iPhone 16 Pro Camera Review from a Professional Photographer's Perspective After One Month of Use

FUTC

Introduction and Initial Impressions [00:00:00]

• Apple markets its Pro iPhones as professional cameras, but the reviewer was skeptical.
• The reviewer purchased the iPhone 16 Pro Max and tested it in Malta for a month.
• All images and videos in the review were shot in ProRAW/ProRes and Apple Log, then edited.
• Many people found the iPhone 16 Pro disappointing compared to the 15 Pro, but the reviewer approaches it from the perspective of someone upgrading every 2-3 years (from an iPhone 13).

  

• The heavily processed footage from the iPhone 13 was a primary motivation for upgrading to the Pro Max.

Camera System Overview [00:04:11]

• The iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max share the same three-camera system.

Main 1X Fusion Camera [00:04:14]

• Performance: Delivers high detail, excellent low-light performance, and surprising bokeh/subject separation without portrait mode.
• Sensor: Features a second-generation 48-megapixel sensor.
• "Fusion" aspect: Refers to increased software processing.
• File Sizes: Offers gigantic 48MP files (around 75MB per photo), but the reviewer opted for smaller 12MP ProRAW files in JPEG XL format due to Apple's expensive storage upgrades and sufficient resolution.

Ultrawide Camera (0.5x) [00:05:11]

• Sensor Upgrade: Now sports an upgraded 48-megapixel sensor, providing good detail in bright light.
• Limitation: Sensor size was not increased, meaning pixels are more cramped, leading to less ideal low-light performance.

Telephoto Lens (5x) [00:05:32]

• Experience: The 5x telephoto lens is described as "awesome" and fun to use due to its extended reach.
• Quality: Quality isn't as good as the other cameras, with details quickly lost when zooming in.
• Enjoyment: Still provided many liked images and was the most enjoyable to use because of the unprecedented reach on a phone.

Focal Length Gap [00:05:53]

• Problem: There's a significant gap in focal lengths.
  • Ultrawide: 13mm (full-frame equivalent)
  • Main 1X: 24mm (full-frame equivalent)
  • Telephoto: 120mm (full-frame equivalent)

    

• Missing Range: The range between 24mm and 120mm is where most photographers operate 95% of the time (e.g., classic 24-70mm lens).
• 2x Mode: A 2x mode is available, cropping the main sensor, but it results in some loss of fidelity despite maintaining 12MP.

  

• Reviewer's Suggestion to Apple: Replace the 5x telephoto with a 55mm lens that has the same sensor size as the main camera.

ProRAW Files and Photographic Styles [00:07:06]

ProRAW Files [00:07:06]

• Advantages: Offer significant flexibility in editing, similar to raw files from traditional cameras, unlike heavily processed standard iPhone images.

  

• Editing: Edit well in Lightroom, requiring the ProRAW color profile to avoid dark, wonky colors.

  

Photographic Styles [00:07:30]

• Purpose: Apple's solution to users disliking standard camera processing, allowing adjustment of tonality and color.

  

• Non-destructive: Styles can be changed later.
• Limitations: While offering different looks, the end results often retain a "very iPhone-y look."
• Reviewer's Preference: Prefers shooting RAW and editing in Lightroom with personal presets.

Camera Control Button [00:08:28]

• Initial Excitement: The reviewer was very excited about this new button.

  

• Pros: Allows extremely quick camera launch and instant photo taking from locked screen or within apps.

  

• Cons:
  • Awkward position; reviewer wishes it was further down the phone.
  • Feels less secure to hold the large Pro Max when using the button.
  • Requires a fair amount of force to press, introducing shake.
  • Gestures for changing settings are "fiddly and slow."

    

• Usage: Primarily used as a camera shortcut.

Video Capabilities [00:09:53]

• Overall Quality: Video from the iPhone 16 Pro is "really, really good," especially when shooting in ProRes and Apple Log.
• Professional Feel: Footage feels more like it came from a mirrorless camera than a phone.

  

• Apple Log: Cuts out excessive processing, leading to more natural highlights and shadows, and integrates well into professional color grading workflows (e.g., DaVinci Resolve).
• 4K 120fps: A significant new addition for beautiful slow motion, exclusive to the main 1X camera.
  • Can be recorded in ProRes and Apple Log.
  • Very large file sizes: 15 seconds in highest quality ProRes 422 HQ is almost 6GB.
• Third-Party Apps: Recommended for video (e.g., Blackmagic Camera App) for fine-tuned settings and recording lower bitrate ProRes codecs internally without an external SSD.

  

  

  

• Action Button Tip: Can be bound to quickly launch the Blackmagic Camera App.

  

Conclusion and Recommendations [00:12:01]

• Professional Use: iPhones likely won't replace Hollywood cinema cameras soon, but they will see increased use in documentary work for secondary angles due to their high quality and workflow integration.
• Hobby Photographers: Pro iPhones are a "really good alternative" for hobby photographers looking to replace older, bulky DSLRs, offering flexibility in post-production and good quality without the need to carry heavy gear.
• Upgrade Recommendation:
  • From iPhone 15 Pro: Probably not worth the upgrade.
  • From older standard iPhones (e.g., iPhone 13): "Well worth it" due to USB-C, 120Hz screen, excellent ProRAW photos, and impressive ProRes video with Apple Log.

    

  • The advancements offer significant control and integration into professional workflows, making these iPhones "game changers."