iPod touch The Definitive "How Bad is the iPod Touch 4G Still Camera" Thread

[Alaerian]

Entitlement, much?

Apple could give you guys an iPod that plays music, runs apps, takes pictures, runs Playstation 3 games, folds your laundry, cures cancer, transforms into a soundstage with complete Justin Bieber lookalike, does your homework, knits sweaters, buys your groceries, puts up your Christmas tree, feeds your cat, and solves a Rubik's Cube for you ...

... and you guys would still bitch about it not being able to rearrange your living room furniture for maximum space usage.

Seriously, get over it. It's a camera for Pete's sake. It's an additional feature for quick snapshots. If I was Apple, I'd tell you all to quit crying and simply remove the feature.

 

[Bernard SG]

^^ ditto.
And really, it's a cool feature; and it's not bad at all.
If I really want to shoot high quality pictures I just bring my Canon with me.

 

[aznguyen316]

I don't use the camera much for stills but as a video camera, it's been awesome!!! Been using it a lot, vlogs, gameplay videos on my MBP, etc etc. pwns hard, waiting on my tripod mount for it to come in, yipee!

 

[pcuser94]

It is the most disgusting example of Apples short sighted greed which always hurts a company in long term! Not only should they have not put a substandard piece of **** useless camera but they should have been upfront about it! They essentially lied about it and they has and will Hurt them. It's no different than blow out preventers from oil rig

Oh yeah, cause steve jobs is really hurting right now.

 

[fel10]

Here's another picture I just took. This is seriously not bad for a 0.7 mp camera.

 

[peestandingup]

If you want a high quality still camera ... then go buy a high quality still camera?

I don't get the complaining. At all.

Apples & oranges. Why do people still bring this retarded logic up?

No one carries around both a standalone still camera & their phone/iPod with them. You see something cool, you wanna take a decent picture of it. This iPod can't even do that. The best camera you have is the one you have on you, period. And if you don't have a decent camera on you, then that's it. Life doesn't stop because you didn't pack along that Canon on your bike ride. Got it?

No ones asking for a pro level camera here, just something that doesn't look like grainy crap using 10 year old technology. These aren't even suitable for Facebook/Twitter posts.

Let's all get real. We all know what happened. Apple sacrificed function for form again, just so they could make the Touch thin as a razor (it's actually thin enough as it was). Jobs has a real hardon for thin devices.

 

[revelated]

Let's all get real. We all know what happened. Apple sacrificed function for form again, just so they could make the Touch thin as a razor (it's actually thin enough as it was). Jobs has a real hardon for thin devices.

See I don't think the thinness of the device was really its limiting factor. I honestly believe that they could have put a 1-2 MP camera in here. I think instead that they said to themselves, "well, we need to make the camera as horrible as possible without making it unbearable. That way the iPhone 4 comes across as superior, and people will buy that instead!!"

The Apple Store was chock full of the new iPod Touch. They just weren't selling. Some of the sales guys were actually surprised that I was buying one, but then I always get devices to write reviews for them.

 

[Consultant]

See I don't think the thinness of the device was really its limiting factor. I honestly believe that they could have put a 1-2 MP camera in here. I think instead that they said to themselves, "well, we need to make the camera as horrible as possible without making it unbearable. That way the iPhone 4 comes across as superior, and people will buy that instead!!"

The Apple Store was chock full of the new iPod Touch. They just weren't selling. Some of the sales guys were actually surprised that I was buying one, but then I always get devices to write reviews for them.

If you want an iPhone, buy an iPhone.
If you want device with > 2MP camera running iOS right now, buy iPhone 3GS or 3G.

 

[Alaerian]

Apples & oranges. Why do people still bring this retarded logic up?

No one carries around both a standalone still camera & their phone/iPod with them. You see something cool, you wanna take a decent picture of it. This iPod can't even do that. The best camera you have is the one you have on you, period. And if you don't have a decent camera on you, then that's it. Life doesn't stop because you didn't pack along that Canon on your bike ride. Got it?

No ones asking for a pro level camera here, just something that doesn't look like grainy crap using 10 year old technology. These aren't even suitable for Facebook/Twitter posts.

Let's all get real. We all know what happened. Apple sacrificed function for form again, just so they could make the Touch thin as a razor (it's actually thin enough as it was). Jobs has a real hardon for thin devices.

To quote myself, entitlement much?
Read my post half a page up. I think it applies perfectly here.

