Methodology
Our methodology for selecting the best iPhones for different photography needs involved a detailed analysis of camera specifications, user reviews, and hands-on testing. We focused on key factors such as image quality, versatility, ease of use, and additional features that enhance the overall photography experience. By comparing these aspects across various iPhone models, we identified the top performers in each category to determine which iPhone has the best camera.
Image Quality
Image quality was assessed by reviewing sample photos taken with each iPhone model in various lighting conditions and scenarios. We considered factors such as colour accuracy, dynamic range, noise levels, and detail resolution. The iPhone 15 Pro Max excels in low-light photography due to its advanced Night mode and sensor-shift optical image stabilization. These features significantly enhance image clarity and reduce noise in dark environments, making it the top choice when determining which iPhone 15 has the best camera.
In addition to low-light performance, we evaluated the dynamic range of each camera. A higher dynamic range allows the camera to capture more detail in both the shadows and highlights of an image. This is particularly important for landscape photography, where you want to preserve the details in the sky and the ground simultaneously. The iPhone 15 Pro Max’s advanced computational photography capabilities, such as Smart HDR 4, ensure that your photos have a balanced and vibrant look, regardless of the lighting conditions.
Video Capability
Video capability is an important feature of iPhone models with the rise of video-based apps such as TikTok, YouTube shorts, and Instagram reels. When it comes to video capability for each model, we considered factors such as video quality, depth-of-field control, colour accuracy, image stabilization, and audio recording. The iPhone 15 Pro stands out with its 4K recording capabilities at multiple frame rates and its image stabilization for both the main and front cameras. In addition, it boasts the Academy Colour Encoding System, ensuring colour accuracy to enhance video clarity.
In addition to the video specifications, we also evaluated the audio capabilities of each model. For vloggers especially, high-quality audio recording is essential to professionally produced videos. The iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max both boast spatial audio recording and other advanced audio technologies, enhancing the overall quality of your videos. As for ease of use during vlogging or video recording, the iPhone 15 Pro stands out as it’s a little smaller and easier to use on the go.
Night Mode
Low-light capability is an important feature in an iPhone camera’s versatility. Night mode allows users to capture high-quality and detailed images in challenging lighting conditions, whether you’re at a concert or taking a landscape photo. To evaluate each iPhone model’s Night mode, we looked at the apertures available on each lens. A lower aperture corresponds to better low-light capability and less grainy photos.
The iPhone 13 Pro stands out as the iPhone model with the lowest aperture, with the main camera having an aperture of f/1.5. This is on par with the lenses that many professional photographers use with their DSLR and mirrorless cameras. Even the iPhone 15 models boast main cameras with f/1.78 – while this is still good, the f/1.5 lens is unbeatable. We also evaluated Night mode portraits and Night mode for the front camera, and the iPhone 13 Pro still wins out.
Hands-On Testing
Hands-on testing allowed us to evaluate the usability and practicality of each iPhone’s camera features. We tested various camera modes, such as Portrait, Night, and ProRAW, to see how they perform in different scenarios. This hands-on experience provided a comprehensive understanding of each model’s strengths and weaknesses. For example, during our testing of the iPhone 15 Pro, we found that the ProRAW mode offers professional photographers greater flexibility in post-processing, allowing for adjustments in exposure, colour balance, and sharpness without compromising image quality.
Additionally, we explored the video recording capabilities to determine which iPhone has the best video camera. The iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max, with their support for ProRes and Dolby Vision HDR, deliver stunning video quality that rivals dedicated video cameras. The ProRes format is particularly useful for content creators who require high-quality footage for professional projects. Our hands-on tests confirmed that both the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max are not only powerful photography tools but also exceptional devices for videography.
Additional Features
We also considered additional features that enhance the overall photography experience, such as computational photography advancements, video recording capabilities, and software updates. The iPhone 15 Pro Max, for instance, supports ProRAW and ProRes formats, offering greater control over images and videos during post-processing. These features provide photographers with the tools they need to capture and edit high-quality content directly on their smartphones.
The iPhone’s computational photography features, such as Deep Fusion and Smart HDR 4, utilize machine learning algorithms to improve photo quality. Deep Fusion, for example, analyses multiple exposures at a pixel level to create highly detailed images with minimal noise. This technology is particularly beneficial in medium- to low-light conditions, where traditional camera sensors might struggle to capture clear and detailed images. The continuous software updates from Apple ensure that these features are constantly improving, providing users with the best possible photography experience.
By combining these various elements, we provided a comprehensive analysis to help you choose the best iPhone for your photography needs in 2024. The detailed evaluation of camera specifications, image quality, user reviews, hands-on testing, and additional features ensures that you have all the information you need to determine which iPhone has the best camera quality and suits your specific needs.
*Price at date of writing
