iPhone 4S' camera outshines other high end compact cameras, according to a review of popular iPhone app Camera+.

Camera+ wrote a blog post comparing shots from the iPhone 4S and other versions of iPhone as well as from other cameras. The 8-megapixel rear camera is one of the selling points of iPhone 4S. Developer of the Camera+ Lisa Bettany, took photos using iPhone version cameras (First generation iPhone, iPhone 3G, iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4, the new iPhone 4S), a point & shoot camera, the Canon S95 ($500), and a professional dSLR, the Canon 5DMKII ($4000+) in two situations: a macro setting to test detail and quality of the cameras and a backlit skyline shot.

Bettany found out that photos taken using the iPhone 4S is sharper and clearer previous generations of iPhone. Although iPhone 4S is nowhere to compete with professional level dSLR, it is comparable with top of the line compact cameras and is even greater in some aspects.

As seen in the photos, the iPhone 3G produce poor shots as it lacks autofocus and exposure. There is a complete difference between iPhone 3G and iPhone 3GS as the autofocus feature was included in the latter. However, it still lacks details. The iPhone 4 resolved the details issue but still have problems with bluish color cast and dark highlights. iPhone 4S' shots can be compared to S95 and produced a more vivid and balanced shot.

One can see Apple's dedication in improving the iPhone cameras over the years. The iPhone 4S achieves its results through a back-illuminated CMOS sensor and a wider f2.4 aperture that together let in more light, a fifth lens element, and support for features such as autofocus lock and autoexposure lock - which are usually only present in pro or semi-pro cameras.

iPhone 4S' camera is very popular in Flickr than other cameras. iPhone 4S is now beating other smartphones and regular compact cameras in terms of photos.

Camera+ is currently available in Apple's App Store for 99 cents. The app was removed by the company from the App Store last August 2010 as the developer, Tap Tap Tap revealed a hidden feature that allowed iPhone users to use volume buttons to control the shutter of the camera. This was against Apple's iPhone Developer Program License Agreement.

Last Oct. 14, Apple finally released the much awaited iPhone 4S, which sports a 3.5-inch screen; an 8-megapixel, 1080p high-definition camera; an A5 dual-core chip processor that is seven times faster than the graphics processor in the iPhone 4; 512 MB of RAM; two antennae to transmit and receive data; CDMA and GSM connectivity; 8 hours of 3G talk-time; and new applications like Siri and Find My Friends. Siri is a voice-recognition system that turns the device into a hands-free personal assistant.

The entry level iPhone 4S with 16GB storage is available for US$199 on a two-year contract with major networks. An unlocked iPhone 4S starts at US$649 and will be available in November.

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