Experts talk about the best camera settings for iPhone

I thought my iPhone had the best camera setup just because I had Apple’s latest and greatest smartphone, the iPhone 16 Pro Max.

But when I saw Mashable’s professional photographer Joe Maldonado shooting in the field with his highly tuned iPhone 14 Pro, I was instantly humbled. We were taking the same photos, but Maldonado’s photos were sharper, sharper, and more vibrant than mine, even though we were using Cupertino’s best cell phone.

Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

At first, I thought the problem was due to dirt on the lens. But even after carefully cleaning the sensor with a microfiber cloth, Maldonado’s photos were much better than mine.

Finally, I asked: “Wait, how? your iPhone 14 Pro takes better photos my iPhone 16 Pro Max?”

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

Experts talk about the best camera settings for iPhone

So how do you get it Crème de la Crème Is your iPhone photo quality okay? Follow the steps below. Thank you professional photographer Maldonado later.

what you need

• iPhone

• Preferably a recent Pro model

Step 1: Go to Settings

Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

Step 2: Tap “Camera”

Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

Step 3: Tap “Format”

Now make sure “High Efficiency” for Camera Capture and “24 MP” for Photo Mode are checked. Additionally, make sure “ProRAW and Resolution Control” is turned on.

Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

Step 4: Tap on “Pro Defaults”

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

Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

Step 5: Return to the Camera menu and tap Save Settings.

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

Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

Step 6: Return to the “Camera” menu

Enable Grid and make sure Levels is turned on. According to Maldonado, these settings help line the shot. Additionally, make sure “Portrait in Photo Mode”, “Fast Shooting Priority”, “Lens Correction” and “Macro Control” are enabled.

Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

That’s it as far as the Settings app is concerned.

while actually in Maldonado suggests users turn on “Raw MAX” in the camera app.

Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

Additionally, be sure to press “1x” (main sensor known as wide camera) while shooting to ensure the best quality photos.

So go ahead and head out with your newly tuned iPhone and let us know in the comments if you notice a difference.