The iPad Air M3 and the iPad Pro M3 (though the Pro is typically referred to as M4 in recent models) have distinct differences in their portrait mode capabilities, primarily due to the camera features and software support.
Portrait Mode and Lighting Effects:
- iPad Pro M4: The iPad Pro supports Portrait mode with advanced bokeh and Depth Control, allowing users to adjust the level of background blur. It also offers Portrait Lighting effects, including Natural Light, Studio Light, Contour Light, Stage Light, Stage Light Mono, and High-Key Light Mono. These features enhance the quality of selfies by providing studio-like lighting conditions[1][5].
- iPad Air M3: While the iPad Air M3 supports Portrait mode in FaceTime video, it does not have the same level of advanced Portrait mode features as the iPad Pro. It lacks the advanced bokeh and Depth Control, as well as the variety of Portrait Lighting effects available on the Pro model[10].
Camera Position and Orientation:
- iPad Pro M4: The front camera on the iPad Pro is typically positioned at the top when held in portrait mode, but there are rumors of future models featuring a landscape-oriented Face ID camera, which could affect how Portrait mode is used in landscape orientation[2][4].
- iPad Air M3: The iPad Air M3 has its front camera positioned on the landscape side, similar to some other recent iPad models. This positioning is beneficial for video calls in landscape mode but may not be ideal for traditional portrait-oriented selfies[9].
Additional Features:
- iPad Pro M4: Offers features like auto image stabilization, burst mode, and ProRes video recording, which are not available on the iPad Air M3. These features enhance the overall camera experience, including video quality and stabilization[9].
- iPad Air M3: While it supports Center Stage, which helps keep the subject centered during video calls, it lacks the advanced camera features of the iPad Pro[10].
In summary, the iPad Pro M4 offers more advanced Portrait mode capabilities, including adjustable background blur and various lighting effects, making it superior for photography and video recording. The iPad Air M3, while capable of Portrait mode in FaceTime, does not match the Pro's level of sophistication in camera features.
Citations:[1] https://support.apple.com/guide/ipad/take-a-portrait-mode-selfie-ipadd415e2e0/ipados
[2] https://www.macrumors.com/2024/01/25/ipad-pro-landscape-face-id-camera/
[3] https://www.phonearena.com/reviews/ipad-air-m3-vs-ipad-pro-m4_id7053
[4] https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/ipad-air-and-ipad-pro-could-both-feature-landscape-facetime-camera.2421402/page-3
[5] https://www.apple.com/ipad-pro/specs/
[6] https://www.whathifi.com/smartphones-tablets/tablets/ipad-air-m3-vs-ipad-pro-m4-whats-the-difference
[7] https://discussions.apple.com/thread/252847501
[8] https://www.reddit.com/r/ipad/comments/y7d228/in_case_you_missed_it_the_new_ipad_pros_do_not/
[9] https://www.pcmag.com/comparisons/2024-ipad-air-vs-ipad-pro-which-tablet-should-you-buy
[10] https://www.apple.com/ipad-air/specs/