Apple Explains Why iPhone 15 Pro Max is Limited to 5x Optical Zoom

[mdatwood]

Of course, a camera is a tool, I've never claimed otherwise.

However, a smartphone is limiting to the majority of photography enthusiasts. Evidently you are talented at street photography and make great use of your phone camera.

I mainly shoot wildlife and can assure you a phone camera does not meet my needs.

And what you shoot is one of those cases where phones make a poor tool. Heck, even dedicated cameras are poor tools without specialized lenses. But what you claimed earlier was that the iPhone was good at landscapes and nothing else and had no ability to do artistic shots. Phones wiped out the P&S market, and many of the intro interchangeable lens market for good reason. I think phones also hit the old school photographers ego a bit by making it so much easier for anyone to potentially take a great picture.

And I say this as someone who has a bunch of Nikon lenses and bodies.

 

[snoonw]

the specs on the p7pro is very similar to ip15pm zoom lens. zoom is the easiest things to test and can be done at best buy. currentlu the 23ulra has 12% more optical zoom then p7pro but google uses AI yo get better zoom even samsung starting with u23 started using AI to get better zoom. ip14pm zoom didnt have AI to improve the zoom i test everything
currently u23 has 13x optical zoom p7rpo has just under 12x optical zoom but google has been using the high res zoom AI for 5yrs and it has gotten so good over time

also u23 uses a doubly folded periscope lens to get that 10x lens

 

[roeiz]

the specs on the p7pro is very similar to ip15pm zoom lens. zoom is the easiest things to test and can be done at best buy. currentlu the 23ulra has 12% more optical zoom then p7pro but google uses AI yo get better zoom even samsung starting with u23 started using AI to get better zoom. ip14pm zoom didnt have AI to improve the zoom i test everything
currently u23 has 13x optical zoom p7rpo has just under 12x optical zoom but google has been using the high res zoom AI for 5yrs and it has gotten so good over time

also u23 uses a doubly folded periscope lens to get that 10x lens

so what is your conclusion?

 

[citysnaps]

And what you shoot is one of those cases where phones make a poor tool. Heck, even dedicated cameras are poor tools without specialized lenses. But what you claimed earlier was that the iPhone was good at landscapes and nothing else and had no ability to do artistic shots. Phones wiped out the P&S market, and many of the intro interchangeable lens market for good reason. I think phones also hit the old school photographers ego a bit by making it so much easier for anyone to potentially take a great picture.

And I say this as someone who has a bunch of Nikon lenses and bodies.

Spot on. Using phones as everyday cameras has democratized photography for the masses. And some people, especially those who have spent many thousands of $ for their camera bodies and lenses and still producing ho-hum photographs have a tough time dealing with that. More likely they don't even realize their photos don't really say nanything.

I'll take photos produced by someone with a fertile imagination and a camera-phone (including children) over someone with a bag of expensive gear believing that speaks to their photography being worthy any day.

And the thought of paying someone top dollar to shoot your wedding, one of the most important days of your life, on an iPhone.....that's on you.

That's on me? What does that mean?

I suspect your decision to engage a photographer for a wedding (or anything else) is based on what's in their camera bag. And that's OK if it makes you feel good - and is on you. I'd much rather look at their portfolio of photographs.

 

[maxfromdenmark]

Oh, I feel someone is patronizing me. Please don’t worry about our not enough steady hands and give us as big zoom as it possible. Dear Apple you can recommend using a tripod but just spare us that stupid story.

 

[citysnaps]

The 75" TV costs more because it's bigger, not because the 40" does less. Have another go.

And a 75" being a larger screen is a feature, providing a larger and more satisfying image and viewing experience, and obviously COSTS more.

As I said previously: Because tech products with more features and/or better performance cost more money than tech products with less features and performance.

 

[alexandr]

Indeed, them gimping the camera on the Mini was my only reason for going Pro. A Pro mini would have been my perfect phone.

Yes, I agree — some people like that size too, and one of the reasons the mini didn't succeed — you really had to sacrifice the quality of the features and there wasn't a Pro that you could choose.

But in this case we're dealing with a Pro model, that doesn't really deserve the title imho. Could've made to Pro's and an Ultra — at least that would've been honest.

 

[alexandr]

Oh, I feel someone is patronizing me. Please don’t worry about our not enough steady hands and give us as big zoom as it possible. Dea Apple you can recommend using a tripod but just spare us that stupid story.

No, you're not quite ready...

 

[Killbynumbers]

Well, I have a 100-400 lens on my camera and you definitely need image stabilization for that when handholding, but, a 200gram smartphone, holding with both hands - that is just a lame excuse this guy is using… there is SO MUCH processing in every single shot …

I have an old Nikon Coolpix camera with a 2000MM lens. When I first got the camera, I went out and took a handheld daytime picture of the moon in perfect focus. Also took a picture of a plane in the sky to where I could read United clearly painted on it, also handheld.

