How do the cameras in the iPhone 4 compare to the camera in earlier iPhone models? Does the iPhone 4 provide a camera that is "good" for my needs?

Unlike earlier iPhone models, which have a single camera, the iPhone 4 has dual cameras -- a 5 megapixel HD video/still camera (720p at 30 FPS) with a "backside illuminated sensor," a 5X digital zoom, and an LED flash on the rear and a VGA quality video/still camera on the front designed for video conferencing over a Wi-Fi network with Apple's included "FaceTime" application.

The iPhone 3GS, by contrast, has a 3.0 megapixel camera with VGA video recording at 30 FPS with basic "video editing" capabilities (you can cut the beginning and end of a clip "in camera"). Both models have autofocus, macro, and white balance support, and "tap to focus" features although the iPhone 4 is reported to have a superior macro mode and other tweaks. The iPhone 3GS has basic "video editing" capabilities -- you can cut the beginning and end of a clip "in camera" -- but the iPhone 4 goes much further. When paired with a new iMovie application -- available for purchase separately for US$4.99 -- the iPhone 4 supports a variety of more full featured video editing and effects capabilities.

Third-Party iPhone 4 Camera Reviews

Just from reviewing the above technical differences, it is a safe bet that the HD camera in the iPhone 4 is better than its predecessor, but in a comprehensive review, ArsTechnica nicely summarizes other technical aspects that make a significant difference in quality:

First, Apple replaced the 1/4" 3.1MP CMOS sensor of the iPhone 3GS with a 1/3.2" 5MP backside illuminated CMOS sensor. By increasing the size of sensor itself, the size of the individual pixels remains the same between generations -- at a 1.75µm pixel pitch -- which would maintain the same sensitivity. However, Apple went one step further and utilized the newest OmniBSI sensor from OmniVision. Backside illumination changes the physical layering of circuit elements in the sensor so that more light reaches the individual photo diodes in each pixel location.

In addition to the sensor itself, Apple improved the lens to account for the increase in resolution. Mated to the larger sensor, the 3.85mm focal length lens gives a slightly wider angle of view than previous iPhones. Those earlier models had angle of view comparable to a 37mm lens in 35mm format, while the iPhone 4 lens is closer to a 28mm lens. (Comparisons to APS-C format, common to most non-pro DSLRs, are 23mm and 18mm, respectively.)

A variety of reviewers compared the iPhone 4 camera and video camera functionality to other camera-equipped devices and dedicated cameras -- ArsTechnica to the iPhone 3GS, iPhone 3G, and Flip UltraHD, AnandTech to the iPhone 3GS, Droid, Droid Incredible, Nokia N900, and EVO 4G, iLounge to the Canon PowerShot S90 and Flip UltraHD, and MacWorld to the Samsung HZ35W, Sony DSC-WX1, Droid X, EVO 4G, Samsung Galaxy, iPhone 3GS, and Flip MinoHD M2120.

Side-by-Side Video Comparison

The assortment of reviews should provide one with exhaustive data on the comparative abilities and limitations of the iPhone 4 as a camera and video camera, but another particularly interesting comparison is between the iPhone 4 and the Canon 7D, a "semi-pro" 18 megapixel DSLR that shoots 1080p and retails for US$1699.

It's quite important to note that the filmaker "was mainly focusing on the iPhone video here and didn't have intentions of making this a comparison video so some of the 7D shots aren't properly exposed and some aren't even focused."

The iPhone 4 falls short nevertheless, even at small sizes that hide a great deal of detail, but it still demonstrates what the iPhone 4 is capable of when used by a highly skilled filmmaker who is able to work around its limitations:

The larger iPhone 4 only version may also be of interest even if you don't particularly care for the song:

More information about the technical details of this piece are available from Take Zero Productions.

iPhone 4 Camera Summary

Ultimately, the cameras in the iPhone 4 -- even the HD camera -- is not "high quality" per se compared to many basic "point and shoot" cameras or video cameras that are equipped with larger lenses, larger sensors, and optical zoom, but it is comparable in quality to some basic cameras and video cameras and is highly likely to be "good" or at least "good enough" for many people's day-to-day use. The iPhone 4 camera and video camera likely may even meet "vacation" needs for those with modest expectations. Truly "serious" photographers and videographers, of course, will continue to prefer dedicated cameras and video cameras.