When it was released, the buzz was about how the iPad 2 was thinner, lighter and more powerful than its predecessor the first-generation iPad. For all the things that the iPad 2 does well, the rear facing camera leaves a lot to be desired.
The iPad 2 camera resolution for the rear-facing camera is measured to be about 0.92 megapixels, which is dismal as compared to the resolution of the camera in the iPhone 4 and really compares to the camera that is used in the fourth generation iPod Touch. It makes me wonder why Apple would not choose to put a better camera in a device that has a minimum $500 price tag but in defense of Apple, when I want to take a picture, my iPad is not the first thing I think of using for a photo still.
However this is not stopping iPad 2 users from using their tablets for getting the occasional shot when a more portable camera phone is not on hand. Although using the iPad 2 camera to shoot objects and people can be awkward to do since it is equivalent to turning a 10” folder in the direction of your subject, users have found creative techniques as well as apps that help them make the most out of the gadget’s front and back cameras.
Creative Ways to Take Pictures with the iPad 2
The iPad 2 camera resolution allows users to get decent shots in good lighting. For low light it is pretty much useless, so it is better to use a light source to illuminate subjects when the light is not enough for a VGA camera. Tapping on the subject can allow you to zoom in for a better shot. This also allows the device to adjust the light meter to make a better image.
Top apps for photos include PhotoGene which allows users to edit photos and perform a number of effects. Other useful apps include CameraBoost, which allows users to apply filters while taking a picture, as well as 100 Cameras in 1, an app that provides a large number of filters to change the look of your photos. Most of these apps also come with easy sharing options that allow users to directly upload photos online in a matter of minutes.
The iPad 2 camera resolution is not as good as those of other cameras and will require some time getting used to how it works. But if you are looking to simply upload photos to Facebook or Twitter then it is definitely useful. In addition, it does come with useful apps that you can use to make creative images with the photos taken with the camera. From fun filters to quick editing, these apps add to the reasons why the iPad 2 is such a handy gadget to have around.
