Mac Format

iPad cameras

Neglected in the past, iPad cameras have had big updates recently

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While the iPad can’t quite match the Hollywood ambitions of the iPhone 13 Pro, with its three cameras and telephoto lens, it’s no slouch when it comes to high-quality video and photograph­y.

The cinematic baby of the group is the ninth-gen iPad, whose rear camera provides a relatively modest 8-megapixel (MP) resolution, which only allows it to record 1080p HD video at 25-30 frames per second (fps).

However, all other iPad models can now record 4K video, with the iPad Air and iPad mini providing wide-angle 12MP rear cameras that can record super-smooth video at up to 60fps. The two iPad Pro models go one step further, providing two rear cameras – a 12MP wide-angle camera and a 10MP ultra-wide camera that provides 122° field of view. The iPad Pro also offers 2x optical zoom, while other iPads are limited to less effective digital zoom only.

The front camera on the iPad has been a little underpower­ed in the past – it took Apple ages to ditch the ageing 720p cameras used on many Macs and iPads – but it has had a number of improvemen­ts recently. This reflects the ‘new normal’, which sees many people now working from home and using FaceTime or Zoom for video calls with family, friends or work colleagues.

All five current iPad models now have a 12MP ultra-wide front camera to provide a good field of view for video calls. Video resolution is still only 1080p for all models, but they can all record at 60fps. The iPad Pro can also use Face ID with its front camera in order to unlock the device.

 ?? ?? The rear cameras on the latest iPad models offer such a vast improvemen­t over earlier incarnatio­ns in terms of stills and video.
The rear cameras on the latest iPad models offer such a vast improvemen­t over earlier incarnatio­ns in terms of stills and video.

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