Mikey Campbell
In a reply to a customer inquiry regarding the "purple flare" some iPhone 5 users have seen when taking pictures with bright light sources in frame, an AppleCare representative says the phenomenon is considered "normal behavior" for the new handset's camera.
The response from Apple representative Debby, received by a Gizmodo reader, claims Apple's engineering team recommended to angle the camera away from bright lights to avoid the purple flare some users have taken to calling a design defect.
AppleCare Support response:
Dear Matt,
Our engineering team just gave me this information and we recommend that you angle the camera away from the bright light source when taking pictures. The purple flare in the image provided is considered normal behavior for iPhone 5's camera. If you wish to reach me regarding this case number [redacted], please contact me at [redacted]. I currently work Thursday-Monday: 7:00am - 3:30pm Mountain Time. If you reach my voicemail, please leave your name, phone number, case number and the best time to reach you. Email is [redacted]@apple.com.
Sincerely,
Debby
AppleCare Support
AppleInsider previously reported that so-called "purple fringing" is a common issue with modern digital cameras, especially miniaturized units like those found in smartphones.
It was speculated that the "purple haze" was caused by the iPhone 5's use of a new sapphire lens cover, new component layout or sensor issues, however more likely a cause is normal distortion of light presented in this case as chromatic aberration. In most cases, chromatic distortion skews toward shorter wavelength violet light, which is difficult to correct with larger prime lenses, let alone the minuscule versions used in the iPhone 5.
According to a thread in Apple's Support Communities webpage dedicated to the purple fringing issue, one user claims the company has agreed to swap out their handset for a new unit, though it is unclear if replacements will be considered for all affected customers.
Andrew Orr
Marko Zivkovic
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94 Comments
Cue the outrage of people who think they *should* be able to take pictures of the sun, and how it's all a conspiracy, and that their Blackberry/Android device allowed them to take pictures of the sun, etc.
Cue the outrage of people who think they *should* be able to take pictures of the sun, and how it's all a conspiracy, and that their Blackberry/Android device allowed them to take pictures of the sun, etc.
Dummies shouldn't even be allowed to use a smartphone, IMO.
I want an apology letter!
I have seen a little of this with my iPhone 5 in the transition from dark interiors to bright windows, as an example.
This fringing (chromatic aberration) is easily removed in a vaiety of processing tools. I use Lightroom which has excellent - and very simple - adjustments to correct this sort of thing. Not a big deal. Not FringeGate.
Dummies shouldn't even be allowed to use a smartphone, IMO.
hasn't anyone told them that all you have to do is stare directly at the sun for a few minutes to re-calibrate your eyes for the chromatic aberration effects?
just a joke people.. don't try this. I don't want to get sued.