iPhone 12 pro camera: I recently read an article in Outdoor Photographer magazine which pretty much raved about the new iPhone 12pro and iPhone 12ProRAW camera capabilities. Just...

Latsok Loc: Recently moved to Washington State.

I recently read an article in Outdoor Photographer magazine which pretty much raved about the new iPhone 12pro and iPhone 12ProRAW camera capabilities.
Just wondering if any of you fellow Ugly Hedgehoggers have any experience with this new and fairly expensive iPhone? I am still using my OLD iPhone 5 which is getting ready to go into retirement and am wandering if its worth while getting the 12pro and is it any better than an iPhone 11 Pro? Camera wise, I am shooting with a well used Nikon D7100 with mostly a Tamron 18-400 mm lens. I'm fairly happy with the results but am also impressed with the pictures my wife get with her iPhone 11, which she just pulls out of her pocket and snaps, rather than me lugging a big lens on a big camera, etc. So, should I get (a) better lens or lenses for the money Apple charges for the phone, or should I keep the camera and lens I have and just add a new phone to my repertoire? I know, its ultimately my choice, but I was just wandering what your thoughts on the iPhone 12PRO or PRORAW are.

PhotogHobbyist Loc: Bradford, PA

This is a personal opinion, but my main reason for having a cell phone is for communication. The fact that it has a camera in it is an added nicety when I do not have one of my cameras with me. I cannot, nor will not, try to justify spending as much, or more, for a phone as I have for a DSLR. Having started my photography avocation with a movie camera and then to a film SLR, I've grown accustomed to using a camera for photos. Just my preference.

LEWHITE7747 Loc: 33773

Latsok wrote:

I recently read an article in Outdoor Photographer... (show quote)

This is a photo from a Iphone 12 Pro--get rid of your camera! lol

(Download)

pmorin Loc: Huntington Beach, Palm Springs

Latsok wrote:

I recently read an article in Outdoor Photographer... (show quote)

I recommend getting the 12 Pro. I have a 12 Pro Max which has the same camera setup and I am very happy with it. The camera system can be set to different lighting conditions and has great DOF and clarity. The camera also captures RAW format and will export as a .dng to another app or editor.
They’re not cheap, but since you said you’re in need of and upgrade, why not get the good stuff? But don’t toss the dslr just yet, each has its own advantages.

tramsey Loc: Texas

Get the right tool to do the job. phones are for calls, now they have so much junk in them you get lost. If you want to take a still picture a dslr is the tool to use, if you want to take a video then you need a camcorder. When I go to a pancake house I get pancakes. When I go to a steak house I get a steak. They know their business same thing with a camera and all those smart phone wannabes that are good but can't compare to someone who knows his business with his camera. JMHO

Uuglypher Loc: South Dakota (East River)

Latsok wrote:

I recently read an article in Outdoor Photographer... (show quote)

Hi, Latsok,
First, be aware that there is now an active Smartphone Photography Section where your question is more likely to get more informed responses.
My experience is having used the iPhone11ProMax and now the iPhone12ProMax is that the improvement is significant. Sensor (and pixel) size of the back cameras are 47% larger, so right off the bat the really impressive images became noticeably more so! And the combined effects of improved “computational photography” and ProRaw are impressive! Bottom line? I’m delighted that I “moved up”. I just got back an 18”x36” enlargement of a TIFF file from a raw exposure and discernible detail rendition and resolution is amazing!
Be sure to check out the new Smartphone Photography Section. You will find lots of tips and hints that will help to improve your enjoyment of cellphone photography!
Best regards,
Dave

Latsok Loc: Recently moved to Washington State.