 

[maxfromdenmark]

No, you're not quite ready...

or holding it wrong 😝

 

[alexandr]

or holding it wrong 😝

Ah, the good old days

 

[snoonw]

so what is your conclusion?

well u23 has better zoom then p7pro by 12% also samsung is accused of faking the pics but what i have seen is from the view finder b4 taking the pic u see the same thing. but i dont have u23 i test on strangers phones in side by side pics

here is pic of moon (unedited untouched) from my p7pro

 

[darngooddesign]

Yep. Samsung fakes its moon photos.

 

[Und Eser]

And a 75" being a larger screen is a feature, providing a larger and more satisfying image and viewing experience, and obviously COSTS more.

As I said previously: Because tech products with more features and/or better performance cost more money than tech products with less features and performance.

And the 15PM having a larger screen is a feature, providing a larger and more satisfying image and viewing experience, and obviously COSTS more.

As I said previously: The 75" TV costs more because it's bigger, not because the 40" does less.

I would be more curious to find out why 5x zoom is limited to the iPhone 15 Pro Max

I doubt the also quoted original poster is oblivious to cost considerations either, which is probably why he found it unnecessary to point out the distinct possibility that having the same 5x zoom capability on the Pro as on the Pro Max might have been more of a deal-maker for many than Apple keeping the price of the former under a grand.

 

[DeepIn2U]

If they both say the same thing then does it really matter if an engineer says it.

You missed my point and misconstrued what I stated.

An engineer is more likely to state facts and limitations not state a PR stunt type of statement.

Mansfield never stated much. New VP of hardware shook up Apple users with the last intel space grey Mac mini yet o my a whisper or he Mac Pro save for another time and I hat was delivered was pretty lackluster. The PR was stating Mac Pro 2022 was for later. An engineer would’ve stated what’s the he purpose beyond just stating for their “Pro’s”. Big difference.

 

[TheRoxyTheatre]

Spot on. Using phones as everyday cameras has democratized photography for the masses. And some people, especially those who have spent many thousands of $ for their camera bodies and lenses and still producing ho-hum photographs have a tough time dealing with that. More likely they don't even realize their photos don't really say nanything.

I'll take photos produced by someone with a fertile imagination and a camera-phone (including children) over someone with a bag of expensive gear believing that speaks to their photography being worthy any day.



That's on me? What does that mean?

I suspect your decision to engage a photographer for a wedding (or anything else) is based on what's in their camera bag. And that's OK if it makes you feel good - and is on you. I'd much rather look at their portfolio of photographs.

I bet you're the fun guy at parties.

There are so many different tools and ways to experience the pursuit of great photos. Each one has its advantages, some more than others, but in the end it doesn't matter which camera you use to capture an image so long as it makes you happy/proud/inspired/etc. Does a dedicated camera with a high end prime lens take better photos than an iPhone, IMO, yes. Is it always the right tool based on the environment/surroundings, of course not.

If you prefer to capture the entire world through the lens of an iPhone, great, that's cool man. No need to be triggered by those who don't.

 

[alexandr]

And the 15PM having a larger screen is a feature, providing a larger and more satisfying image and viewing experience, and obviously COSTS more.

As I said previously: The 75" TV costs more because it's bigger, not because the 40" does less.

I doubt the also quoted original poster is oblivious to cost considerations either, which is probably why he found it unnecessary to point out the distinct possibility that having the same 5x zoom capability on the Pro as on the Pro Max might have been more of a deal-maker for many than Apple keeping the price of the former under a grand.

Right — if you’re trying to keep the cost down — you can go for the non-pro model.
Apple often delivers a less-than-pro model, but chooses to ignore it. My favorite was the first time they called an iPhone a Pro — they said it had a Pro display, yet that was the year that displays lost the 3D Touch technology…

 

[citysnaps]

I bet you're the fun guy at parties.

There are so many different tools and ways to experience the pursuit of great photos. Each one has its advantages, some more than others, but in the end it doesn't matter which camera you use to capture an image so long as it makes you happy/proud/inspired/etc. Does a dedicated camera with a high end prime lens take better photos than an iPhone, IMO, yes. Is it always the right tool based on the environment/surroundings, of course not.

If you prefer to capture the entire world through the lens of an iPhone, great, that's cool man. No need to be triggered by those who don't.

"I bet you're the fun guy at parties." ... "No need to be triggered by those who don't."

Why resort to ad-hominems? All that does is destroy any argument you were attempting to make.



"Does a dedicated camera with a high end prime lens take better photos than an iPhone, IMO, yes."

I guess it depends on how you characterize photography and creating compelling photographs. Some people believe it's about the camera taking photographs. And that's OK.

I never use the phrase "take" or "taking" with respect to photography.

Compelling photographs are made by photographers who can compose an image, read light and its different qualities, look for potential narratives to stir a viewer's imagination, know when to let information drop into the shadows to create mystery, recognize the power of gesture and how that's interpreted by viewers, life experiences, and on and on and on. And that has nothing to to do with camera gear or its pedigree.

