NatureScapes.net Forums

Just got an iphone 7Plus, and I'm pretty pleased with the camera in it.. E.J.  just gave me a nice tip about using the HDR function. Anyone have more hints for use?

I am curious if it's worth getting a not-too-expensive additional lens for it, as an easy alway-have-with-me camera. That said, it's pretty nice just as is.

They did change the photo format to "heic", which is pretty weird. I'm not adept at downloading photos to my computer yet (Mac).....The phone doesn't have a lot of storage space.

Thanks, as always , for your thoughts.

Exo Lens Pro by Zeiss is nice, but pricey. Snapseed is a good app and Lightroom. There are others that are good. I will post more when I get home.

Joe

Re: downloading photos.
There's probably a better way, but I just email them from the phone to my p.c. I'll (honestly) look forward to seeing how dumb this is, and what better, less destructive methods exist.

To tranfer photos, here is one guide:

https://www.imobie.com/support/how-to-t ... to-mac.htm

This will work easily:

https://www.bestbuy.com/site/sandisk-ixpand-32gb-usb-3-0-lightning-flash-drive/5061603.p?skuId=5061603

Here is a link to some useful apps:

https://luminous-landscape.com/favorite-mobile-photography-apps-that-run-on-both-iphone-and-android-devices/

I like Painteresque. Adobe has Photoshop Express, Photoshop Fix and Lightroom CC. Several apps are available to take RAW images, slow shutter for water and other blur effects, HDR and pencil sketches. VSCO is another popular app. Check the app store.

This is a popular lens but not a great one:

https://www.bestbuy.com/site/olloclip-core-lens-set-and-case-for-apple-iphone-7-7-plus-8-and-8-plus-black/5656084.p?skuId=5656084

Joe

SantaFeJoe wrote:To tranfer photos, here is one guide:

https://www.imobie.com/support/how-to-t ... to-mac.htm

This will work easily:

https://www.bestbuy.com/site/sandisk-ixpand-32gb-usb-3-0-lightning-flash-drive/5061603.p?skuId=5061603

Here is a link to some useful apps:

https://luminous-landscape.com/favorite-mobile-photography-apps-that-run-on-both-iphone-and-android-devices/

I like Painteresque. Adobe has Photoshop Express, Photoshop Fix and Lightroom CC. Several apps are available to take RAW images, slow shutter for water and other blur effects, HDR and pencil sketches. VSCO is another popular app. Check the app store.

This is a popular lens but not a great one:

https://www.bestbuy.com/site/olloclip-core-lens-set-and-case-for-apple-iphone-7-7-plus-8-and-8-plus-black/5656084.p?skuId=5656084

Joe

Thanks Joe.  The sandisk ixpand looks really good. They don't list supporting HEIC, though. (ios 11) Perhaps it's too new for anyone to include. I'm not commited to using that format, but it's frustrating that it just suddenly appears as the native format if you update your phone. I guess the Sandisk ixpand should work in jpg format. I like the idea that I can easily expand storage on the limited phone. Thanks!

imobile says it's free, but like most freebies, it's just a free trial.

I have managed to get my photos onto "Photos" (used to be iphoto) buy connecting my phone directly to my computer, but I hate that app! Also put them in a folder on my desktop after changing the format to jpg on the phone. Then I can see them anywhere. I guess I'm looking for something more "on the fly" like the flash drive.

Luminous Landscapes has some nice suggestions, and they DO mention which things work with IOS 11.

Are you using an external lens with your phone?

Not yet, since I use a Samsung s8. The s7 had a nice Samsung lens case that had interchangeable lenses and I wish they made the same for the s8. I’m wanting to upgrade to a Note 9 soon to take advantage of the 2x lens. The new iPhones have that as well. If you go to your local Best Buy, try the 2x compared to the normal mode and you will see how useful that can be. I don’t need a wide angle, since I want to use it more for wildlife.
One thing I wanted to mention about HDR is that for macro type shots or low light, you really need to use a tripod. I find my shots come out blurry when using HDR for my flower close-ups. Try it for yourself. Another useful accessory is a remote release. There are Bluetooth releases that are nice, but a headphone volume buttom works well and Cameta Camera has a wire remote that I use and really like:

https://www.cameta.com/Precision-Design ... -98104.cfm

It works through the headphone jack, so it’s probably not for you on the iPhone 7, unless the headphone adapter allows you to use it. Bluetooth remotes are good, but can be finicky.

