There are several features to love and hate about the new iPhone 7 and 7 Plus. Some people like the new colors, while others are heartbroken over the removal of the headphone jack. However, if you're still mulling over whether or not to get a new phone, the new cameras on the iPhone 7 Plus might convince you.
The iPhone 7 Plus includes two cameras with a wide angle lens and a telephoto lens. A telephoto lens is typically used for photos where you need to blur out the background and truly focus on literally what is in front of you and the lens. The iPhone 7 Plus has a new camera mode called Portrait Mode that now puts that type of photo in your hands. Apple calls it the "depth-of-field effect" that "keep[s] faces sharp while creating a blurred effect in the background." The effect is also known more commonly as a bokeh.
We were able to test out this new feature and instantly fell in love with it. It can turn any photo into something that looks professional and high-quality — which definitely means you can expect to start seeing these photos take over Facebook and dating profile pictures, Instagram feeds, and more. As a reporter, I own a $500 DSLR camera and bought a $200 lens to take the same type of photos. Of course, my DSLR still manages to take higher-quality pictures, but it also can't text or let me check Facebook, email, and more. Essentially, getting an iPhone 7 Plus is a pretty good deal and one that you won't be upset about, since you're getting the camera as well.
If you already hold an iPhone 7 Plus in your hands, download iOS 10.1 and then follow these quick tips:
Ahead, see some quick photos we took playing around with Portrait Mode. Keep in mind that these photos were taken when the feature was in beta and that the final version in iOS 10.1 might look different.
As you're taking a photo in Portrait Mode, the camera will guide you and let you know to move closer or farther away to take the photo. Here, my co-worker is moving around, but as she pauses for a second, the camera manages to catch her and blur out the background.
It's a feature meant for portraits of people and it works wonderfully.
This photo: not Instagram-worthy, but at least the pumpkin is in focus.
Though Portrait Mode is meant for people, it works on objects as well. Here, Kirby stands out as the rest of the background is blurred.
No matter how hard you try, Portrait Mode won't let you take a photo with inadequate lighting. In this photo, we're only in a dimly lit room, but it wouldn't work. You can see why; the quality begins to get grainy. Sorry, everyone, no cool bar or club photos.