Unlocking The P30 Camera: Exploring The Different Modes

The Huawei P30 and P30 Pro smartphones offer a versatile camera system with a host of modes and features. The P30 Pro has four different optics, including a 40-megapixel quad-camera setup, a 20-megapixel ultra-wide-angle lens, an 8-megapixel periscope telephoto lens, and a Time-of-Flight (TOF) camera. The P30 has a 3x optical zoom, 5x hybrid zoom, and 30x digital zoom, while the P30 Pro boasts 5x optical zoom, 10x hybrid zoom, and 50x digital zoom.

The camera modes available on the P30 series include Dual-View Video, SuperZoom, Wide Aperture Mode, Portrait Mode, Night Mode, Panorama Mode, Pro Mode, Light Painting Mode, Time-Lapse, and Super Macro Mode. Additionally, the P30 Pro has a Moon Mode, allowing users to capture the moon's beauty and fine details.

The camera app also includes Artificial Intelligence capabilities, such as Master AI, which automatically adjusts settings, and manual controls for those who want more creative freedom. With its impressive specifications and range of modes, the Huawei P30 series offers a powerful tool for photographers, catering to various needs and preferences.

Dual-View Video

The Huawei P30 series has a Dual-View Video mode that allows you to record split-screen videos with the zoom camera and regular camera simultaneously. This feature was added to the P30 Pro through an EMUI 9.1.0.153 update.

To activate Dual-View Video mode, open the Camera app, then tap on 'More' and select 'Dual-View Video' mode. Point the phone in the direction you want to record, then tap the record button. Remember that the zoomed view only supports focusing when the full view is showing the object in the centre position of the right side. Tap the record button again to end the recording. You can then view your video in your gallery.

SuperZoom

The Huawei P30 Pro's SuperZoom mode allows for 5x optical zoom, 10x hybrid zoom, and 50x digital zoom. This is a significant improvement over the standard P30, which has 3x optical zoom, 5x hybrid zoom, and 30x digital zoom. The SuperZoom mode on the P30 Pro utilizes a periscopic setup to achieve its impressive zooming capabilities, allowing you to get extremely close to your subject without sacrificing image quality.

To activate SuperZoom mode on the P30 Pro, simply open the Camera app, and adjust the zoom with your fingers to get closer to your subject. The transition from the primary sensor to the zoom lens is seamless, and you can zoom in up to 50x to capture intricate details that would otherwise be impossible with a standard smartphone camera.

The SuperZoom mode is ideal for capturing distant objects or bringing your subject into a closer frame without having to physically move closer. It is worth noting that the P30 Pro's SuperZoom mode also employs OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) to ensure that slight movements of your hand do not blur or shake the image, resulting in clear and stable photographs even at higher zoom levels.

The P30 Pro's SuperZoom capabilities are a significant upgrade over its predecessor, the P20 series, and represent a breakthrough in smartphone camera technology. With its impressive zooming capabilities, the P30 Pro raises the bar for smartphone photography, particularly in low-light conditions, and offers a versatile camera system that can cater to a wide range of photography needs.

Silky Water Mode

The Huawei P30 Pro's Silky Water mode allows you to capture the smooth, silky effect of flowing water without the need for specialist equipment such as a tripod or ND filters. This mode is ideal for capturing the movement of waterfalls and rivers.

To access the Silky Water mode, open the Camera app and swipe through the modes at the bottom until you find 'More'. Select this, then choose 'Light Painting' from the new list of options. From here, you will be able to select 'Silky Water'.

Once you have selected the mode, you can set up your shot. Although it is possible to handhold the phone, it is recommended to stabilise it against a railing or tree, or use a micro tripod, to keep the phone as still as possible. When you are ready, tap the shutter button to start building the image. Keep an eye on the picture, and when you are happy with the amount of silky effect, release the shutter.

The silky effect is created by the software blurring and smoothing the running water, while also preventing the surrounding area from blowing out too brightly. This means you can take the photo for as long as you like, with most images being taken at around 5 seconds of exposure. It is important to remain soft and gentle when touching the screen to start and stop the photo, as any slight movement of the phone during the capture will result in a blurry picture.

Monochrome

The Huawei P30 series offers a Monochrome mode, which allows you to take black-and-white photos. This mode can add drama to an otherwise mundane photo and give photos a more realistic feeling by emphasising light and shadow.

To activate Monochrome mode, open the Camera app, then tap 'More' and select 'Monochrome'. You can then choose between four photograph modes: Normal, Aperture, Portrait, and Pro.

The Huawei P9 series first introduced a Monochrome mode in 2016, sparking a monochrome trend worldwide. The P30 series has since built on this with an upgraded Monochrome mode, allowing users to express their creativity in black and white.

Aperture Mode

The Huawei P30 Pro features an Aperture Mode that allows you to adjust the depth of field and create a shallow depth of field effect, mimicking photos taken with a DSLR camera. This mode gives you the ability to adjust the point of focus after the image has been captured, allowing you to draw attention to the subject by keeping it sharp while blurring the background.

To activate Aperture Mode, open the Camera app and swipe right to the 'Aperture' option. Take your photo as you normally would, then open the picture and tap the Iris Icon in the top right corner. You can then tap the image to select where you would like the focus to be and use the slider at the bottom to increase or decrease the depth of field. Click the tick to save your changes. You can also reopen the image and tap the iris to readjust as many times as you like.

The Aperture Mode is particularly useful for achieving the sought-after soft focus effect known as Bokeh, which creates a soft and elegant background blur. While this effect is typically achieved using an 85mm lens with an aperture of f/2.8 on an interchangeable lens camera, the Huawei P30 Pro allows you to capture a similar effect using aperture settings in the f/0.95-f/16 range.

The P30 Pro's Aperture Mode also offers variable aperture settings, allowing you to adjust the blur strength and choose from different bokeh highlight shapes such as circles, hearts, swirls, or discs. Additionally, you can enhance your portraits with various Portrait Lighting effects and skin and face beautification options.

Frequently asked questions