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Apple posts two video tutorials for Portrait Lighting on iPhone 8 Plus

Apple on Tuesday added two video tutorials to YouTube, guiding people through the Portrait Lighting mode on the iPhone 8 Plus.

The first takes users through setting a Lighting mode when taking an original photo, while the second covers applying the same effects to a previously shot Portrait. Both clips are less than a minute long.

Portrait Lighting is available on both the 8 Plus and the upcoming iPhone X, both of which have the necessary dual cameras for Portrait shooting. The Lighting mode uses machine learning to process the subject and the background, then apply one of several different schemes: Natural Light, Studio Light, Contour Light, Stage Light, or Stage Light Mono (black and white).

The option doesn't appear likely to come to the iPhone 7 Plus, despite that phone being released just last year and likewise having twin cameras. Apple may feel the phone's A10 processor isn't fast enough to render lighting quickly.

iPhone X preorders will start Friday at 12:01 a.m. Pacific, 3:01 a.m. Eastern, ahead of a Nov. 3 ship date.



30 Comments

unphocus 7 Years · 81 comments

I plan to put the new capability to a test when I get my iPhone X. Most of these pics being shown aren’t in the conditions I plan to shoot in. 

bobcubsfan 11 Years · 54 comments

When using Portrait Mode, you have to be sure that STAGE LIGHT is highlighted. Black type on a yellow background or it won't work.

SpamSandwich 19 Years · 32917 comments

Is that a burka, a sarong or just a head scarf?

nasserae 16 Years · 3166 comments

Grimzahn said:
Burka, seriously? 

It's not Burka.