 

[Carouser]

I think instead that they said to themselves, "well, we need to make the camera as horrible as possible without making it unbearable. That way the iPhone 4 comes across as superior, and people will buy that instead!!"

You really think this is how they made their decision? That people in the market for an iPod Touch will change their minds and sign on for a phone contract instead, based on the camera? That Apple kept up production on the iPod, that the company actually invests in R&D, gets these devices fabricated, distributed, and marketed, intentionally procured such 'crappy' cameras for them, but not primarily to sell the iPods, no, as a foil to increase sales of the iPhone? That's ludicrous.

 

[ECUpirate44]

IMO i think its a great camera. Plus... Apple needs something to improve for ipod touch 5g so really, what did everyone expect?

 

[earth.razer]

Normally I would not be bothered by how crap the cameras are on the iPod, I just pretend they don't exist. BUT, since the price of these went up by $50 here in Canada, of which I suspect is mostly the camera. I decided not to get one.

 

[yankintx]

It is the most disgusting example of Apples short sighted greed which always hurts a company in long term! Not only should they have not put a substandard piece of **** useless camera but they should have been upfront about it! They essentially lied about it and they has and will Hurt them. It's no different than blow out preventers from oil rig

If you don't like it, take it back and stop your whining..

 

[Carouser]

Normally I would not be bothered by how crap the cameras are on the iPod, I just pretend they don't exist. BUT, since the price of these went up by $50 here in Canada, of which I suspect is mostly the camera. I decided not to get one.

(1) the price didn't go up by $50 at all. The 8gb model for example went up by like $20
(2) the price is still less than when the iPod Touch was first introduced
(3) the storage capacity has doubled on the other two models

 

[Link2999]

New pic. This is a bad lighting pic as it's dark out, but on my iPod's screen the effect is pretty cool.

 

[revelated]

You really think this is how they made their decision? That people in the market for an iPod Touch will change their minds and sign on for a phone contract instead, based on the camera? That Apple kept up production on the iPod, that the company actually invests in R&D, gets these devices fabricated, distributed, and marketed, intentionally procured such 'crappy' cameras for them, but not primarily to sell the iPods, no, as a foil to increase sales of the iPhone? That's ludicrous.

I believe that Apple would prefer people buy either the iPhone or iPad. Yes. I believe that. I believe it's only doing the iPod Touch because there are consumers who will not buy iPhone. I believe that to be the reason why, at the core, the new Touch was not really improved much. They did just enough that it was not identical to the previous gen, yet the iPhone got the extreme makeover and cool features. Why? Because that's what they want people to buy.

 

[peestandingup]

To quote myself, entitlement much?
Read my post half a page up. I think it applies perfectly here.

Apologist much??

Yes yes, how dare I want some actual, even halfway decent quality in the pics I take (with any device). You're right, I shouldn't expect a camera made in 2010 to take as good pictures as my 10 year old POS Sony Cybershot. How DARE I be bummed that this is the worst camera they've put in any iDevice (including the original iPhone that launched 3 freakin years ago). Im with you, man. I love the fact that the shots come out looking like a still frame from a webcam that was made in 2003. I mean, for $300, what more could I expect, right??

You're absolutely spot on. Lets all bend over & take whatever they give us, be happy & ask for more. I like the way you think, guy. Keep it up.

 

[SoraLimit]

You have to remember that the iPod touch is still the best PMP in the market in terms of the camera. The newly released Archos 32 has only 0.3 MP camera. The Nintendo DSi has the same resolution, as well as the Nintendo 3DS (although it can take 3D pictures). The Zune HD doesn't have it, the PSP doesn't have it, all the other Android tablets don't have one.

In the market, the iPod touch was never meant to go up against a smartphone, nor the camera market either. As well verse as it is, it's still consider part of the PMP market, hence why it's classified together with the other iPods. Apple probably saw no other reason to increase the size of the camera because it still superior where it is now.

You guys may not like it, but Apple has to also think about their products in the economics point of view, even if it means a crap camera.

 

[Carouser]

I believe that Apple would prefer people buy either the iPhone or iPad. Yes. I believe that. I believe it's only doing the iPod Touch because there are consumers who will not buy iPhone. I believe that to be the reason why, at the core, the new Touch was not really improved much.

Yeah, that's a lot different than what you said, what I was responding to. And it makes sense only if you think an iPod Touch with an improved camera would cannibalize iPhone sales. I'm not convinced.

