In the world of smartphones, the camera is often a deciding factor for many consumers. Apple has consistently raised the bar with each new iPhone release, particularly in the realm of photography. The iPhone 8, launched in 2017, and the iPhone 12, introduced in 2020, represent two different generations of Apple’s camera technology. If you’re wondering how these two models compare, especially in terms of their cameras, you’re in the right place. This blog delves into the differences and similarities between the camera systems of the iPhone 8 and iPhone 12, helping you make an informed decision if you’re choosing between these models.
Camera Specs: iPhone 8 vs iPhone 12
Before diving into the detailed performance, let’s look at the core camera specifications of each phone.
iPhone 8 Camera Specs:
- Rear Camera: Single 12MP camera
- Aperture: f/1.8
- Optical Image Stabilization (OIS)
- Quad-LED True Tone flash
- 4K video recording at 24, 30, or 60 fps
- 1080p HD video recording at 30 or 60 fps
- Front Camera: 7MP FaceTime HD camera
- Aperture: f/2.2
- 1080p HD video recording at 30 fps
iPhone 12 Camera Specs:
- Rear Cameras: Dual 12MP cameras (wide and ultra-wide)
- Wide: f/1.6 aperture, OIS
- Ultra-Wide: f/2.4 aperture, 120-degree field of view
- Night mode, Deep Fusion, Smart HDR 3
- 4K Dolby Vision HDR video recording at up to 60 fps
- Front Camera: 12MP TrueDepth camera
- Aperture: f/2.2
- Night mode, Deep Fusion, Smart HDR 3
- 4K video recording at 24, 30, or 60 fps
Rear Camera Performance
iPhone 8: Reliable but Limited
The iPhone 8 was considered top-notch at the time of its release, but technology has moved quickly since then. It features a single 12MP camera with an f/1.8 aperture, which performs well in well-lit environments. You get clear, sharp images with vibrant colors, but its performance starts to decline in low-light settings.
While the iPhone 8’s camera includes Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) for better video and still shots, it lacks the more advanced software-based improvements found in later models. It’s excellent for casual photography, but if you’re after professional-grade photos or videos, the iPhone 8 might leave you wanting more.
iPhone 12: A Huge Leap Forward
The iPhone 12, on the other hand, takes photography to a whole new level. The dual-camera system includes both wide and ultra-wide lenses, allowing for more versatile shooting. The wide lens has a larger f/1.6 aperture, which lets in more light, making it significantly better for low-light photography compared to the iPhone 8.
One of the standout features of the iPhone 12 is Night Mode, available on both the front and rear cameras. The iPhone 8 lacks this feature, and this alone is a significant upgrade. In addition, the iPhone 12 boasts Smart HDR 3, which uses machine learning to adjust highlights, shadows, and contours for more detailed, natural-looking photos.
Finally, the iPhone 12 introduces Deep Fusion, a technology that optimizes photos by analyzing various exposures of the same shot and merging them into a single, more refined image. This feature ensures you get more detailed textures, even in low to medium light.
Front Camera Comparison
iPhone 8: Simple and Serviceable
The iPhone 8 comes with a 7MP front-facing camera that does a decent job for selfies and video calls. However, it’s relatively basic, offering no advanced features like Night Mode or Deep Fusion. It’s a functional front camera, but again, falls short when compared to modern smartphone standards.
iPhone 12: A More Capable Selfie Camera
In contrast, the iPhone 12’s front camera is a massive improvement. Its 12MP TrueDepth camera is not only higher in resolution but also supports Night Mode and Deep Fusion. This means you can take stunning selfies even in low light. Whether you’re shooting a portrait or taking a quick selfie in a dimly lit room, the iPhone 12 will produce sharper, more detailed results.
Video Capabilities: Which One is Better?
iPhone 8: Good, But Outdated
The iPhone 8 can record 4K video at 24, 30, or 60 fps, which is respectable, especially for a phone from 2017. It also supports slow-motion video in 1080p at 120 or 240 fps. For most casual users, this is more than enough for basic video recording. However, it lacks the advanced video features of later iPhone models.
iPhone 12: Professional-Grade Video
Apple took video recording to another level with the iPhone 12. Not only does it support 4K recording at up to 60 fps, but it also introduces Dolby Vision HDR, which delivers superior color accuracy, brightness, and contrast. This feature is a game-changer for anyone who values video quality, as it allows for cinema-quality video right from your smartphone.
Additionally, the iPhone 12 supports Night Mode Time-lapse, making it ideal for creative video projects that involve low-light environments. Whether you’re a content creator or someone who enjoys capturing life’s moments, the iPhone 12 offers a superior video experience.
Software and AI Enhancements
One of the biggest differences between the iPhone 8 and iPhone 12 isn’t just the hardware—it’s the software. The iPhone 12 benefits from Apple’s advancements in machine learning and AI, including Smart HDR 3 and Deep Fusion, both of which contribute to better image processing.
