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iOS 8's New Camera Lets You Set Timers & Control Exposure

Sep 5, 2014 11:28 PM

Sep 17, 2014 02:26 AM

Person holding a smartphone capturing a photo of trees and greenery.

Among the additions that Apple's included in iOS 8 for iPhones are a couple of new features to the Camera app, including a timer and manual control of the exposure setting. Hit up the video to see how these new features work, of scroll down for the written walkthrough.

Feature #1: Setting a Timer for Photos

In the company of the flash, switch camera, and HDR icons is a new timer icon, where you can either set a three or ten second timer—only available for use when taking pictures.

Elegant tabletop arrangement featuring a bottle of wine, assorted glasses, and decorative flowers on a tray.

Once you set the time and press the shutter, a countdown will appear on the screen. In addition, the flash on the back of the phone will pulsate with the countdown to act as a visual for those in front of camera to indicate when the picture will be taken.

A decorative serving tray with a bottle of red wine, wine glasses, and a flower arrangement.

Feature #2: Manually Controlling Exposure

With iOS 8, you can not only manually control focus, but now you can control the exposure through on-screen gestures. To control exposure levels, tap and hold down anywhere on the viewfinder. Next to the yellow focus box you'll see a brightness scale.

Wine bottle with glasses and a decorative tray.

Bottle of wine, glasses, and a flower on a table.

Swipe up on the screen in order to increase the exposure and brighten the image, swipe down for the opposite. As for focus, tapping on the viewfinder and holding your finger down will still prompt the AF/AE lock as usual.

These seem like no-brainer settings, and it's hard to know why they're only just making their way to iPad, iPhone, and iPod touch. Regardless, they are a welcome addition.

More iOS 8 Tips...

To see what else you can do in Apple's latest mobile operating system, check out the Coolest Hidden Features of iOS 8, as well as the Best Hidden Safari Features, Top Hidden Features in Messages, and our other iOS 8 tips.

Also, follow Gadget Hacks on Facebook and Twitter for more great tips.

The next big software update for iPhone is coming sometime in April and will include a Food section in Apple News+, an easy-to-miss new Ambient Music app, Priority Notifications thanks to Apple Intelligence, and updates to apps like Mail, Photos, Podcasts, and Safari. See what else is coming to your iPhone with the iOS 18.4 update.