In today’s world, technology plays an integral role in our daily lives, often enhancing the way we capture and share moments. One such device that has revolutionized personal photography is the iPhone. However, many users may not be aware of some of its most useful features.
Apple releases a new iPhone every year and the features are always the same, with a few cool additions. So, what’s the point in buying the newest model if you’re not actually going to use those new features?
If you have one of the latest iPhone models, specifically the iPhone 14 Pro Max or iPhone 15 Pro Max, you’re probably not making the most of it. One ex-Apple employee has revealed you’re using your phone’s camera wrong!
You’re using your iPhone camera wrong.
The iPhone 14 Pro Max and iPhone 15 Pro Max are specifically designed to have a great camera, 48-megapixel to be exact. That’s why those designs have three cameras rather than just two, and it’s incredibly powerful.
However, the default settings only allow both phones to take 24-megapixel pictures, which is half of the maximum resolution. That means the quality of every single photo in your camera roll could be so much better!
“All of you with a 48-megapixel camera, it’s not on by default. When you do this [taps camera button], you’re not taking a 48-megapixel photo,” former Apple employee Tyler Morgan said in a viral TikTok video.
He then explained that you must turn the option on in your iPhone’s settings to start taking the best quality photos possible.
How to turn on 48-megapixel photos: On your iPhone 14 Pro Max or 15 Pro Max
To enable and capture 48-megapixel photos on your iPhone 14 Pro Max or 15 Pro Max, you need to adjust the settings in the Camera app. Here are the steps to do it:
- Open Settings:
- Navigate to the Settings app on your iPhone.
- Select Camera:
- Scroll down and tap on the “Camera” option.
- Enable ProRAW:
- Tap on “Formats.”
- Toggle on “Apple ProRAW.”
- Ensure that the resolution is set to 48 MP.
- Configure ProRAW Resolution:
- Within the ProRAW settings, make sure the resolution is set to 48 MP.
- Capture in ProRAW:
- Open the Camera app.
- Switch to the “Photo” mode.
- In the upper right corner, tap on the “RAW” button to enable ProRAW for that session. It should indicate that you are capturing in RAW format.
Now, when you take a photo with ProRAW enabled, it will be captured at 48 megapixels. Keep in mind that ProRAW photos take up significantly more storage space than standard photos due to the higher resolution and additional data captured.
Additional Tips:
- Storage Consideration: Make sure you have enough storage space on your device, as 48-megapixel ProRAW photos are much larger in file size compared to standard photos.
- Editing Software: Use editing software that supports ProRAW to fully utilize the details captured in the 48-megapixel images.
By following these steps, you can take advantage of the advanced camera capabilities of your iPhone 14 Pro Max or 15 Pro Max to capture high-resolution, detailed images.
Can an iPhone take high resolution photos?
Here are some tips for iPhone users to capture high-quality images:
1. Use the Right Camera Settings
- HDR Mode: Enable HDR (High Dynamic Range) for well-balanced photos with more detail in both shadows and highlights. You can turn this on in Settings > Camera > Smart HDR.
- HEIF/RAW Format: For higher quality and more editing flexibility, shoot in HEIF or RAW format. You can enable this in Settings > Camera > Formats.
- Grid Lines: Turn on grid lines to help with composition and alignment. This can be found in Settings > Camera > Grid.
2. Focus and Exposure
- Tap to Focus: Tap on the subject on the screen to focus. For locking the focus and exposure, tap and hold until AE/AF Lock appears.
- Adjust Exposure: After focusing, swipe up or down to adjust the exposure manually for brighter or darker images.
3. Lighting
- Natural Light: Shoot in good natural light whenever possible. Morning and late afternoon light (golden hours) are ideal.
- Avoid Direct Sunlight: Direct sunlight can cause harsh shadows. If unavoidable, use HDR mode to balance the lighting.
- Artificial Light: If shooting indoors, use soft, diffused lighting. Avoid fluorescent lights that can cause color casts.
4. Composition
- Rule of Thirds: Use the grid lines to apply the rule of thirds. Place key elements along the lines or at their intersections for a balanced composition.
- Leading Lines: Use natural lines in the scene to lead the viewer’s eye towards the subject.
- Framing: Use natural frames like windows or doorways to add depth to your images.
5. Stability
- Hold Steady: Use both hands to hold the phone steady. Rest your elbows on a stable surface if possible.
- Tripod: For ultimate stability, especially in low light or long exposure shots, use a small tripod designed for smartphones.
6. Camera Modes and Features
- Portrait Mode: Use Portrait mode for stunning photos with a blurred background (bokeh effect). Adjust the lighting effects and depth control for more professional-looking portraits.
- Night Mode: For low-light situations, use Night mode to capture clearer and brighter images. Hold the phone steady and follow the on-screen instructions.
- Burst Mode: For action shots, use Burst mode by holding down the shutter button to capture a series of photos in quick succession.
7. Editing
- Use Native Tools: The Photos app has powerful editing tools. Adjust exposure, contrast, highlights, shadows, and color balance.
- Third-Party Apps: Consider using third-party apps like Adobe Lightroom, VSCO, or Snapseed for advanced editing options.
8. Clean Your Lens
- Regular Cleaning: Keep your lens clean for sharp images. Use a microfiber cloth to gently clean the lens before shooting.
9. Software Updates
- Stay Updated: Make sure your iPhone’s software is up to date to take advantage of the latest camera improvements and features.
10. Practice
- Experiment: Take lots of photos and experiment with different angles, settings, and lighting conditions to improve your skills and discover what works best for you.
By following these tips, you can significantly improve the quality of your photos and make the most of your iPhone’s camera capabilities.
Our latest review, “Best Phone to Buy for 2024: Top 3 Smartphones in the US,” highlights the best options available.