iPhone Photography: Halide Technical Readout for iPhone 11 Pro

The iPhone 11 Pro has four cameras each with different technical capabilities.

In my latest blog post, I want to address a question I frequently encounter from smartphone photography enthusiasts: "Why do you still use a bulky camera?" This question often comes from individuals primarily using their phones for travel snaps, food photos, and selfies. To respond, I usually show them my wildlife and bird photography collection and ask, "How would you capture these on your smartphone?" My aim isn't to belittle their preferences but to highlight the different purposes and capabilities of smartphone cameras versus traditional cameras. Each has its strengths, and a dedicated camera still has the edge for the detailed, zoom-intensive work of wildlife photography. Is there an iPhone equivalent of a 600mm lens?

When I look at the specifications of the iPhone 11 Pro cameras, I notice that they have a fixed aperture, with values of ƒ/1.8, ƒ/2.0, ƒ/2.2, and ƒ/2.4. These cameras always shoot wide open. With my Fuji X-T2, I may use Fujinon XF16-55mmF2.8 R LM WR or Fujinon XF100-400mmF4.5-5.6 R LM OIS WR (rented) lenses, which offer more control over the aperture, allowing for various photographic effects and greater flexibility in different lighting conditions.

Additionally, the iPhone 11 Pro's ISO capability is limited to a maximum of 3072. This limitation is significant compared to my Fuji X-T2, which can handle a much higher ISO range, giving it an edge in low-light photography. Also, the slowest shutter speed on the iPhone 11 Pro is only 1 second. This constraint means the iPhone can only do long-exposure photography using software tricks. In contrast, with my Fuji X-T2, I can use much slower shutter speeds to capture long exposure images, use aperture priority settings, and take photos in low-light conditions with more ease and better results.

Fujifilm X-T2 with Fujinon XF16-55mmF2.8 R LM WR

Aperture Range: ƒ/22 - ƒ/2.8
Exposure Range: 132000 sec - 60min (or bulb)
Native ISO Range: 200 - 12800
Focal Length: 16-55mm (24-83mm in 35mm FOV)
Image Size: 6000 x 4000
Autofocus Systems: Intelligent Hybrid AF (TTL contrast AF / TTL phase-detection AF)
Flash: No

Fujinon XF100-400mmF4.5-5.6 R LM OIS WR (rented)

Aperture Range: ƒ/22 - ƒ/4.5
Exposure Range: 132000 sec - 60min (or bulb)
Native ISO Range: 200 - 12800
Focal Length: 100-400mm (152-609mm in 35mm FOV)
Image Size: 6000 x 4000
Autofocus Systems: Intelligent Hybrid AF (TTL contrast AF / TTL phase-detection AF)
Flash: No

iPhone 11 Pro Back Camera Standard

Aperture: ƒ/1.8
Exposure Range: 171000 - 1s
Native ISO Range: 32 - 3072
Focal Length: 26mm
Image Size: 4032 x 3024
Autofocus Systems: Contrast, Phase
Flash: Yes

iPhone 11 Pro Back Camera "Telephoto"

Aperture: ƒ/2.0
Exposure Range: 145000 - 1s
Native ISO Range: 21 - 2016
Focal Length: 51mm (35mm FOV)
Image Size: 4032 x 3024
Autofocus Systems: Contrast, None, Phase
Flash: Yes

iPhone 11 Pro Back Ultra Wide Camera

Aperture: ƒ/2.4
Exposure Range: 145000 - 1s
Native ISO Range: 21 - 2016
Focal Length: 13mm (35mm FOV)
Image Size: 4032 x 3024
Autofocus Systems: None
Flash: Yes

iPhone 11 Pro Front Camera

Aperture: ƒ/2.2
Exposure Range: 148000 - 1s
Native ISO Range: 23 - 2208
Focal Length: 24mm (35mm FOV)
Image Size: 4032 x 3024
Autofocus Systems: None
Flash: Yes

Author: Khürt Williams

A human who works in information security and enjoys photography, Formula 1 and craft ale. #nobridge

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