Iphone: camera vs cost.

[zoossh]

I'm considering upgrade from ip8/se3 to a larger phone (pro max). Like to ask specifically on advice on cost vs camera.

1. I'm persistently slightly over 128gb using the old file size but constantly taking a lot of photo. I will definitely take at least 256gb or maybe 512. with a larger file size nowadays on the newer models, does any of you find yourself the need to move onto 1tb or more (simply becos of taking a lot of photo?)

2. ultrawide. ip15 is using the same old lens as 14. plus i'm adding on an anamorphic 1.33x add on lens on the main lens, although it is not as wide as the 13mm, not sure if i will frequently switch back to this ultrawide.

3. tele. ip15 offers a 120mm 5x zoom (with a 1.33x anamorphic, that is about 80mm). i rarely used a tele, but reckon it can be useful for very occasional portraits or if i want to isolate something distant on the street, but it isn't a strong push. right now i am not sure where is safest to buy 14pro max and what is the price compared to 15pm 1tb that cost <2.7k (or 2.3k if 512), but if the saving is huge (eg >500), i might go for ip14 instead.

4. main lens. sensor size of 14 > 13 which makes me consider 14. but sensor size of 15 > 14 also. one of the reason i am getting is taking travel photos with some being at night. and hopefully the sensor size gives better quality. i might have to wait a couple of weeks to see some feedbacks on those who try it out although apple say it is 2x better for night shots. wonder anyone agrees.

i know usb-c and faster speed are along considerations of 15 over 14, but i like to tailor specifically to camera vs cost and see what do those with ip13 or ip14 thinks. lets say if i get 512gb, and if ip 14 pro max is only 2k while 15 pm is 2.3, then i will likely just go for 15, but if the 14 drops down to 1.8 or below, then maybe it is worth it?

 

[froztheart]

I'm considering upgrade from ip8/se3 to a larger phone (pro max). Like to ask specifically on advice on cost vs camera.

1. I'm persistently slightly over 128gb using the old file size but constantly taking a lot of photo. I will definitely take at least 256gb or maybe 512. with a larger file size nowadays on the newer models, does any of you find yourself the need to move onto 1tb or more (simply becos of taking a lot of photo?)

2. ultrawide. ip15 is using the same old lens as 14. plus i'm adding on an anamorphic 1.33x add on lens on the main lens, although it is not as wide as the 13mm, not sure if i will frequently switch back to this ultrawide.

3. tele. ip15 offers a 120mm 5x zoom (with a 1.33x anamorphic, that is about 80mm). i rarely used a tele, but reckon it can be useful for very occasional portraits or if i want to isolate something distant on the street, but it isn't a strong push. right now i am not sure where is safest to buy 14pro max and what is the price compared to 15pm 1tb that cost <2.7k (or 2.3k if 512), but if the saving is huge (eg >500), i might go for ip14 instead.

4. main lens. sensor size of 14 > 13 which makes me consider 14. but sensor size of 15 > 14 also. one of the reason i am getting is taking travel photos with some being at night. and hopefully the sensor size gives better quality. i might have to wait a couple of weeks to see some feedbacks on those who try it out although apple say it is 2x better for night shots. wonder anyone agrees.

i know usb-c and faster speed are along considerations of 15 over 14, but i like to tailor specifically to camera vs cost and see what do those with ip13 or ip14 thinks. lets say if i get 512gb, and if ip 14 pro max is only 2k while 15 pm is 2.3, then i will likely just go for 15, but if the 14 drops down to 1.8 or below, then maybe it is worth it?

Recommended to take a wait and see approach before you come back to assess.

If there's not much difference and from what it seems, your device usage is long then ideal to future proof your purchase.
Pro models have much better camera capabilities espeically so w PM variations, so if the difference is bearable for your pocket then personally recommend just getting the PM.
14/15 as mentioned earlier, wait for price to stabilise before selecting?

 

[zoossh]

Recommended to take a wait and see approach before you come back to assess.

