Considering that Instagram had the tilt-shift ability for a while, it’s pretty nice that now Google has updated their main camera app to include the new lens blur tool–meant to simulate the look of bokeh. According to their research blog, their inspiration came from the bokeh that an SLR can deliver. Of course though, one should NEVER think that the digital bokeh simulated by Google can outdo the organic stuff straight from a real lens and big sensor.
When you start the use the tool, they tell you about bokeh and some of the simulated effects. They recommend that you stand no more than five feet away from your subject but that the closer you are the better your results will be. They then recommend that you take the photo and then pan the phone upward. The image then gets processed to deliver the bokeh.
When you’re done, you can choose the edit the level of blur. If you’re an Android phone or tablet user, go right ahead and update the app. You’ll be pleasantly surprised.
Update:Â In low light, you need to pan upward very slowly.
