurt Munger. See anything terribly wrong with the image? I don’t. Nice shot of someone’s backyard in the southwest. Now scroll down for a shot of the lens that made that photo.

There are two deep scratches on the lens, dust, finger prints and pieces of torn paper stuck to the front. Now what do you think of that shot? Complete article will amaze (link below).

Protective covers are useless and will lower the quality of the images. Save your money. Use the money instead to purchase a nice microfiber cloth to wipe you lens with when jelly from your PB&J gets on the lens. 😀

So, in conclusion, forget the dust, forget the scratches and almost everything you’ve been told or taught about lenses. Most are urban myths and rumors started by camera stores to get you to buy crap you never needed. Get out there and take some great photos and have fun. You’re not going to hurt it.

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lens_flare

https://web.archive.org/web/20190126021522/http://kurtmunger.com/dirty_lens_articleid35.html

"Minor scratches on iphone camera lens: Having minor hairline scratches on my iPhone 15 camera lens does it will reduce photo and video quality ? And for how long time iphone camera lens durable ? please let me know if anyone of you can"

-------

Photo and Video Quality:

Camera scratches wouldn't dull it out, but you might see a line.

An iPhone Case Causing This:

Remove this iPhone from a case, seeing if you still get this error. If so, it is the case causing the issue, such as it resulting in as flash reflecting back into from camera.

Hello!

There are camera lense screen protectors you can put on your camera. I suggest you put one on, and avoid the issue altogether. That way, the Camera will be durable forever!

Given the lens covers on iPhone's are Sapphire Glass, it's very hard to scratch them in the first place. In all my years, I've never managed to scratch the lens covers. That said, I have my phones in a high quality case and when not being use, the case is in an Encased Belt Clip case, so the cameras are never exposed to anything which could possibly scratch them.

See this:

Yes, the built in protective cover is multi coated sapphire glass. I’m not sure it can be replaced separately. There was a post on here back in October or November where the OP ordered replacement parts. So, I really don’t know. I was not aware Apple was selling the as replacement parts.

So, if the business photos aren’t that important, why worry about scratches? Aren’t you worried about scratching your protectors? Maybe you should get protectors for the protectors?

If you shatter the Apple protective cover, just use a pair of pliers and pull out the shattered glass and shoot your job. When you get home use Apple Care+ to get it fixed or replaced.

Jeff Donald wrote:

So, if the business photos aren’t that important, why worry about scratches? Aren’t you worried about scratching your protectors? Maybe you should get protectors for the protectors?

If you shatter the Apple protective cover, just use a pair of pliers and pull out the shattered glass and shoot your job. When you get home use Apple Care+ to get it fixed or replaced.

Im not worried about scratches. I’m worried about shattering the camera. I work in a rough environment, where if my phone drops, something will chip. A cover that rises above the camera is good for flat surfaces. But if you drop it on crushed rock for example, there’s a good chance the camera could be ruined. I’d rather replace the lens protector than the lens itself is all I’m saying.

Basically, I want the protectors to take all the scratches and cracks and bumps, and at the end of the day, have my device in mint condition when I remove the protectors.

H1290 wrote:

Indeed, I endeavour to utilize a robust phone cover. However, during my frequent transitions between work and home, I must switch between different covers, which occurs several times daily. Consequently, I require a cover that is both easily removable and reattachable. Unfortunately, most high-quality covers are assembled from multiple pieces, typically comprising at least two or three components. This assembly process results in a lighter cover with diminished camera protection. Therefore, I have opted for the lens protector as a temporary solution.

(Totally didn’t use writing tool set it to “professional” 😆)

But that’s a nice cover. Can you share a link to it? Thanks lobster.

Here you go: https://www.amazon.com/Encased-Compatible-Holster-MagSafe-Crystal/dp/B0DDT9RQK9/ref=sr_1_5?sr=8-5

I've been using Encased cases for years now. My current iPhone case is from Spigen, with a Camera Capture button and it fits really well. Encased sells their own iPhone cases as well for the Belt Clip cases, and I have one of them as well.

Given the environments you work in, have you thought about buying an iPhone case with a built in Camera Cover (NOT lens cover), but full slide away camera cover? There are many like this on Amazon. Like this from TORRAS (they make excellent cases, btw): https://www.amazon.com/TORRAS-Magnetic-Military-Shockproof-Anti-Scratch/dp/B0DK3554M1/ref=sr_1_11?sr=8-11

Jeff Donald wrote:

I was looking for a t-shirt one of my students gave me one year. It said “I Shoot Naked.” The only place I wore it was a school. Several students gave me these kind of shirts.

https://discussions.apple.com/content/attachment/df008b88-f2c3-4cb3-a003-b0e51bb8377e

Oh good golly! 😆 Now here’s the real question. Did you wear them in public?

I was looking for a t-shirt one of my students gave me one year. It said “I Shoot Naked.” The only place I wore it was a school. Several students gave me these kind of shirts.

Just so we’re clear. The I shoot naked is in reference to not putting protective filters on lenses. Just so there’s no possibility of confusion. 🤣🤣

🤣 I did deduce that!

I dont believe Apple is selling replacement parts for the sapphire cover. I remember that post and the issue was the replacement parts were the wrong size leading me to believe they came from some third party vendor. If Apple was selling the part, they certainly wouldn't sell the incorrect size .

H1290 wrote:

I wouldn't call the protectors useless, as they’ve saved my camera from being smashed to bits on a few occasions. But your word over mine any day! And thanks for the great explanation.

I will NEVER cover the cameras with a lens protector in my iPhone. That's just adding another layer of glass over the lens, which can add aberrations to the photos I take.

Well, I guess the usage of the camera depends from user to user. I only use mine for business, so that extra crispness and quality of the photo doesn’t really matter, so I’d rather go with a picture that has a slightly worse quality due to the protector than risk a shattered camera.

But for people who love taking pictures of scenery and the like, it’s entirely understandable to not want the protector.