iPhone 15 Pro & Pro Max Review for Photographers!

The Apple iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max are both largely built on the same hardware we saw last year, but the new A17 processor brings a number of major upgrades. How good is that 5X 120mm lens on the Pro Max? Is log encoding for video from a phone any good? What file type should you shoot? We have all the answers.

Note: We recommend you watch this video on an HDR-compatible display!

Rental equipment provided by The Camera Store

0:00 - Intro
1:09 - Sample photos
1:50 - Lenses
3:15 - Resolutions
4:32 - Custom button
5:29 - Digital lenses
7:52 - Portrait mode
10:23 - Video features
13:26 - Photo quality
17:04 - Video quality
20:00 - Conclusion

[MOTMUS]

Very impressed by the log video. Seems to be the only video mode that doesn't have that overprocessed iphone look

[graywind]

As a photojournalist of 40 years for a major metro daily now retired, I can honestly say the iphone 15 pro max camera is the best camera that I always have with me. Beats everything you left home. I started before a phone in your pocket existed. Evolved to this. Its an amazing job in a device this size thats primary function is a communication and computing. It’s omni present. Love it. Especially the 5x lens and the portrait mode. The progression of camera phones is amazing.

[jonathanorleyi]

01:11 The cut from the "uneven surface" warning sign to Chris stumbling up the stairs caught me off guard :D

[gemsandlasers]

Thanks for never referring to this as a "10x zoom" or "zoom camera" or any other incorrect term that the big youtube channels throw out when discussing phone cameras.

[joe_scotto]

The LOG profile looks like it mostly fixes the over-sharpening the iPhone does with the other video modes and finally is an image that I would consider usable if you're in good light.

[MacXpert]

The Pro-res manual graded shots looked really great, with nice natural looking color. The native HDR mode didn't look as nice to me, though. But with the technical capability being there, I hope software tweaks can still improve this.

[amits]

I never seen a YouTube video showing this sort of camera analysis of any smartphone. That's really a incredible work to clear perspective.

[FortWorthRaised]

I’m going to Japan this winter, so I’m trying to watch every video for iPhone photography and videography. That’s really the only reason I decided to upgrade this year after having the same phone for a few years.

[dougscottking]

Would love to see a comparison of the “crop” modes vs a post photo crop and see if Apple’s processing is doing the magic or if it’s just a gimmick

[BobbyCash]

Looks like going from the 12 Pro to the 15 Pro Max will be a nice photo/video upgrade, in addition to other quality of life improvements. Look forward to messing around with the new phone when it arrives.

[BrotherFried]

This is the greatest smartphone camera review I have ever seen hands down. Subscribed!

[meat_loves_wasabi]

Normally I upgrade every year because of the better camera hardware… but i realise the 15PM 5x lens is not practical focal length cause it only kicks in at 120mm and above

The 3x lens will give better image between 77 to 119mm which a practical range for portrait shots

[davegarth]

The big question for me is this: How many really “serious” photographers will decide it’s time to give up their traditional dslr or mirrorless cameras and only use a smartphone for their photography? It’s tempting for me, as an old retired pro, because it’s gotten so much less fun to lug lots of heavy equipment around. Is the image quality and handling now good enough?

[jakelindsay]

When Chris mentioned he wasn't an iPhone user his legend grew ten fold.
On the way home from filming this video, Chris got pulled over by the cops. They got off with a warning.

[carlo]

Most important part to compare and review should be the the zoom between 2.1 - 4.9 Zoom in IPhone Pro and Pro Max.

[.m_views]

My BIGGEST beef with Apple is their “sharpening”. The fact that there’s no option to control it or turn it off is disheartening. Now all my family videos make my loved ones look like playdoe skin.

[ZWARBHATTAA]

The standout feature for me this year is the 5x telephoto lens. I am amazed with the amount of background compression in this 120 mm shot 12:38. Imagine if i phone 16 pro max comes with something like 300 mm telephoto lens and a good stabilization. The depth of field should be at par with a budget mirrorless zoom camera, and that's a fantastic thing. You would't need the gimmicky portrait mode and cinematic video because you will get the true bokeh in both photos and videos. Wishlist- i phone 16 pro max, 300 mm optical zoom, take my money.

[Hello-yvwq]

I cannot believe you are one of the rare YouTubers who can post early iPhone reviews

(same time slot as MKBHD, iJustine)

[sudhirpandya]

Great reviews as always. A old XT10 died on me lately. Still have that amazing OS 2.8 Fujicon XT lens 2.8 16-55. Trying to decide between the Fujifilm XT30 Mk 2 vs Fujifilm Xs10, /20 bodies. Your guides Both under Camera Store and now Pentapixel have been SO helpful. So had the time come to just get a iPhone 15 Pro and say good bye to all the other heavy equipment? Further was in London, UK at Covent Garden Apple Store and took in an amazing talk form a DSLR photographer user on the iPhone photography. Would love to hear your thoughts on such topics. Keep it all up!! So appreciated!!

[iggytse]

I thought it was a missed opportunity to have 4 cameras in the Pro Max with the two telephoto cameras. Now you have to really ask if you take more portraits or if you want the 5x spy camera.