A few months back in February, I expressed my frustrations about the lack of smooth zoom capabilities when using the on-screen controls for video recording. I had high hopes that the upcoming iPhone 16 might provide a solution with its Camera Control video zoom feature.
Regrettably, it hasn’t met my expectations. The Camera Control slider for video zoom is still quite problematic, making it ineffective for real-world use.
The Challenge of Video Zooming
I had previously discussed the shortcomings of the on-screen zoom control and even showcased some footage to illustrate the issue.
Achieving a smooth zoom is incredibly challenging when manipulating a slider on a flat surface. The natural inconsistencies in pressure from holding the phone can lead to unpredictable movements, often resulting in abrupt changes instead of the desired gradual motion. This can be seen in several instances within the accompanying video.
Camera Control: A Step Backward
Unfortunately, the Camera Control feature currently performs even worse for two primary reasons.
Firstly, the zoom range is overly restricted due to the narrow slider. Once you reach either end of the slider, the zoom function halts. I found that while I could adjust from 5x down to about 2.3, I couldn’t go any further. Similarly, from 0.5 I could only reach about 2.7 at maximum.
There is a momentum effect, but it only activates if you swipe rapidly. A controlled, slow zoom cannot be maintained if you hold your finger at the edge; it simply halts.
The more significant issue, however, lies in achieving a smooth and consistent zoom. While the on-screen control occasionally provides a decent zoom, the Camera Control tends to be erratic, mostly causing jerky motions and sporadically achieving smoothness.
This inconsistency is evident not just when zooming in but also when zooming out, with the added peculiarity of skipping the 1x view entirely.
If you prefer a seamless swiping experience, utilizing the camera selector is far more effective, as it transitions between fixed focal lengths rather than relying on the zoom control.
Potential Software Solutions
On a brighter note, the functionality of the Camera Control button is entirely reliant on software.
Rapid swiping may indeed justify the current behavior. For instance, if I’m in a safari scenario shooting at a 0.5x view and suddenly spot a dramatic scene, a quick zoom would be essential to capture the moment.
However, in most situations, a smooth zoom transition is preferable while recording.
If Apple allows users to swipe slowly left, they could implement software enhancements to ensure a gradual, consistent zoom out, allowing it to maintain that pace if the finger remains at the edge. The same could be applied when zooming in.
Likely Future Enhancements
It’s clear Apple is still refining the Camera Control button’s capabilities. A principal feature, such as half-pressing to lock focus and exposure or fully pressing to capture a photo, is set to arrive later this year.
Given the present shortcomings of the video zoom feature, I believe that improving this functionality will likely be a top priority based on user feedback.
