iPhone 16 Pro camera review: change these settings for best results

Summary

The iPhone 16 Pro is shaping up to be a powerful tool for photographers and videographers, offering enhanced customization, new file formats, and improved photo/video quality. Despite some current limitations—such as missing AI features and a stiff camera control button—its video capabilities, especially 4K 120fps slow motion, shine in dynamic environments. Photography improvements include new Photographic Styles, a sharper 48MP ultra-wide mode, and macro capabilities. The phone excels in creative flexibility but still faces issues like large file sizes and complex app integrations. Overall, it’s a promising tool that’s not yet a full camera replacement, but a strong contender for many shooting scenarios.

Takeaways

• 😀 The iPhone 16 Pro is an excellent option for photographers and videographers, offering significant customization and new features for camera settings and photo/video control.
• 😀 While still lacking some AI features and having some interface quirks, the iPhone 16 Pro offers more choices and flexibility than ever before, especially for photo and video enthusiasts.
• 😀 The 4K 120fps slow-motion feature is a standout addition to the iPhone 16 Pro's video capabilities, although it requires careful storage management and only works with certain lenses.
• 😀 For better video stability, third-party accessories like rigs and external storage solutions are recommended, especially when shooting at higher frame rates like 4K60 and 4K120.
• 😀 The iPhone 16 Pro's video quality can be further enhanced by using third-party apps like Kino, which allow users to shoot in Apple Log and apply LUTs or color grades, removing Apple's default video processing.
• 😀 Photographic Styles allow users to adjust the look of their photos with more creative freedom, and customizing the 'Tone' and exposure settings can greatly improve image contrast and detail.
• 😀 The 'Gold' Photographic Style became the creator's favorite, especially for its subtle adjustments to yellows and reds, and the 'Quiet' style offers a washed-out look for more creative photos.
• 😀 The 48 MP ultra-wide lens and macro photography have been enhanced, offering sharper and more detailed images, but users need to manually enable the 48 MP mode for better quality.
• 😀 While the new iPhone offers the ability to shoot in RAW and JPEG XL formats, the creator prefers the smaller, processed files for most situations and only resorts to RAW for occasional use.
• 😀 The camera control button, while promising, is not fully useful yet, especially for one-handed operation and adjusting settings on the fly, but it may improve in future updates with AI features.
• 😀 Despite the occasional frustrations with workflow, the iPhone 16 Pro proves to be a versatile tool for professional video and photo work, capable of replacing other gear in certain scenarios, though not likely to replace a full-fledged camera anytime soon.

Q & A

What makes the iPhone 16 Pro a great option for photographers and videographers?

The iPhone 16 Pro offers more customization options than previous models, including new buttons, file formats, and the ability to fine-tune photos and videos to a high degree. It also provides new video features like 4K 120fps slow-motion recording, enhanced stabilization, and better post-processing flexibility.

How does the iPhone 16 Pro handle video in a fast-paced environment like a skate event?

For filming in fast-paced environments, the iPhone 16 Pro excels with features like 4K 120fps slow-motion video, enhanced stabilization, and quick lens switching. However, the lack of 4K120 support across all lenses and some user interface quirks in the native camera app can be limiting.

What are the downsides of using the native camera app for slow-motion video in the iPhone 16 Pro?

One downside is the inconsistency in available features across different camera modes. For example, ProRes is only accessible in the main video tab, not the slow-motion tab. Additionally, the process of switching between different frame rates can be cumbersome, especially without external storage.

What third-party apps are recommended for improving the iPhone 16 Pro’s video shooting experience?

Apps like Blackmagic, Kino, and Moment are recommended for video shooting. They allow filming in Apple Log and offer smaller file formats like ProRes LT or HEVC. These apps also provide more user-friendly interfaces compared to the native camera app and can help users avoid overly processed footage.

How does the iPhone 16 Pro handle low-light and HDR video footage?

The iPhone 16 Pro struggles a bit with HDR, often resulting in overly sharpened, saturated footage. Filming in Apple Log and using third-party apps allows users to have more control over color grading and reduce the effects of Apple's default processing, leading to cleaner, more professional results.

What is the significance of the 'Photographic Styles' feature on the iPhone 16 Pro?

Photographic Styles allow users to apply specific looks to their photos, which can be customized for different scenes. This feature provides a more analog feel to digital photography, akin to selecting different film stocks. It allows for subtle adjustments to color tones and exposure, helping photographers create more personalized images.

What is the impact of the new 48 MP ultra-wide camera on the iPhone 16 Pro?

The 48 MP ultra-wide camera is a significant upgrade, providing sharper images with more detail. It's particularly useful for macro photography. However, users need to manually enable this feature, as it’s not on by default. The quality improvement is noticeable, but not massive.

How does the iPhone 16 Pro handle bokeh and depth data in photos?

The iPhone 16 Pro allows users to capture depth data for photos taken with the telephoto lens, which can later be used to create artificial bokeh. While the bokeh effect isn't always perfect, it adds a level of creativity and flexibility for users looking to enhance their images.

What are the limitations of the new camera control button on the iPhone 16 Pro?

The new camera control button has several issues, including its awkward placement for vertical shots, a stiff shutter, and difficulty adjusting settings quickly. It’s not as intuitive as using the touchscreen, and it can be frustrating when trying to access other settings or switch between modes.

What are some of the challenges faced when using the iPhone 16 Pro for professional video production?

While the iPhone 16 Pro performs well in many scenarios, professional video production on the phone can be challenging due to issues like difficulty framing shots without external monitors, problems with large file sizes, and unreliable wireless connections for syncing devices. Additionally, the phone’s form factor and lack of flexibility in settings can make it less ideal for high-end professional shoots.