Sports Illustrated and ESPN photographers set aside their big camera lenses and published some of the first photos that were taken using the unreleased iPhone 7 Plus on Sunday.
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The iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus, which will be released by Apple on Friday, feature upgraded 12-megapixel cameras. They include optical image stabilization and a larger ƒ/1.8 aperture and 6-element lens to enable brighter, more colorful and detailed photos, according to Apple.
The iPhone 7 Plus that ESPN and SI tested features dual lenses, including a 12-megapixel telephoto camera that together offer optical zoom at two times and up to ten times digital zoom for photos.
SI is the first outlet to publish photos #shotoniphone7plus!
by David Klutho, more: https://t.co/TOsU6BgvY8 pic.twitter.com/cEvaXB9lZ4
— Sports Illustrated (@SInow) September 12, 2016
The results of David E. Klutho using the camera phone for Sports Illustrated at the Tennessee Titans-Minnesota Vikings game and Landon Nordeman shooting the U.S. Open for ESPN show quality images.
“The autofocus and exposure performed exceedingly well in various lighting conditions — so that even with one hand, he could get the shot,” according to ESPN.com. “Nordeman was able to execute his signature style — surprising moments from unique perspectives, using color and composition without distracting his subjects — in a fresh way by using the phone instead of a big camera lens and flash.”
Apple CEO Tim Cook tweeted out the photos, as they serve as an example for how professional photographers can even produce such content with the new phones at live sporting events.
The upgraded cameras are designed to perform well in the evenings, too. Optical image stabilization allows for longer exposure, leading to better images in low light.
“The completely redesigned cameras shoot incredible photos and videos day or night,” Apple senior vice president of worldwide marketing Philip Schiller said in a statement last week.