Still, it isn’t a full-featured camera capable of taking every shot.

Instructions in this article apply generally to models running iOS 12 and iPadOS 14 and later.

TurnAuto HDRorSmart HDR(depending on your iOS or iPadOS version) on or off inSettings>Camera.

iPad Camera settings showing Smart HDR setting

In older iPads and iPhones, there isn’t an automatic setting for HDR.

Instead, you manually turn on HDR in the Camera app when you want to use it.

When HDR is on, HDR appears at the top of the screen.

Camera app on iPad home screen

Use your camera as usual.

Tap this thumbnail to view the photo full-screen, then tapEdit.

Use the editing tools to make changes and enhance a photo.

iPad camera app with HDR highlighted

When you finish making changes, tapDoneto save the image.

When editing a Live Photo, the bottom of the screen shows every frame the camera captured.

Tap individual slides to preview the image.

iPad Camera app showing HDR indicator

TapMake Key Phototo choose a frame.

TapDoneto finalize your choice.

Buy an External Lens

An external lens can do more than adjust the camera tweaks.

iPad Camera with editing controls highlighted

It can increase magnification and take specialty shots such as wide-angle.

A good source for camera peripherals for iPad and iPhone isiOgrapher.

iPad Camera app showing Live Photo frames

Key Photo selection in iPad Camera app