 

[darngooddesign]

"Does a dedicated camera with a high end prime lens take better photos than an iPhone, IMO, yes."

I guess it depends on how you characterize photography and creating compelling photographs. Some people believe it's about the camera or photographer taking photographs. And that's OK.

I never use the phrase "take" or "taking" with respect to photography.

Compelling photographs are made by photographers.

It's obvious to me that what City meant is that when taking the same photo with both a phone or a dedicated camera with a good lens, that camera will take/make/produce/verb a better photo. This is a discussion about the technical quality of photos, not whether a phone photo can be as or more artistic/compelling than a camera photo.

Similar, when comparing two LCD or OLED screens, the basic assumption is that the same image will be displayed on both because thats the way you accurately compare things..

 

[citysnaps]

It's obvious to me what City meant is that when taking the same photo with both a phone or a dedicated camera with a good lens, that camera will take/make/produce/verb a better photo. This is a discussion about the technical quality of a photo, not whether a phone photo can be more artistic or compelling than a camera photo.

That's not my discussion. That's a discussion many people like to have believing making compelling photographs is about buying/owning/coveting the "best" camera gear and taking pictures. And having that gear will somehow enable making compelling photographs. I've seen that so many times. Resulting in very sharp images of... not much.

And that's OK if it makes you happy.

Compelling photography comes from the photographer, his/her imagination and skill, and being able to quickly analyze a scene before them, to compose and make a photograph that will hopefully stir a potential viewer and his/her imagination.

 

[darngooddesign]

That's not my discussion. That's a discussion many people like to have believing making compelling photographs is about buying/owning/coveting the "best" camera gear and taking pictures. And having that gear will somehow enable making compelling photographs. I've seen that so many times. Resulting in very sharp images of... not much.

And that's OK if it makes you happy.

Compelling photography comes from the photographer, his/her imagination and skill, and being able to quickly analyze a scene before them, to compose and make a photograph that will hopefully stir a potential viewer and his/her imagination.

And when the same photographer verbs the same compelling photo on both devices, a camera with a good lens will have superior image quality.

PS. The photographer took the photo while the camera made the photo.

 

[TKSX]

You're not entirely wrong. This is a philosophical difference between the two companies. Samsung throws everything against the wall and sometimes something cool sticks, while Apple is much more deliberate, sometimes to a fault. But this is why it's good they both exist.

Actually LG is probably the worst on this one. They will make a phone with some crazy new ideas and release it... 365 days later they will go and pursuit something different (e.g., LG G5 with the modular design).

 

[TheRoxyTheatre]

And when the same photographer verbs the same compelling photo on both devices, a camera with a good lens will have superior image quality.

PS. The photographer took the photo while the camera made the photo.

This 100%.

 

[citysnaps]

And when the same photographer verbs the same compelling photo on both devices, a camera with a good lens will have superior image quality.

PS. The photographer took the photo while the camera made the photo.

I'm very happy that works for you.

I've seen loads and loads of very sharp photos of ho-hum compositions and subject matter resulting in photographs that say nothing. It's always from people believing that great photography is about having the best camera and lenses.


"The photographer took the photo while the camera made the photo."

That's the funniest thing I've heard this week, and tells me everything I need to know about your photography.

Yeah, the camera a MADE the myriad decisions regarding composition, assessed the quality of light, looked for interesting gesture when people are involved, decided how much (or little) environmental context is needed to make a strong photo, looked for potential narratives that might trigger a viewer's imagination, decided which details in the scene should drop into the shadows to create mystery to a viewer, and on and on... within a few seconds before releasing the shutter. Where can I buy such a camera?

I do get where you're coming from, and that's cameras are what MAKE compelling photographs. Again, I'm glad that works for you.

 

[darngooddesign]

I'm very happy that works for you.

I've seen loads and loads of very sharp photos of ho-hum compositions and subject matter resulting in photographs that say nothing. It's always from people believing that great photography is about having the best camera and lenses.


"The photographer took the photo while the camera made the photo."

That's the funniest thing I've heard this week, and tells me everything I need to know about your photography.

Yeah, the camera a MADE the myriad decisions regarding composition, assessed the quality of light, looked for interesting gesture when people are involved, decided how much (or little) environmental context is needed to make a strong photo, looked for potential narratives that might trigger a viewer's imagination, decided which details in the scene should drop into the shadows to create mystery to a viewer, and on and on... within a few seconds before releasing the shutter. Where can I buy such a camera?

I do get where you're coming from, and that's cameras are what MAKE compelling photographs. Again, I'm glad that works for you.

Please cite where I actually said that cameras are what make compelling photographs.

Let’s make this very simple…

To avoid your ‘a better photographer with a phone’ red herring, if the exact same photographer takes the exact same photo, which will have better image quality a smartphone or a dedicated camera with with the same size or larger sensor and high quality lens?

And to address the verb used, after the photographer decides on their composition, lighting, timing, camera settings, etc., do they have an actual photo, or is a camera required to make the photo?