The launch of the iPhone 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max has caught attention for its focus on changing how we take photographs. After a week of intensive testing in the vast landscapes of Kenya, professional photographer Austin Mann brings us one of the most comprehensive reviews to date, having captured more than 10,000 photos and 3 terabytes of video in ProRes format with these devices.
The 48-megapixel Ultra Wide Camera, the star of the show
One of the greatest advancements of this new generation is the upgrade of the Ultra Wide-Angle camera to 48 megapixels, a significant improvement from the 12 megapixels of the previous version. With this change, we are looking at images with astonishing resolution, which is essential for capturing landscapes like those in Kenya. Mann, a great enthusiast of this lens for its ability to convey a sense of place and depth, highlights how he no longer has to sacrifice resolution to get that wider frame.
During his stay in Kenya, one of the most impressive moments was the encounter with Craig, an elephant with giant tusks. Thanks to the 48 MP Ultra Wide Angle, Mann was able to capture the majesty of the animal in all its splendor.
Another aspect that has improved is the Macro mode, which also uses the Ultra Wide-Angle camera. Now, macro photos are captured at 48 MP, allowing previously invisible details to be seen, from insects to tiny textures. For Mann, this improvement makes the iPhone 16 Pro a remarkable tool for close-up photography enthusiasts.
Camera Control and Photographic Customization
Mann highlights the new camera control button in his review, which allows launching the camera quickly and adjusting settings without touching the screen. Mann tested this feature in the most extreme environments, such as helicopter flights and safaris over rough terrain, and although there were moments when he accidentally modified the exposure or zoom, the option to disable the settings allowed him to use the button as a quick and simple shutter.
Additionally, he explains, photographic styles have been a key tool in his experience. These styles are not simple filters, but customizable adjustments that adapt to different types of scenes and skin tones. Mann highlighted how these styles allow photographers to achieve professional results without the need to edit in programs like Lightroom.
The iPhone 16 Pro camera has taken mobile photography to a new level. With its 48 MP sensor, improvements in macro mode, and camera control, it has become an indispensable tool for both professional photographers and beginners. This camera that we always carry with us now offers us more speed, control, and quality in each of our shots.
