The iPhone 16 is here, and with it upgrades that will have all photo and video fans speechless. Among the impressive innovations, we find 4k recording at 120 frames per second, a new ultra-wide camera and many improvements that will take your footage to the professional level. All this on your device. Sound like an ad for Hollywood gear? No, just a new iPhone. iPhone 16 photo and video are only slightly changed on the first ball, but those little things are a big step forward. I'll explain why!
Fall is here again - and that means only one thing: the new iPhone is finally on the shelves (or at least on pre-order). If you have already watched The Apple Spectacle or at least skimmed the summary, you must have caught some important news, especially for those who like to create photos and videos. So – iPhone 16 photo and video! News? It's full of them. Small improvements you'll love, and of course - a couple that will make you laugh (or slightly frustrate).
So without further ado, let's dive into the world of the iPhone 16 - a phone that obviously wants to become your director, videographer and editor at the same time. Yes, Hollywood, here we come!
iPhone 16 Pro: a recording studio in your pocket
120 frames per second and dynamic range: slower or faster as desired
The first thing I noticed: Apple finally brought recording in 4k / 120 thumbnails per second with full dynamic range. Translated into layman's language: this means smooth, fluid footage, whether you're shooting your hyperactive dog or an episode of an action movie. And yes, Dolby Vision is here, but honestly – most of us will stick with standard dynamic range (SDR) because… well, HDR on your phone it is still, to say the least, for those who love a lighter shade of red than red.
For those who like to experiment and have a storage of hard drives at home, you can record in ProRes Log format. These clips are of amazing quality, but really - so are these videos gigantic. If you haven't noticed yet: the extra terabytes will save you from trouble this time, but then you can have problems already in post-production.
Editing in slow motion: faster and smarter
Apple has also revamped the slow-motion editing on the phone itself, so you can now play the footage at normal speed and add the slow-downs yourself later. This is closer to what the pros do and means that your recording in 120 frames not necessarily pre-slowed. As Tim Cook would say: "Time is in your hands!" (or something like that).
Ultra-wide camera: no compromises, please
With the ultra-wide camera, Apple has finally made an effort and updated it in the way we've been wishing for before. It now boasts 48 megapixels, which means your shots will look great – especially if you're into macro shots (which, let's face it, always look like something out of a Discovery Channel insect documentary).
If you've noticed that it automatically switches to the ultra-wide lens when taking close-up shots, it's not the apple conspiracy, but optics. With the new sensor, even these shots will look superb. So, don't panic if you think that everything "degenerates" in macro shots - now the ultra-wide lens will cope with every detail. At the same time, the photos we love to make will look better. So all those landscapes and when we want to capture more than meets the eye.
Main camera: faster, smarter, lag-free
The main camera still offers an impressive 48 megapixels, but the new sensors are faster than ever. What does this mean for us mere mortals? Less delay when pressing the shutter button, better images and more dynamic range - and above all, less "waviness" on fast-moving objects. And this is something that will be a delight for all those who love action shots.
Telephoto lens: 5x zoom - love at the second click?
Although 5x optical zoom is not new this year, as it already impressed users last year iPhone 15 Pro Max, remains one of the most interesting features on the iPhone 16 Pro Max. This will still be a fantastic option for all those who love remote shooting, as it allows for clear and detailed shots without losing quality. Personally though - I may be a rare exception - I still miss the old 3x zoom, which seemed more universal for everyday use. But hey, most of you will happily zoom to 5x and walk away with winning shots.
Audio and Video: Your Personal Recording Crew
Not only that iPhone 16 boasting impressive visual capabilities, Apple has also greatly improved audio recording. With four new microphones that record spatial audio, you will now be able to record a soundscape that is the same as those in Hollywood studios. Welcome to a world where your phone knows more about your audio mix than you do. And no, you have no more excuses for your vlogs to sound like you're recording them from the depths of a cooking pot. This is slowly becoming remarkably similar to the professional recording equipment that journalists used to use to record interviews.
Bigger screen, less weight and faster charging
Both Pro and Pro Max both models have an even larger screen this time, while remaining lighter than previous models. The credit for this goes to titanium, which replaces steel and makes the phone light enough that you can hold it in your hand even during long recordings without visiting a physical therapist.
Another good news: Magsafe charging is now faster and reaches up to 25 W. So if you like to shoot all day, you can quickly charge your iPhone and get back to the action.
Conclusion
iPhone 16 Pro is a serious matter for all those who love photography and video. With all the upgrades – from faster sensors and better cameras to advanced audio features – it's hard to argue that this phone isn't powerful. If the quality of your shots (and possibly storage on your hard drive) is important to you, the iPhone 16 is your new best friend.
But let's be honest, with all of this, you'll probably experience a moment when you sigh at the sight of ProRes file sizes or find that you still cannot record a log video without the help of a third-party application. But hey, all love comes with some compromises, right?
So, is the new iPhone good enough to replace your old model? If you've ever dreamed of directing your own movie or a clip that even David Fincher wouldn't be ashamed of - yes, I think it's time to upgrade.
