Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max: Key camera features you should know

Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max comes with a new camera control, and a dedicated button to capture photos and videos instantly without wasting time. Also, it houses a new 48MP Fusion primary camera on the back.

Apple's new iPhone 16 Pro Max comes with a lot of upgrades, particularly in terms of photography hardware over the predecessor.

The iPhone 16 Pro series is one of the best camera phones in the market. It comes with a new camera control, and a dedicated button to capture photos and videos instantly without wasting time. Also, it houses a new 48MP Fusion primary camera on the back.

But, not many people know all the key features. We have some valuable inputs from top photography experts on to how make the best use of the Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max's camera.

Camera Control

"I’ve spent over two months with iPhone 16 Pro Max, pushing it to its limits in environments as diverse as Panama’s lush rainforests, Antarctica’s unforgiving cold, Medellin’s vibrant party scenes, and Machu Picchu’s historical grandeur. Camera Control has been a lifesaver in challenging landscapes like Antarctica,” said Archana Singh, a popular travel content creator.

Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max Camera Samples.

“Even with multiple layers of gloves, I could quickly capture once-in-a-lifetime moments—a penguin’s curious glance or a leopard seal’s playful leap. The 48 MP Fusion camera with its exceptional shutter speed allowed me to freeze time beautifully, while Camera Control made instant access seamless," Singh noted.

4K 120fps video recording

“This phone (iPhone 16 Pro Max) has transformed my workflow. Beyond its stunning photography capabilities, it’s also my editing suite, communication hub, and productivity powerhouse. The 4K 120 fps recording is a standout feature. I can seamlessly toggle between normal-paced shots and slow motion during post-production, making it perfect for crafting dynamic travel reels that truly stand out, said Prakriti Arora

Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max Camera Samples.

Telephoto Lens

"The Telephoto lens, with zoom capabilities ranging from 5x to 15x, has been my go-to for capturing unique perspectives. On a recent trip to Singapore, I captured stunning shots that were both sharp and vibrant," noted Arora.

The new iPhone 16 Pro Max also supports digital zoom up to 25X.

Photography Styles

" The iPhone 16 Pro Max supports Photographic Styles and customizable dynamic colour profiles. Initially, it took some experimenting, but once I mastered it, the creative possibilities were unmatched. These tools allow me to adapt every shot to my personal style, making each photograph intentional and professional,” said Arora.

It supports multiple 'Photography styles such as-- Neutral, Cool Rose, Rose Gold, Gold, Amber, Standard, Vibrant, Natural, Luminous, Dramatic, Quiet, Cosy, Etherel, Muted B&W, and Stark B&W. They can help users add more dramatic effects to the photo. Or, tone it down a notch, to make it look black/white like the old days of yore. Users can opt for a natural style and make it appear as seen through the eyes.

Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max's camera sample.

4K slow motion video recording

"The iPhone 16 Pro Max has set a new standard for storytelling. The ability to shoot in 4K slow motion with crystal-clear audio has taken my storytelling to the next level. Dynamic shots like waterfalls, sports, or even candid moments come alive with immersive sound clarity,” said Shakti Shekhawat, a photography expert.

Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max supports Cinematic mode for up to 4K HDR at 30 fps and Spatial video recording at 1080p at 30 fps.

The video quality continues to set a new benchmark for premium phones in the market. Very few can match the dramatic slow-motion videos of the iPhone 16 Pro Max.

Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max's camera sample.

Portrait modes

Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max supports several portrait light effects--Natural light, Studio light, Contour light, Stage light, Stage light mono and High-key light mono.

Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max's camera sample with portrait mode on.

Even after taking the photos, users can adjust focus on the subject and depth of the background.

Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max's close-up camera sample.

Macro mode

The device owner just has to turn on photo mode and get close to your subject, as close as 2 centimetres

The camera will automatically switch to the Ultra Wide camera to enable macro photography. And, just tap the Camera control button or the on-screen shutter button to get that perfect close-up shot.

Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max camera sample in macro mode.

Clean-up tool

Apple earlier this month rolled out the new iOS 18.1 update. It introduced the clean-up tool.

Apple Intelligence-based Clean-up tool.

With the arrival of the clean-up tool, the iPhone 16 Pro Max has become more versatile. It will come in handy with removing photo bombers and unwanted objects from the frame with ease.

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