iPhone 5 camera samples revealed (pictures)

Apple introduced the iPhone 5 to the world today, and also quietly released a group of pictures captured by the smartphone in California. With familiar specifics such as an 8-megapixel iSight rear camera, some people may want to see actual images shot by the highly anticipated smartphone to see what it brings to the table.

The iPhone 5 camera sports improved low-light performance, noise reduction, and 40 percent faster photo capture. During today's presentation in San Francisco, Apple marketing exec Phil Schiller additionally described a few other features in the iPhone 5's new camera, such as a sapphire crystal lens cover (for supposedly clearer pictures), hybrid infrared filter, five-element lens construction, and f/2.4 aperture capabilities.

This closeup iPhone 5 snapshot of a bee gathering pollen in a pink flower looks stunning in a reduced resolution. According to the EXIF data within the photo, this moment occurred on August 15 near the Lawn Bowling Green Park in Palo Alto, Calif.

(Click here for the high-resolution version of this picture.)

Who can resist the charms of a snow cone? This young girl enjoys one, most likely unaware that she is one of the first people shown in a portrait captured by an iPhone 5. According to the EXIF data, this moment occurred on August 17 at the Oak Meadow Park in Los Gatos, Calif. CNET Senior Editor Lori Grunin voiced concern over the portraits in the sample photos, suggesting observers should closely "look at the hair and the detail in out-of-focus areas."

(Click here for the high-resolution version of this picture.)

Upon gazing at this beautiful iPhone 5 shot of a rocky cove in Big Sur, Calif., CNET senior editor Lori Grunin (and imaging guru) said, "The photos look OK at the reduced size and full of smeary processing artifacts at full size. I'm surprised [Apple] posted those ocean shots -- they're terrible."

What do you think about this photo at full size?

(Click here for the high-resolution version of this picture.)

The carefree life of a kid gets perfectly captured in this iPhone 5 photo, which shows off some of the amazing attention to detail capable in the 8-megapixel shooter. We couldn't help that but notice the color white seems blown out on the striped shirt of the child on the left, but the overall picture appears quite remarkable. Upon viewing the full size version of this photo, some softness seems obvious in the hair and skin. According to the EXIF data within the snapshot, this moment occurred on August 31 in San Anselmo, Calif., near Barber Ave.

(Click here for the high-resolution version of this picture.)

This iPhone 5 photo of the Natural Bridges in Santa Cruz, Calif., taken on August 13, appears to contain a substantial amount of smear and softness when viewed at full size. Future iPhone 5 owners may still want to bring along the dSLR when visiting scenic vistas for true accuracy.

(Click here for the high-resolution version of this picture.)

This older California license plate, which lives on an even rustier vehicle, shows off the impressive macro capabilities of the iPhone 5 camera. According to the EXIF data, this moment occurred on August 21 near Flora Grubb Gardens in San Francisco's Bayview district.

(Click here for the high-resolution version of this picture.)