The LG V40 can create cinemagraphs with all three cameras

As we’ve covered in previous leaks, the LG V40 does indeed have three cameras on the back, something we confirmed after getting a chance to play with a unit earlier this week. Just like last year, LG is trying to make its latest V-series flagship the phone video producers and creative professionals will always want to have in their pockets.

While the rear cameras on this phone have multiple features which are under embargo until the phone officially launches, LG did give us the go-ahead to show off a particular feature present in the device.

The LG V40 can create cinemagraphs with all three of its rear-facing cameras. If you haven’t heard of these before, they’re effectively images that are completely static save one or two moving elements. An example of this might be a scene of a waterfall where the water is in motion but the objects around it are not.

Usually, creating a cinemagraph is fairly difficult. You need to line up a photo with a video almost perfectly and do some clever editing to make it work. With the V40, you just need to put the phone in “Cine Shot” mode, hold the camera still for six seconds, then highlight the area you want in motion.

LG is not the first phone maker to offer a cinemagraph feature — the Moto Z3 Play offers similar functionality and Nokia did it way back in the day — but it’s surprising that more manufacturers haven’t implemented it yet. A phone can create layer masks over video much faster than a human could, and it’s nice to finally see this feature automated.

LG’s version worked very well in the time that we have had with the phone. Because you are simply drawing over the area you want to be in motion, you can make a single subject move or everything but the subject — it’s really up to your imagination.

Here are a couple of additional samples from the time I had with the phone:

We’ve already seen what the phone looks like in a promotional trailer from LG, and we’ll likely see it be available to the public very soon.

Is there a specific feature you’re looking forward to in the V40? So far, LG is only the second major manufacturer that’s done a triple camera smartphone, but we’re sure we’ll see many more launch in the near future.