6.1.4 · Photos, Video and Measuring
Warnings, Modes and Tips
Banners, what each mode offers, and cave photo tips.
Banners and warnings: Check here when a message covers the picture.
- Lens looks dirty, wipe it: checked every 2 seconds; advice only, it never blocks the shutter. Tap the X to hide it for this visit. Turn it off in Media settings.
- Tracking limited, slow down, add light: the phone is losing its place.
- Microphone off, recording silent: tap to open Settings.
- Heat: in LiDAR, when the phone is seriously hot.
- Preparing camera / Starting LiDAR: the shutter waits until the camera is live.
Modes at a glance: Which features each mode offers, side by side.
| Mode | Saves | Lens | Limits | With a line open |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Photo | 12, 24 or 48 MP HEIC | All (12 MP) or main (24/48) | Zoom forces 12 MP | No (LiDAR photo instead) |
| Macro | Largest ultra-wide size | Ultra-wide | Rear only; not every iPhone | No |
| True Color | 12 MP, flash always | Main | Photo only | No |
| Long exposure | Up to about 1 s | As set | Hold still | No |
| LiDAR photo | 12 MP + depth + gravity; 24 or 48 MP where offered (no line open) | Main | Depth to about 5 m | Yes (every photo) |
| Video | 720p, 1080p or 4K; 30 or 60 fps | All | 60 fps falls back to 30 where needed | No |
| Action mode | Extra-stable video | Main | Steps down size or fps; needs light | No |
| LiDAR video | 1920x1440 or 4K + depth 10/15/30 per second | Main, unstabilized | 4K is 30 fps | Yes (1920x1440, no sound) |
| Range | Readings to a note | LiDAR or laser meter | 5 cm to 5 m (LiDAR) | Yes |
| Splay | Wall shots on the station | LiDAR or laser meter | Needs a tracking line | Yes (from a station) |
| Thermal | Radiometric photo, video + temperature frames | FLIR camera | FLIR only | Yes |
| Front | Mirrored photo or video | Front | No torch, flash, LiDAR or Range | No |
Cave photography tips: Sharper, cleaner shots with the lights you already carry.
- Most cave photos are lit with a steady light, not a flash, which can blind the cavers around you.
- A common setup: the subject turns off their headlamp while someone lights them from the side with a handheld or helmet light.
- The torch works too, but washes out close surfaces.
- When the dirty-lens banner shows, wipe the lens: mud and fog soften every shot.
- Brace against the wall. For long exposure, rest the phone on a rock or tripod and use the timer.
- Wet formations reflect, so light them from the side rather than straight on.