Apple published a curious support document a couple of days ago. In it, it warns motorists of the risks of exposing iPhones to engine vibrations, since these can damage the delicate stabilization system from phone cameras.
An important precaution for regular motorcyclists
In the published support document Apple explains that certain frequencies of vibration, especially those that cause the engines of large displacement motorcycles, can degrade the performance of the camera system. Specifically, the company mentions the optical stabilization systems as well as the autofocus system.
“If you accidentally move the camera while taking a photo, the resulting image may be blurred. To prevent this, some iPhone models have Optical Image Stabilization (OIS). OIS allows you to get sharp photos even if you accidentally move the camera. With In the OIS, a gyroscope detects that the camera has moved. To reduce image shake, and the resulting blur, the lens moves according to the angle of the gyroscope. “
“In addition, some iPhone models have closed-loop autofocus (AF). Closed-loop AF resists the effects of gravity and vibration to preserve sharp focus in photos, movies, and panoramas. With Loop AF closed, the built-in magnetic sensors measure the effects of gravity and vibration and determine the position of the target so that compensating movement can be precisely adjusted. “
All this delicate mechanism can be affected by prolonged exposure to high amplitude vibrations with certain specific frequency ranges. For this reason, Apple recommends that Let’s avoid the exposure that would be caused if, for example, we fix the iPhone directly to the chassis or handlebar of the motorcycle.
Apple also does not recommend that we attach the iPhone directly to a motorcycle with a less displacement, such as a scooter for example, in all cases it is better that we use a vibration damper attachment to reduce the risk of damage to the iPhone and the camera system. A precaution that, once the necessary accessory is purchased, is really easy to comply with.
Image | Ralph katieb