professional photographers put the iPhone 8 plus to the test

with a hefty price tag, it comes as no surprise that the iPhone 8 plus is jam-packed with incredible features, including an all new, updated camera. although the iPhone 8 plus carries over nearly the same camera specifications as the iPhone 7 plus, which first introduced apple’s dual-camera system, the updated phone includes two 12-megapixel cameras, one wide-angle lens with optical image stabilization (f/1.8 aperture), and one telephoto lens (f/2.8 aperture), improving the device’s overall photographic abilities.

the stage light mono feature takes an image in black and white against a deep black background
image © james martin/CNET

the most noticeable difference between apple‘s iPhone 8 plus and its predecessors is the inclusion of ‘portrait lighting’, which adds a depth-of-field or ‘blur’ behind a subject. through the portrait mode, you can now add effects such as natural light, studio light, contour light, stage light, and stage light mono to emphasize shadows and highlights, resulting in more dramatic photos.

image © austin mann

‘natural light’ is the default setting within ‘portrait mode’ on the iPhone, and is also available on the iPhone 7 plus. the subject will appear in focus with a blurred background. ‘studio light’ is meant to replicate the lighting you might get in a professional portrait studio. the subject’s hair, face, and clothes will appear brighter, as well as parts of the background. ‘contour lighting’ accentuates shadows and highlights on the subject’s face, making their cheekbones pop, much like a professional shoot. 

image © austin mann

image © edwin koo

image © jacob schiller