Joe

Cindy
If you go to the app store, they have an app called “SanDisk iXpand Sync”. It implies that it should work for you.

Joe

I simply hook my phone to the PC, open up the DCIM folder and copy the images - exactly the same way as any other camera or flash cards.

E.J. Peiker wrote:I simply hook my phone to the PC, open up the DCIM folder and copy the images - exactly the same way as any other camera or flash cards.

One thing I really like about Samsung is the ability to use a micro sd card. JPEG images are saved on card and RAW images are saved on phone, but I always transfer them to the  card and just pop the card into a tiny Hoodman card reader. Easy. It doesn’t cost much for high capacity micro sd cards to expand storage. Best Buy had 128gb fast cards (U3)for $29.99 and slower ones for less on Black Friday.

Joe

E.J. Peiker wrote:I simply hook my phone to the PC, open up the DCIM folder and copy the images - exactly the same way as any other camera or flash cards.

Yup- that works....as long as they are jpgs.  HEIC is a horse of a different color....works with some  things, needs a converter for others. So I'm not using it.

SantaFeJoe wrote:Cindy
If you go to the app store, they have an app called “SanDisk iXpand Sync”. It implies that it should work for you.

Joe

Thanks, Joe- will look for that.

This may be of interest to you. I don’t know anything about that format, myself.

https://imazing.com/blog/imazing-heic-converter

https://imazing.com/guides/how-to-convert-heic-to-jpeg

And for Windows users:

https://lifehacker.com/how-to-easily-co ... 1826327599

Joe

Ah yes, forgot about Apple's stupidity by using a format that virtually nothing works with. That's why I changed my preferences to continue to record JPEGs on my iPhone.

BTW Cindy, to mount the phone on a tripod I recommend a good clamp made of aluminum, not plastic. This one is even dovetailed for the Arca Swiss clamps:

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/ ... clamp.html

It even folds up.

Joe

Thanks for all the cool suggestions, Joe. Very helpful. There seems to be no end of gadgets for iphones and smartphones, including easier ways to hold and use them like a "real" camera:
https://tinyurl.com/ydxdd3rm
This thing is meant to hold their lenses, I guess. Don't know about lens quality.
Egad, I could easily spend as much on this stuff as I paid for the phone.

Think I'll look at some Nikon lenses for my cameras.... Santa is coming soon, if I don't get coal in my stocking this year.

Here’s a link to a site that is focused on iPhoneography. I have been on their email list for quite a while. Much of the info you will already know from shooting a camera, but there are some good tips here, as well.

https://iphonephotographyschool.com/iphoneography/

This may be of interest, as well:

https://iphonephotographyschool.com/how-to-transfer-photos-from-iphone-to-mac/

Check out the blog, too.

This is a feature I was unaware of, but it looks really fun to create blur, like with a waterfall. It is built into the camera:

https://iphonephotographyschool.com/live-photos-long-exposure/


Joe

Thanks Joe- lots of info out there. One thing that strikes me is how much they are touting what you can do with an iphone.....no wonder the camera industry has been turned on it's head, as well as professional photographers. Sort of-anyone can do this, I can do this myself, I don't need a pro to do this for me, etc. Have to admit it's fun having a clever pocket phone. But 'm not giving up my Nikons just yet.

That’s why I posted this topic recently:

https://www.naturescapes.net/forums/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=280037

Now if they can only make a tiny 600 or 800mm lens I’ll be happy!!!   

Joe

The app Photosync easily and quickly transfers photos to and from iOS and Android phones and Mac laptop.