The iPhone 8 Plus and iPhone X both step up the use of machine learning to improve photos. We saw these smarts used for portrait mode, but Apple has since turned its algorithms loose on ‘Portrait Lighting’.
The Cupertino company makes a point of slapping the beta tag on the feature — at least on its website — and it certainly shows.
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We took a few shots with our iPhone 8 Plus review unit, using all the Portrait Lighting options at our disposal (natural light, studio light, contour light, stage light and stage light mono).
The results? Check my awkward mug out below (click on the images to view them properly), but it’s safe to say that the stage light options can be ridiculously rough right now. Still, the potential is clearly there when it works well.
Iphone Portrait Lighting
Portrait Lighting Natural
A standard Portrait Mode shot, using the Natural Light option.
Portrait Lighting Studio
The Studio option looks good.
Portrait Lighting Contour
A switch to the Contour Light option seems to work well enough.
Portrait Lighting Stage
The Stage Light option cuts off the ears, some hair and my cheek/jaw area.
Portrait Lighting Mono
Portrait Lighting Natural
We opted for a wall in the background in this series. Here's the Natural Lighting option.
Portrait Lighting Studio
A move to the Studio Light yields positive results.
Portrait Lighting Contour
Contour Light is another tentative hit for Apple here.
Portrait Lighting Stage
My ear gets clipped badly with Stage Light mode. But it's not nearly as bad as the other Stage Light sample.
Portrait Lighting Stage Mono
Much like the standard Stage Light shot, we get a clipped ear. But an otherwise solid shot.