You're absolutely spot on. Lets all bend over & take whatever they give us, be happy & ask for more. I like the way you think, guy. Keep it up.

Alerian never said anything like that, sarcasm or not. What should one do instead? Whine on Mac Rumors Forum about how unsuitable the camera is for you?

"heh, that'll teach Apple to meet the high standards of mac rumors forum user 'peestandingup', no pushover here, nosiree"

 

[peestandingup]

Alerian never said anything like that, sarcasm or not. What should one do instead? Whine on Mac Rumors Forum about how unsuitable the camera is for you?

"heh, that'll teach Apple to meet the high standards of mac rumors forum user 'peestandingup', no pushover here, nosiree"

No, I dont expect Apple to do anything. This wont cause a big enough uproar to force them into anything (which has happened before over the years) & they'll continue to make the best decisions for their bottom line & for distinguishing their products.

I never expected iPhone 4 cam quality, just something usable. They could have done it, but for whatever reason they didn't. I believe it reflects poorly on the product (esp since pics are one of those things that get shared around a lot), but thats just my opinion.

It has more to do with I think is just the right thing to do for their customers in general, rather than what I personally want/need in the product (I already have an iPhone 4).

 

[revelated]

Yeah, that's a lot different than what you said, what I was responding to. And it makes sense only if you think an iPod Touch with an improved camera would cannibalize iPhone sales. I'm not convinced.

Dude, I guarantee you that if the iPod Touch was identical to the iPhone 4, just with no phone capability and MAYBE less RAM, every consumer who hates AT&T would get the Touch. Why? Because the majority of iPhone users like the device but can't stand Bell. The device is what people are really buying, and given a choice of two virtually identical devices - one that natively makes calls on a crappy carrier and one that has the ability to use Skype or iCall and do the same at a fraction of the cost, do you really think people wouldn't jump at that? Apple's not stupid.

 

[Alaerian]

I never expected iPhone 4 cam quality, just something usable.

Alright. Let me break this down for you again and in small words.

IF. YOU. WANT. A. HIGH. QUALITY. CAMERA. THEN. USE. A. HIGH. QUALITY. CAMERA.

It's a perfectly usable camera as proven by the many, many, MANY threads and pictures you'll find on this very same forum. If the quality of a camera on a MEDIA PLAYER is not suitable for you ... then use a point and shoot.

And one more time since the third time's a charm - entitlement much?

 

[Lyubomir1001]

Apple are big fat liers. I go to apple store and ask how many megapixels that ipod touch 4g camera has and he tells me 5 megapixels. I showed him the website that says 0.7 megapixels, and he denies it!
I am fine with the camera but why does Apple have to lie like this
Maybe they are covering for Steve Jobs's embarrassment

 

[peestandingup]

Alright. Let me break this down for you again and in small words.

IF. YOU. WANT. A. HIGH. QUALITY. CAMERA. THEN. USE. A. HIGH. QUALITY. CAMERA.

It's a perfectly usable camera as proven by the many, many, MANY threads and pictures you'll find on this very same forum. If the quality of a camera on a MEDIA PLAYER is not suitable for you ... then use a point and shoot.

Seriously, how is this THAT hard to understand??
You people act like taking a camera somewhere is a HUGE task! Ohnoes, I have to take a camera that is meant for taking pictures to a wedding, I may die!

Again, you're misunderstanding. I dont expect "high quality" or even P&S quality, but just not abysmal. If you think the camera's "usable" then that's your opinion. Although I'd say your standards are pretty low to nonexistent.

BTW, your argument about having to bring along extra gadgets is a stupid one. You have all kinds of gadgets for convenience & convergence. OK, then. Let's see you take along a standalone MP3 player, a big laptop for browsing on WiFi, a webcam, a calculator, a portable gaming device, a mapping device, etc, instead of your iPod Touch. Oh, and don't "whine & moan" about it either.

 

[SoraLimit]

Apple are big fat liers. I go to apple store and ask how many megapixels that ipod touch 4g camera has and he tells me 5 megapixels. I showed him the website that says 0.7 megapixels, and he denies it!
I am fine with the camera but why does Apple have to lie like this
Maybe they are covering for Steve Jobs's embarrassment

Have you ever thought that the Apple employee was misinformed? There are some cases that one of the employees claimed that the iPod touch didn't have any RAM.

Just because you had one one counter with a misinformed employee does not mean that the company as a whole is lying to you...