The best iPhone camera settings, experts say

I think I have the best iPhone camera setup simply because I own an iPhone 16 Pro Max—Apple’s latest and greatest smartphone offering.

However, I was quickly humbled when I saw Mashable’s professional photographer Joe Maldonado shooting on location with a highly tuned iPhone 14 Pro. Even though we took the same photos, Maldonado’s photos were clearer, sharper, and more vibrant than mine, despite using Cupertino’s best phone.

Photo credit: Kimberly Gedeon/Mashable

At first, I thought it was a dirty lens issue. But even after carefully cleaning the sensor with a microfiber cloth, Maldonado’s photos were still far superior to mine.

Finally I asked, “Wait, what should I do? your iPhone 14 Pro photo comparison mine iPhone 16 Pro Max?

“It’s all about setting,” Maldonado said.

The best iPhone camera settings, experts say

So how do you get cream of the crop What’s the quality of iPhone photos? Follow the steps below – thanks Maldonado later.

what do you need

• iPhone

• Preferably a recent Pro model

Step 1: Go to Settings

Photo credit: Kimberly Gedeon/Mashable

Step 2: Click “Camera”

Photo credit: Kimberly Gedeon/Mashable

Step 3: Click “Format”

Here, make sure to check “High Efficiency” under “Camera Capture” and “24 MP” under “Photo Mode”. Also, make sure “ProRAW and Resolution Control” is turned on.

Photo credit: Kimberly Gedeon/Mashable

Step 4: Click “Pro Presets”

Make sure there is a check mark next to “ProRAW Max (up to 48MP)” and JPEG-XL Lossy (the latter only applies to iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max).

Photo credit: Kimberly Gedeon/Mashable

Step 5: Return to the Camera menu and click “Keep Settings”

Make sure the following are turned on: Camera Mode, Creative Controls, Macro Control, Exposure Adjustment, Night Mode, Portrait Zoom, ProRaw and Resolution Control, Instant Photos. As the menu name suggests, this ensures that your current settings are retained each time you open the camera app.

Photo credit: Kimberly Gedeon/Mashable

Step 6: Return to the Camera menu

Enable “Grid” and make sure “Levels” are turned on. According to Maldonado, these settings can help him adjust his shooting sequence. Also, be sure to enable “Portrait in Photo Mode,” “Prioritize Faster Shooting,” “Lens Correction,” and “Macro Control.”

Photo credit: Kimberly Gedeon/Mashable

As far as the Settings app is concerned, that’s it.

when you actually exist In the camera app, Maldonado recommends users turn on “Raw MAX.”

Photo credit: Kimberly Gedeon/Mashable

Also, when shooting, make sure to press “1x” (called the main sensor of the wide-angle camera) to get the best quality photos.

Now, go out with your newly tweaked iPhone and let us know in the comments if you notice any differences.