Before using iPhone 16, I was worried about camera control. At first I thought it was just a fun physical addition to the camera, but when I remembered the years I spent taking photos on my iPhone using the touchscreen, I realized I had to retrain myself to use it. I wondered if it was worth it. that.
After forcing the camera controls on your iPhone 16 Plus, I’m here to tell you to do the same, because there’s a lot more to it than just taking photos.
Photography style is your secret weapon
It’s easy to ignore the camera controls as just a physical shutter button, so you can hold your iPhone 16 horizontally and use it like a point-and-shoot camera. This feature exists, but it’s just the beginning. After exploring and experimenting with this control, I found this to be the least creatively interesting aspect.
Before we go any further, for those who aren’t familiar with it, I’d like to give you a basic overview of what it can do. Press the camera control fully once and the iPhone 16 camera app will launch immediately. You can then press it all the way down again to take a photo, swipe along the surface to switch cameras, or zoom directly into your subject. the Are you okayHowever, the buttons are located quite high on the side of the phone, making them a bit difficult to press and the regular controls may be quicker to access.
Instead of leaving the camera controls here and not really caring about them anymore, I should look into them more. Soft-tap the camera control twice. Don’t press it all the way down, just tap in quick succession to open a whole new menu system. From here, you can manually change the exposure and depth of field, as well as have more control over the zoom function. You can also switch between the rear camera and selfie camera. But the last two options that I think I’ll enjoy the most are Photo Style and Tone.
More than just a filter
Until now I haven’t paid much attention to photography style. The main reason for this was that I didn’t have the opportunity to change to a different style after taking the photo, and was forced to choose a style and stick to it. Things change with iOS 18 and the iPhone 16 series, with the ability to swap photo styles after you take a photo. With more styles, you can now adjust the look to your liking in real time.
All of this is available using camera controls, which are much easier than swiping or tapping the screen. Here is an example. I like to use black and white filters for some photos. To adopt this photography style, tap the icon at the top right of the screen and swipe the screen to scroll through the available styles. To adjust the tone, use special panels and sliders at the bottom of the screen.
It’s certainly not difficult, but I think camera controls are a better way to accomplish the same thing. Double-tap the camera control[スタイル]and swipe the buttons to preview how each style changes your scene. This method keeps your fingers from covering the screen and also makes it easier to swipe between options in landscape mode. Once you have selected a style, use the same double tap to go back one step.[トーン]Select. Now you’re ready to swipe and adjust the final look. Then, press the camera control all the way down to take a photo.
Camera controls inside the case
I use camera controls on my iPhone 16 Plus, but they’re also available on iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro Max. I also had my phone in Apple’s official silicone case, but unlike many third-party cases, it doesn’t cover the camera controls, but instead covers them with a separate button. I’m concerned about responsiveness when adding layers to the touch panel, but what do you think?
Apple’s silicone case features a sapphire crystal surface with a conductive layer for seamless interaction with camera controls, and works extremely well even with light double-taps of buttons. It also sits flush with the surface, but if there’s a cutout, it’s a little harder to swipe. This is an important part of using camera controls for photo styles.
Does this mean I’ve completely changed direction when it comes to camera controls? I’ve certainly found unexpected uses for them, but I’ve also noticed the fact that I tend to use the camera’s regular touchscreen controls, and the buttons themselves. The fact remains that it is located quite high on the body. So it’s not that easy to fall under your fingers, especially on the larger iPhone 16 Plus and iPhone 16 Pro Max. Also, changes to your photo style are permanent and stay there even if you close the camera app until you change them, which can be frustrating.
The right features at the right time
But I don’t care. Camera controls can now be seen in a new light with the addition of a photo-style menu system. This is a smart addition to the iPhone 16 that we hope to use and enjoy when the time is right. Just like you don’t always want to change your photo style, you don’t always feel the need to use camera controls.
And as you get more familiar with the camera control and its features, you’ll find yourself using a combination of camera control functionality and regular iPhone app controls, making it a hybrid of new buttons, touchscreens, and other shortcuts. I’m used to opening the camera app with a lock screen shortcut, so I still use that, but I go directly to the camera controls to switch between photo styles and press a button to take a photo. It quickly became part of my iPhone camera workflow.
We think discovering how camera controls and photo styles work well together will give you a reason to use both and open up new ways to get creative with your iPhone 16’s camera. If you’re like me and ignored camera controls because you thought they only had one function, try them out now and enjoy your new photography style.