The iPhone 8, while good in its own right, lacks these advanced computational photography features. It’s reliant more on hardware, whereas the iPhone 12 leverages both hardware and software to produce better photos and videos.
Portrait Mode and Lighting Effects
iPhone 8: Basic Portrait Mode
The iPhone 8 does offer Portrait Mode, but only for the rear camera and with limited capabilities. It uses software to blur the background and mimic the depth-of-field effect you’d get with a professional camera. However, it’s not as refined as the later versions.
iPhone 12: Superior Portraits
The iPhone 12 excels with its improved Portrait Mode, which is available on both the front and rear cameras. It not only offers better background blurring but also comes with various Portrait Lighting Effects, giving you more control over the lighting in your shots. This is ideal for anyone who loves taking portraits or selfies.
Low-Light Performance: Night and Day Difference
iPhone 8: Struggles in Low Light
As mentioned earlier, the iPhone 8 lacks Night Mode, which significantly hampers its performance in low-light conditions. While its f/1.8 aperture helps, it’s no match for the advanced computational photography of the iPhone 12.
iPhone 12: Dominates in the Dark
With Night Mode available on both the wide and ultra-wide cameras, the iPhone 12 is leagues ahead of the iPhone 8 in low-light photography. Whether you’re taking a nightscape or a portrait in dim lighting, the iPhone 12 delivers much clearer, brighter, and more detailed shots.
Which Should You Choose?
When comparing the cameras of the iPhone 8 and iPhone 12, the latter is the clear winner in almost every aspect. The iPhone 12’s camera system is not just an incremental upgrade—it’s a leap forward. With dual cameras, Night Mode, Deep Fusion, Smart HDR 3, and Dolby Vision video recording, it offers a superior experience whether you’re shooting photos or videos.
The iPhone 8 is still a capable phone for basic photography and video, but it’s starting to show its age. If you’re a casual user who doesn’t take a lot of photos in low light and doesn’t need the latest features, the iPhone 8 could still serve you well. However, if camera quality is a priority and you want a phone that can compete with professional-grade cameras, the iPhone 12 is the better choice.
Conclusion
The comparison between the iPhone 8 and iPhone 12 cameras highlights just how much progress Apple has made in smartphone photography over the years. While the iPhone 8 was impressive for its time, the iPhone 12 offers a host of new features that make it far superior. From better low-light performance to more advanced software enhancements, the iPhone 12 is the clear winner for anyone who prioritizes camera quality. Whether you’re upgrading from the iPhone 8 or just curious about the differences, the iPhone 12 stands out as a top-tier choice for photography enthusiasts and everyday users alike.
FAQs on Apple iPhone 8 Camera vs iPhone 12: All You Need to Know
When it comes to choosing between an older model like the iPhone 8 and a more recent one like the iPhone 12, one of the most significant factors to consider is the camera. Over the years, Apple has dramatically improved its camera technology, making newer models like the iPhone 12 a far superior choice for photography enthusiasts. However, that doesn’t mean the iPhone 8 doesn’t hold its own in certain aspects. In this blog, we will answer the most frequently asked questions (FAQs) about the camera systems of the iPhone 8 and iPhone 12 to help you decide which one is right for you.
1. What are the main differences between the iPhone 8 and iPhone 12 cameras?
The primary difference between the iPhone 8 and iPhone 12 cameras lies in the number of lenses, aperture sizes, and software enhancements.
- iPhone 8: The iPhone 8 has a single 12MP rear camera with an f/1.8 aperture. It includes Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) and can record 4K video at 60 fps.
iPhone 12:
The iPhone 12 boasts a dual 12MP camera system, including a wide (f/1.6) and ultra-wide (f/2.4) lens.
2. Does the iPhone 12 camera perform better in low light than the iPhone 8?
Yes, the iPhone 12 camera significantly outperforms the iPhone 8 in low-light conditions.
- iPhone 8: While the iPhone 8’s single 12MP camera with an f/1.8 aperture does well in daylight, it struggles in low light. The absence of Night Mode means images taken in dim conditions are often grainy and lack detail.
- iPhone 12: The iPhone 12 has a much larger f/1.6 aperture on its wide camera, which allows more light to enter the lens. Additionally, Night Mode is available on both the wide and ultra-wide cameras, allowing you to capture detailed, bright photos even in near-dark settings. Combined with Deep Fusion and Smart HDR 3, the iPhone 12 handles shadows, textures, and colors better, making it far superior for low-light photography.
3. Does the iPhone 8 have Night Mode like the iPhone 12?
No, the iPhone 8 does not have Night Mode.
- iPhone 8: It lacks Night Mode, so taking clear, detailed shots in low-light conditions is more challenging. While it can produce decent images in some situations, the absence of software enhancements makes night photography a weakness of the iPhone 8.
- iPhone 12: In contrast, the iPhone 12 comes equipped with Night Mode on both the front and rear cameras. This feature automatically detects low-light conditions and adjusts exposure to produce brighter, clearer images without the need for a flash.
