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Blurry camera and pics after ios7!! Help!

PPics and camera blurry now.

iPhone 5

Posted on Sep 20, 2013 3:55 PM

Reply
84 replies

Sep 23, 2013 12:31 PM in response to zeusmonsoon

Sounds like it might be an issue with the auto-focus. Since you have no problems using your wife's camera, I don't think it's a user error (hands shaking while holding the camera etc). Since your camera worked fine before you updated the software, it's probably not a hardware issue (moving parts inside the camera lens). So probably your software didn't completely install correctly for some reason when you updated, and needs to be re-installed fresh.


Have you tried backing up your data to iCloud (not iTunes) and completely wiping and re-installing the software? iTunes will create a backup of the entire iPhone hard drive, so backing up to iTunes will simply reset it back exactly how it was, glitches and all. iCloud saves your data (contacts, photos etc) but not the generic software that's the same on every iPhone. If there's an issue with the software, installing a fresh clean version and then restoring only your personal data (photos, contacts etc) from iCloud will likely fix the issue.

Sep 27, 2013 1:14 PM in response to Taylorsmom47

If someone came to me with this problem, my first inclination would be user error ("Do you know how to use tap-to-focus? Are you holding the camera steady?"). However, it seems like none of you were having any problems before the update. I can't imagine the camera software was changed so much that the steady hand of previously successful users is no longer sufficient. I certainly haven't experienced this issue since updating my 4s. However, just for giggles, try placing the phone on a steady surface such as a table to keep it fixed when taking a photo. Try letting it focus completely before clicking the button. Use it like a good hunting rifle - squeeze the trigger, don't jerk it. Treat it like a lady. Good art takes time. Still blurry?


I've heard of times when a hardware issue that previously went unnoticed has been revealed by a software update. It's possible that the camera lens, auto-focus or other moving parts are somehow damaged. They were damaged all along, but something changed in the way iOS7 utilizes the hardware that has caused the issue to emerge in a visible way. I might try cleaning the camera lens with a cotton-tip and some rubbing alcohol or lens cleaner, in case dirt on the lens is confusing the auto-focus software.


It would be much easier to diagnose the problem if I had the phone in my hands. On this note, it might not be a bad idea (especially if you're covered under applecare) to bring your phone in to an Apple store and have someone else take a look at it. Get a second opinion. They might not be able to fix the issue, but at least you'd know someone supposedly knowledgeable tried your phone and couldn't get it to work either.

Sep 27, 2013 2:00 PM in response to 378rtyawg

I like your style. Let me give it to you straight. I tap the camera icon, point the phone to the subject while in focus, then POOF, it goes out of focus. Instantly. Unfortunately, I'm not an alcoholic with the shakes, so I can confidently say the problem isn't a shaky hand. I have cleaned the lens with no result. I do appreciate your feedback though.

Sep 27, 2013 3:32 PM in response to Taylorsmom47

Definitely sounds like an auto-focus issue. If you haven't already done this, try the following in order to eliminate the possibility of faulty software: Back up your personal data somewhere (iCloud etc). Wipe your phone and reinstall the software from scratch to factory settings. Set up the phone like a brand new phone, without adding your personal data or settings back onto it. Open the camera app and see if the issue still persists on a brand new fresh install, free of 3rd party apps and extra data. If this fixes the problem, then the answer could be software related (a third party app you downloaded could be causing it etc).


If you've already tried wiping and resetting your software a million times in a million different ways and you're sick of people telling you to wipe and reset your phone, it must be a hardware issue. There are various sensors and lenses and other gadgets involved in the process of automatically focusing the camera. It could be that one of these gadgets is malfunctioning (dust, shock, moisture damage etc), and for some programming reason the malfunction didn't cause your photos to be blurry until the software was changed in iOS7. Considering the massive changes to the photo app in iOS7, it's entirely possible that the software is using the sensors and lenses differently now than it used to.


If you're not under warranty or applecare, most 3rd-party iphone repair guru type shops can replace the camera module in your phone, which should replace all of the gadgets involved in auto-focus. I don't think this procedure would cost very much (compared to buying a new phone). If that doesn't work, It might be time to get a new phone. I'm sorry I don't have any better news. Who knows, maybe someone will discover a solution that's much simpler. But without seeing the phone in person, I can't really do much more. Good luck

Blurry camera and pics after ios7!! Help!

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