IPhone – How to set the camera to default to HDR on

Here is an article that provides a really good run down on what HDR is and how it performs on the iPhone.

Basically it takes three photos at various exposure levels and combines them. So you get a "normal" photo at regular exposure levels and the HDR version (1 photo composed of the three). Results vary depending on light conditions etc. I've had some really great results and some shockers.

This is a hardware problem. This comes up when the ribbon connector from the camera to the main circuit board comes loose or gets disconnected altogether. If you have the right tools and enough DIY skills to open up your iPhone, it's a very simple fix that should be fairly obvious to see. Otherwise, the Apple Store should be able to repair it for you (I would think free of charge, but who knows).

If you do want to take apart your iPhone and attempt the repair yourself, PowerBook Medic has some really nice instructions for taking apart all versions of iPhones from 3GS and above. They also sell replacement parts and will repair it for you as well if you want. (Disclaimer: I have no affiliation nor prior experience with this company, so use at your own risk.)

This is what the front camera of an iPhone 4 looks like:

That little white/silver part is what's probably come loose; just pushing down on it gently should allow it to snap right back in.