Thanks for all the replies, suggestions, and descriptions of personal experiences.
I definitely don't intend to ditch my DSLR, and am also considering getting a new prime lens. Like several of you, I have always considered my iPhone primarily as a phone and only an occasional pocket camera. That's why I'm still using the old dinosaur iPhone 5. But seeing the good quality pictures coming out of my wife's iPhone 11, I am tempted to join the 21st century and am curious about the differences between the iPhone 11 PRO and 12Pro - is it worth the extra $$$? The price is pretty high if I think of it as just another "phone." but my old phone will need to be replaced sometime soon. Decisions, decisions. Maybe that's what the government stimulus check will end up stimulating !!!
Also thanks for pointing out that there is an iPhone discussion section in this forum. I was not aware of that and will definitely check it out.

Architect1776 Loc: In my mind

Latsok wrote:

I recently read an article in Outdoor Photographer... (show quote)

Perhaps for wide angle shots or regular shooting.
If you want real telephoto shots it appears to be weak in that department.
I use my cell phone camera for a grab shot of no consequence or some issue or desired feature etc. with a building that I can take back to my office and use for reference.
I would like to see some phone shots equaling a 400-500mm lens on my 7D at 35' of a small bird or a deer 100-200' away.

Tdearing Loc: Rockport, TX

I use a Sony and a Samsung Note 8, and I can also recommend, and the majority of reviews very much support, the Samsung phone cameras. Even the older Note 8 supports Raw format shooting and I have taken, what I believe anyway, to be some very good shots with it. You can review my postings for examples. Of course the benefit is it is virtually always with you. Here is a pro/con link comparison from CNET: https://www.cnet.com/news/this-apple-iphone-12-vs-samsung-galaxy-s21-camera-comparison-was-not-what-i-expected/

Chadp Loc: Virginia Beach

I upgraded from the iPhone 7 to the iPhone 11 Pro over a year ago. The only reason I upgraded was the improvement in the camera. And it was well worth it. The iPhone is probably used for 70% of my photos and 90% of my videos. I think of all the candid shots of my kids and family I would have missed if I would have had to grab my Sony and turn it on. I even used the IPhone for a couple of pics on a real estate shoot I did when I wasn’t happy with field of view I was getting with my Sony. I have not studied the differences between the 11 pro and 12 pro but the 11 pro will be a huge upgrade over your 5. And the 11 pro will shoot RAW if desired with a 3rd party app.

BuckeyeBilly Loc: St. Petersburg, FL

PhotogHobbyist wrote:

This is a personal opinion, but my main reason for having a cell phone is for communication. The fact that it has a camera in it is an added nicety when I do not have one of my cameras with me. I cannot, nor will not, try to justify spending as much, or more, for a phone as I have for a DSLR. Having started my photography avocation with a movie camera and then to a film SLR, I've grown accustomed to using a camera for photos. Just my preference.

Here is a link that gives a different perspective from yours. Pay attention to the breakdown of costs.
https://www.jeffontheroad.com/iphone-12-pro-vs-nikon-d850-dslr-camera/

Architect1776 Loc: In my mind

BuckeyeBilly wrote:

Here is a link that gives a different perspective from yours. Pay attention to the breakdown of costs.
https://www.jeffontheroad.com/iphone-12-pro-vs-nikon-d850-dslr-camera/

I still se no true telephoto shots, wide angle only to 50mm normal (2X telephoto for the phone).

ELNikkor

If you are going to upgrade your phone and are considering between the 11 and 12 versions of iPhone, just go the extra mile now and get the 12 Pro RAW and invest some time using it exclusively as a camera. Find the best camera-enhancing apps/computer software so it will become to you a camera-first, oh, and it also makes calls. It will always be with you and give you confidence that you are completely ready for that spontaneous amazing photo op.

MrBob Loc: lookout Mtn. NE Alabama

As EL Nikkor said, go for the 12 if you have decided to press go.... I recently purchased the 11Pro after resisting forever. Best thing I ever did... The best camera is the one you have with you and a phone cam fits the bill. Great resolution and LOTS of in camera editing options... Those spontaneous shots become addictive as well as rewarding.

Terrymac Loc: LONDON U.K.

LEWHITE7747 wrote:

This is a photo from a Iphone 12 Pro--get rid of your camera! lol

In my opinion that is a great shot no matter what was used to create it. BEST EVER.. Thanks.