Consumer Reports: 'Purple haze' issue not limited to iPhone
updated 03:29 pm EDT, Wed October 10, 2012
iPhone 4S, major Android phones also affected
The "purple haze" problem with the iPhone 5's camera is actually prevalent along several major smartphones, according to Consumer Reports. The publication recently tested several devices, and found that the iPhone 4S, Samsung Galaxy S III, and Motorola Droid Razr Maxx all displayed degrees of the issue. In some cases the haze took on a different color or a rainbow effect, but all displayed similar trouble when bright lights were in the frame.
Consumer Reports points out that the issue simply boils down to lens flare, an issue that even professional-grade lenses are subject to. "How much flare appears in an image depends on how you orient the lens," the publication remarks. It adds that flare shouldn't show up in most photos, and that it can be minimized by using a hand to shield a lens from direct sunlight. The hoods on SLR lenses serve the same function.
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: 07-12-08
Now that non-photographers are thinking more about and attempting photography this was reported everywhere like it's a "new" issue. Anyone who has seriously taken photos and planned shots is concerned about lens flare with any camera they use, DSLR, Video, Smartphone, GoPro, etc. They can all have flare problems if you point it towards a strong light source like the sun, use a flash or point it at a shiny object reflecting a strong light source. My Nikon D700 with expensive nano coated ED glass will flare if I point it the wrong way. Clearly it controls flare much better than my iPhone 5, but it can still flare if I am not paying attention. However the D700 won't fit in my pocket and is not with me all the time :)