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| Screen comparison of The new iPad (iPad 3, left) and the original iPad (iPad 1, right) The image is shot in tungsten ambient light. White balance is set such that a white background on the iPad 1 appears white. Both devices show a page in iBooks using the Sepia theme. Image (c) 2012 Falk Lumo |
Please click onto the image to see the full size image exhibiting the physical pixel structure of each device.
As you can see, the new iPad has a much higher resolution (Apple says 2048 x 1536). Apple also claims the new iPad to have "44 percent greater color saturation". Photos definitely are displayed with incredible detail. There certainly are photos which looked ok on older devices or even a computer screen but are ugly on the new iPad. Especially artefacts from too strong a noise reduction are very visible on the new iPad. Therefore, the new iPad sets a new proof reading reference for photographers.
However, I must say that I am a bit concerned that on the new iPad, the "Sepia" iBook theme certainly doesn't appear Sepia at all. It has a definite greenish color cast. You may look at the image above to see what I mean. To be fair, in that image the white balance was calibrated to a white iPad 1 background. However, the image shows exactly what my subjective impression was too. And objectively, the iPad 3 is more Greenish and less Reddish than the iPad 1. The iPad 3 is a production device delivered today.
One may think that the difference is in color temperature only. However, if I calibrate for white balance of the new iPad or the iPad 1, they both calibrate to the same color temperature. It is the so-called "tint" which is different. Therefore, one or both of the iPads have a color cast.
So, I am wondering what is going on here?
Does the iPad 3 lack a color profile that it certainly would need?
And if this is the case, does it make the new iPad obsolete as a serious tool for photographers?
I hope that Apple will soon issue a statement of clarification.
UPDATE 10 days later:
In the Apple support forums, a minority of users expressed the opinion that the cause for the yellow/green tint is glue which just has to dry. So, letting the screen burn in would resolve the issue.After a bit over 10 days with most of the time powered on at full display brightness, I am sorry to report that the effect of burn in is zero. It is NOT a glue problem (for the new iPad). See for yourself:
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| Screen comparison of The new iPad (iPad 3, left) and the original iPad (iPad 1, right) -- After ten days of continuous burn in of the iPad3's display -- The image is shot in tungsten ambient light. White balance is set such that a white background on the iPad 1 appears white. Both devices show a page in iBooks using the Sepia theme. Image (c) 2012 Falk Lumo |
Moreover, I carried my sample of the iPad3 to my local Apple Store. I showed it to a store manager. Without hesitance, he confirmed that there is a problem. I then looked at three other iPad3 devices the store had on display. They all had the yellow/green tint if compared to an iPad2. Although to a lesser extent than mine and one device, I would have deemed acceptable. Therefore, there are better iPad3 devices out there. Nevertheless, the device shown in my blog article is still quite typical of what to expect in any individual case.
The store manager advised to mark my sample as defect if it is engraved and returned. I asked how Apple could ever repair it if all devices have the same problem to some extent. He meant he has no clue but I should contact a genius :)
End of UPDATE
Thanks for having stopped by,
Falk