4. How do the front cameras compare between the iPhone 8 and iPhone 12?
The iPhone 12 offers a much better front camera compared to the iPhone 8, particularly for selfies and video calls.
- iPhone 8: The iPhone 8 has a 7MP front-facing camera with an f/2.2 aperture. It’s decent for FaceTime and basic selfies but lacks advanced features like Night Mode, Portrait Mode, or HDR capabilities.
- iPhone 12: The iPhone 12, on the other hand, features a 12MP TrueDepth front camera with an f/2.2 aperture. This camera supports Night Mode, Deep Fusion, and Smart HDR 3, allowing you to take sharper, more detailed selfies even in low-light settings. Additionally, the iPhone 12 front camera supports 4K video recording, making it a much better option for vloggers or anyone who frequently uses video chat.
- Also read:https://www.reddit.com/r/iPhone12Mini/comments/juny63/iphone_8_vs_12_mini_size_comparison/
5. What is the difference in video recording capabilities?
Both the iPhone 8 and iPhone 12 offer 4K video recording, but the iPhone 12 takes it a step further with advanced video features.
- iPhone 8: The iPhone 8 can record 4K video at 24, 30, or 60 fps, and 1080p video at 30 or 60 fps. It also offers slow-motion video at 1080p with up to 240 fps. While this is still respectable by today’s standards, it lacks advanced video technologies like Dolby Vision and Night Mode time-lapse.
- iPhone 12: The iPhone 12 enhances video recording with 4K Dolby Vision HDR at up to 60 fps. Dolby Vision provides better dynamic range, vibrant colors, and improved contrast. Additionally, the iPhone 12 supports Night Mode Time-lapse, allowing for impressive time-lapse videos even in low-light conditions. This makes the iPhone 12 a better choice for anyone interested in professional-quality video recording on a smartphone.
6. Does the iPhone 12 have better image processing than the iPhone 8?
Yes, the iPhone 12 has significantly improved image processing compared to the iPhone 8, thanks to Apple’s advancements in AI and machine learning.
- iPhone 8: While the iPhone 8 has decent hardware, it lacks the advanced image processing features that modern iPhones possess. The images captured are still good, but they may not have the same dynamic range, sharpness, or texture detail that you’ll find on newer models.
- iPhone 12: The iPhone 12 benefits from features like Deep Fusion and Smart HDR 3, which use machine learning to analyze multiple exposures of a shot and combine them into one detailed image. This ensures better contrast, color accuracy, and fine details, even in challenging lighting conditions.
7. How do the portrait modes compare between the iPhone 8 and iPhone 12?
The iPhone 12 offers a more advanced and versatile Portrait Mode compared to the iPhone 8.
- iPhone 8: While the iPhone 8 does have Portrait Mode, it’s available only on the rear camera and lacks the additional Portrait Lighting Effects found in newer models. Portraits are decent, but you won’t get the same level of detail or background blur (bokeh) as with the iPhone 12.
- iPhone 12: The iPhone 12 not only offers Portrait Mode on both the front and rear cameras, but it also includes Portrait Lighting Effects, allowing you to adjust the lighting in your shots for a more professional look. Additionally, the iPhone 12 uses Deep Fusion to improve texture and detail, making it ideal for anyone who enjoys portrait photography.
8. Is the ultra-wide camera on the iPhone 12 a significant upgrade over the iPhone 8?
Yes, the inclusion of an ultra-wide camera on the iPhone 12 is a major upgrade over the iPhone 8, which lacks a second lens.
- iPhone 8: The iPhone 8 comes with a single wide-angle lens, which is fine for everyday photos but limits your flexibility when it comes to capturing wider scenes, landscapes, or group shots.
- iPhone 12: The iPhone 12 features a 12MP ultra-wide camera with a 120-degree field of view, allowing you to capture much more in a single frame. This is ideal for landscape photography, architecture shots, or tight spaces where backing up isn’t an option. The ultra-wide lens also supports Night Mode, so you can capture wide-angle shots even in low-light conditions.
9. Which phone is better for casual photographers: iPhone 8 or iPhone 12?
For casual photographers who take photos primarily in well-lit conditions and don’t require advanced features, the iPhone 8 still holds up fairly well. However, if you want better low-light performance, more versatile shooting options (thanks to the ultra-wide lens), and improved image processing, the iPhone 12 is the superior choice.
- iPhone 8: Perfect for basic everyday shots, but it lacks the advanced features that make modern smartphone photography more flexible and high-quality.
- iPhone 12: Ideal for those who want to explore different photography styles, take photos in various lighting conditions, and enjoy more professional-looking results with the help of Apple’s latest software improvements.
Conclusion
When comparing the cameras of the iPhone 8 and iPhone 12, it’s clear that the iPhone 12 represents a significant leap forward in almost every area, from low-light photography to video recording and software enhancements. While the iPhone 8 is still a solid choice for those who only need basic photography capabilities, the iPhone 12 is a more versatile and advanced option, offering a much better overall experience for both casual users and photography enthusiasts.
