Have you ever wanted to take a picture of something, but struggled to get the lighting, angles or timing just right? Have you ever wished your iPhone had a timer for the camera to give you a chance to set yourself up and capture the perfect shot? The good news is that putting a timer on your iPhone camera is really easy – read on to find out how.
Video Tutorial:
The Challenge of Putting A Timer on iPhone Camera
Taking pictures is an art form, and sometimes, it can be frustrating to not be able to get the perfect shot right away. While iPhones have a built-in camera, they don’t have an inbuilt timer feature for the camera. This can be a challenge when you want to capture a moment but need to be in the photo too. Therefore, people resort to using external apps that can be time-consuming.
Things You Should Prepare for
Fortunately, adding a timer to the iPhone’s camera is quick and easy. Before you start, make sure you have the following things:
– An iPhone
– Good lighting
– A stand or tripod to hold your phone steady (this is optional, but recommended if you want to take a group picture)
– Patience (it might take a few tries to get the timing right!)
Method 1: Using iOS Timer App
This method is the easiest and quickest way to add a timer to your iPhone’s camera.
Step 1: Open the Camera app and select the Timer icon.
Step 2: You will find three options for timers; 3 seconds, 10 seconds and a custom timer. You can select any one of them.
Step 3: Once you have selected a timer, the Camera app will start the countdown.
Step 4: Position the iPhone, and smile for the camera when you hear the shutter sound.
Pros:
– It is the most straightforward option available.
– The timer feature is available within the Camera app itself, making it accessible and more convenient.
– You don’t need to install any additional app to access this feature.
Cons:
– You don’t have the option to change the countdown time to fractions of a second, which might be limiting for some users.
Method 2: Using Siri Shortcuts
This method allows you to customize the timer and offers more flexibility than the native iOS timer.
Step 1: Download the Shortcuts app from the App Store, if you haven’t already.
Step 2: Open the app and select "Create Shortcut"
Step 3: In the Search bar, type "Camera" and select the "Take Photo" action.
Step 4: Add the "Wait" action and select the amount of time you want to wait before taking the photo (you can choose seconds, minutes or hours).
Step 5: Save the shortcut and give it a name, for example, "Camera Timer 10s"
Step 6: Next time, all you need to do is open the "Shortcuts" app and select the "Camera Timer" shortcut, and it will automatically launch the Camera app and start the timer.
Pros:
– You can customize the timer to suit your needs.
– You don’t need to navigate to the timer function each time like in Method 1, as this shortcut is accessible through the "Shortcuts" app on your phone.
Cons:
– You need to download an additional app to create a shortcut.
– If you create too many shortcuts, it can clutter your screen and make it harder to navigate.
Method 3: Using Third-Party Apps
There are numerous third-party apps that offer timer functionality for the iPhone camera. Here are some of the most popular ones:
Step 1: Download the "Camera Plus" or "ProCamera" app from the App Store.
Step 2: Launch the app and select the Timer icon.
Step 3: Choose the delay period you want (usually between 0 and 60 seconds) before the camera takes the photo.
Step 4: Position your iPhone and wait for the countdown to finish.
Pros:
– These apps offer more features and flexibility than the built-in Camera app.
– You can choose more precise countdown times compared to the second method.
Cons:
– You need to download an additional app, which can take up space on your phone.
– Some third-party apps will require payments to access more premium features.
Why Can’t I Put a Timer on My iPhone Camera?
There could be several reasons why you can’t put a timer on your iPhone camera. Here are some of the most common reasons and the solutions to fix them:
1. Phone software not updated: Make sure you update your phone software to the latest version, as newer versions of iOS may have the timer feature built-in.
2. Third-party apps not compatible: Make sure the third-party app you are using is iPhone compatible and up to date.
3. Hardware issue: Make sure your iPhone’s camera hardware is working correctly. If not, visit an Apple store to get it checked out.
Additional Tips
– It’s a good idea to use a tripod or stand to hold your iPhone steady so that it doesn’t move during the timer countdown.
– Make sure you have good lighting, as the iPhone camera performs better in well-lit areas.
– If you have iOS 14 or later, you can use the "Exposure Compensation Control" feature to set the exposure time beforehand, which can help capture better shots in low-light conditions.
5 FAQs about Putting A Timer on iPhone Camera
Q1: Can I set a custom timer in the built-in Camera app?
A: Yes, you can set a custom timer in the built-in Camera app. Launch the Camera app and select the timer icon. Choose the "Custom" option and pick the exact duration you want for the timer.
Q2: Can I use a third-party app timer with the front-facing camera?
A: Yes, you can use a third-party app timer with the front-facing camera. Just download the app, open it, and select the timer icon.
Q3: Can I take a burst shot with the timer on?
A: No, you can’t take a burst shot with the timer on the built-in Camera app. However, some third-party camera apps allow you to do this.
Q4: Can I change the sound of the shutter when the timer goes off?
A: Yes, you can change the sound of the shutter when the timer goes off. Go to Settings > Sound & Haptic > and select "Lock Sound" to choose a different sound.
Q5: How do I stop the timer once it starts?
A: To stop the timer, simply tap the "Cancel" button on the screen.
In Conclusion
Putting a timer on your iPhone camera can help you capture the perfect shot without any hassle. Whether you use the built-in Timer, Siri Shortcuts, or third-party apps, adding this functionality is quick and easy. Now that you know how to put a timer on iPhone Camera, you can focus on capturing the moment and enjoying your photographs.
