The iPad Pro camera bump is necessary because there is no bezel to hide the camera/lens components in. The camera module is basically bolted onto the back of the LED backlight. So you appear to realize that a quality camera system needs some depth.. and there's literally nowhere else to stick that hardware. Your preference is "crappier camera", but Apple made a different choice. For all we know, it might have needed to go back to "first gen iPhone" quality, in order to make it fit with no bump. And doing that would have the inter webs in much more fury than a bump.
Got a tip for us?
Let us know
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.
Isn’t the bump-out camera a huge design flaw?
- Thread starter jackoatmon
- Start date
- Sort by reaction score
The iPad Pro camera bump is necessary because there is no bezel to hide the camera/lens components in. The camera module is basically bolted onto the back of the LED backlight. So you appear to realize that a quality camera system needs some depth.. and there's literally nowhere else to stick that hardware. Your preference is "crappier camera", but Apple made a different choice. For all we know, it might have needed to go back to "first gen iPhone" quality, in order to make it fit with no bump. And doing that would have the inter webs in much more fury than a bump.
I don't disagree. I am curious to know what the trade off would be if we don't have a camera bump. Like I said, I am definitely in the minority considering I wouldn't mind no camera on my iPad. Either way, I have a folio keyboard case on the way so it won't bother me much.
For me, I have to be able to scan and mark up documents. I do it all the time, and when you match that up with the abilities of the Apple Pencil, it's an unbelievably useful feature. I think today's iPhones and iPads scan documents just as well as any hardware scanner I have ever owned.
Do I think the camera bump is a design flaw though? Nah. No more than I think it is a design flaw on any other iOS device. My XS Max and soon to be 11" iPad Pro have nicer cameras on them than any standalone camera I've ever personally owned. I'm assuming that if they could thin them down and still have that be the case, they would do it. Apple does amazing engineering, and I'm sure it will get to that point eventually. For now, as someone who always uses at least a back cover anyway, I couldn't care less about the bump.
You're still here? Thought you were over with Apple?
(but I do agree with the headphone jack, even though I don't really use it on the iPad too)
Yes still here. Am over Apple.
few folks use iPads laying flat on a table because it's ergonomically a disaster. but hey if that's how you would want to use it and you see this camera as a huge issue then not buying it is a valid choice for you to make.
It could at least be equal to the front camera, as there is no front camera bump.
This. I don’t think the statements of millions are fine with it is exactly accurate. What’s probably more accurate is that that millions buy the iPad *in spite* of the bump and if offered the exact same version (ok,slightly worse camera), they would take the model without the bump.
I completely agree with this point.
The camera bump is such a clever design choice to subtly force people to consider buying a case for their new device.
I don't know how many professional iPhone-using-photographers that have a specific need that demands a smartphone camera SO GOOD that can't make it without a bump.
And one thing I don't understand... If Jony Ive is so careful about his meticulous designs™, why do he even allow a camera bump that sticks out like a sore thumb? I guess the answer is profits.
I don't have a problem with the bump personally. It is indeed poor design, but I understand why Apple incorporate it in their designs.
Not sure what this has to do with profits. It's not the cheapest solution.
Bad or No Camera: No Bump
Fat device: No bump
Thin device / good camera: bump
I prefer the bump, because it makes the device easier to handle and lighter overall.
And since i need a folio as a kickstand anyway, the bump will be nullified.
The iPad already has amazing battery life, so i don't see the need of a bigger battery that a fatter device might provide. But i would make the device heavier.
Personally i could live without a back camera though. The Facetime is the only camera i might actually use.
Bad or No Camera: No Bump
Fat device: No bump
Thin device / good camera: bump
I prefer the bump, because it makes the device easier to handle and lighter overall.
And since i need a folio as a kickstand anyway, the bump will be nullified.
The iPad already has amazing battery life, so i don't see the need of a bigger battery that a fatter device might provide. But i would make the device heavier.
Personally i could live without a back camera though. The Facetime is the only camera i might actually use.
My father uses his iPad as a camera sometimes and I use it for certain AR apps so I find what you said deeply insulting - and foolish.
Bumps are a nonissue for me. I had no idea so many people used iPads without a case. I couldn’t imagine not having protection on such an expensive device. And I’m not talking about Apple’s ridiculously priced cases. I guess that’s the reason I see so many iPads listed on eBay as “shows wear and tear” or “works fine, but has scratches” etc. I’ve owned three and they all looked great when I sold them.
I agree. Why such insults are still tolerated on Macrumors is also beyond me.
Buy a case to cover your device and make it bulkier in order to neutralize the bump; it’s not an isssue for me and others so it shouldn’t be for you or anyone; the bump has been around so don’t talk about it anymore—summary of all the nonsensical responses here.
The bump is not ideal. It’s a design compromise that some agree with, some don’t (and others don’t care). But it is a compromise, which means it is a legitimate topic for argument, as much as any other.
The bump is not ideal. It’s a design compromise that some agree with, some don’t (and others don’t care). But it is a compromise, which means it is a legitimate topic for argument, as much as any other.
I just laid my 12.9” flat on my desk at work and the wobble is basically non-existent. Complete non-issue.
You were over Apple a couple of months before this post and here you are still being over Apple.
https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/im-over-apple-and-the-iphone.2137381/
Good lord. Must we critique everything? A bump in the camera?
So the iPad doesn't lay flat. What is the problem? Does an iPad laying flat affect anything?
So the iPad doesn't lay flat. What is the problem? Does an iPad laying flat affect anything?
When I was first looking at the new iPad I too thought it was a major design flaw. However, after three days of using it, it’s not a flaw at all. I use the Apple Folio and it allows it to lay flat on my desk. However, in bed or on the couch I quickly and easily remove the folio and hold it naked. I love how thin it is and am glad it’s not as thick as it would need to be to have no camera bump. Not a design flaw to me.
In general though, I wish they would just remove the rear facing camera. It’s dumb and unnecessary n a tablet, IMO.
The bump really annoys me on the iPhone though.
[doublepost=1542689313][/doublepost]
Wrong. It’s about sales - something Apple doesn’t struggle with in the least.
In general though, I wish they would just remove the rear facing camera. It’s dumb and unnecessary n a tablet, IMO.
The bump really annoys me on the iPhone though.
[doublepost=1542689313][/doublepost]
Wrong. It’s about sales - something Apple doesn’t struggle with in the least.
Yea today when I was finishing up my third costume rendering of the day in affinity photo I thought the same thing. Then when I was using QLab Remote to run a performance piece this afternoon we nearly held the audience because I was worried about the camera bump making the iPad uneven on the table backstage. Later on when I was mixing a show in soundcraft visit the musician nearly fired me cause of that bump. Honestly think I should return this clearly non professional badly designed device I use every day.
No but seriously, and all in good fun, I do think it’s not ideal. But i don’t think it’s a huge flaw. I mean if the iPad rocked back and forth on a flat surface that’d be a problem, but the iPad is one device that I do appreciate the reduced weight and size in. So I’m willing to forgive a functional design choice like this that clearly has purpose.
No but seriously, and all in good fun, I do think it’s not ideal. But i don’t think it’s a huge flaw. I mean if the iPad rocked back and forth on a flat surface that’d be a problem, but the iPad is one device that I do appreciate the reduced weight and size in. So I’m willing to forgive a functional design choice like this that clearly has purpose.
Then why would Apple put a camera on all but one of their iPads in the first place?