If there's not much difference and from what it seems, your device usage is long then ideal to future proof your purchase.
Pro models have much better camera capabilities espeically so w PM variations, so if the difference is bearable for your pocket then personally recommend just getting the PM.
14/15 as mentioned earlier, wait for price to stabilise before selecting?

the bias that i had is mainly because i'm using an old phone many generations ago (even se3 uses an old camera), so night shots is super lousy and anything seems much better.

but when i look at the shots between 13 14, it dun seem to be a lot diff (or maybe the online pics are optimised, and real life maybe different?), so it makes me hesistant when buying a new phone - would an older model be almost as good and a lot cheaper? so far price is bearable, it is more on whether it is worth the price diff.

would the price drop much further? i only took a cursory look and it seem not by a huge margin. not even the 13. or unless it is because i dunno where to look but i also dun want to buy from shady parties. how long would u reckon a good wait will take? two weeks?

 

[我要买GTR]

I'm considering upgrade from ip8/se3 to a larger phone (pro max). Like to ask specifically on advice on cost vs camera.

1. I'm persistently slightly over 128gb using the old file size but constantly taking a lot of photo. I will definitely take at least 256gb or maybe 512. with a larger file size nowadays on the newer models, does any of you find yourself the need to move onto 1tb or more (simply becos of taking a lot of photo?)

2. ultrawide. ip15 is using the same old lens as 14. plus i'm adding on an anamorphic 1.33x add on lens on the main lens, although it is not as wide as the 13mm, not sure if i will frequently switch back to this ultrawide.

3. tele. ip15 offers a 120mm 5x zoom (with a 1.33x anamorphic, that is about 80mm). i rarely used a tele, but reckon it can be useful for very occasional portraits or if i want to isolate something distant on the street, but it isn't a strong push. right now i am not sure where is safest to buy 14pro max and what is the price compared to 15pm 1tb that cost <2.7k (or 2.3k if 512), but if the saving is huge (eg >500), i might go for ip14 instead.

4. main lens. sensor size of 14 > 13 which makes me consider 14. but sensor size of 15 > 14 also. one of the reason i am getting is taking travel photos with some being at night. and hopefully the sensor size gives better quality. i might have to wait a couple of weeks to see some feedbacks on those who try it out although apple say it is 2x better for night shots. wonder anyone agrees.

i know usb-c and faster speed are along considerations of 15 over 14, but i like to tailor specifically to camera vs cost and see what do those with ip13 or ip14 thinks. lets say if i get 512gb, and if ip 14 pro max is only 2k while 15 pm is 2.3, then i will likely just go for 15, but if the 14 drops down to 1.8 or below, then maybe it is worth it?

I don't think normal photos are the main space taking factor. It's prores photos & 4k videos, which I doubt it is a commonly used feature for everyday use. 256gb is generally enough for regular user.

Phones are depreciating gadgets. If you get the 14's just to save say $300, the resale value will be $300 less. Really depends on your needs & how often you upgrade. Eg. If you upgrade yearly but, iPhone 15 release you buy iPhone 14. iPhone 16 release you buy 15. You literally don't save much imo.

 

[froztheart]

the bias that i had is mainly because i'm using an old phone many generations ago (even se3 uses an old camera), so night shots is super lousy and anything seems much better.

but when i look at the shots between 13 14, it dun seem to be a lot diff (or maybe the online pics are optimised, and real life maybe different?), so it makes me hesistant when buying a new phone - would an older model be almost as good and a lot cheaper? so far price is bearable, it is more on whether it is worth the price diff.

would the price drop much further? i only took a cursory look and it seem not by a huge margin. not even the 13. or unless it is because i dunno where to look but i also dun want to buy from shady parties. how long would u reckon a good wait will take? two weeks?

Yes, night shots requires stability so not much difference through the iterations from experience. Bigger sensors will have brighter and clearer shots but still requires stability for shots to turn out well.

Don't take marketing shots for what its worth. If price is bearable and since you are coming from a few iterations back, then personal opinion will be just get the latest since you are looking to upgrade.
For max camera capabilities, go for the Pro variations. Non Pro varaiations will definitely have cameras that are lacking.

Might drop by $200+/-? I would wait for a month personally. but of course if you are looking at official channels, the prices do not differ much.
You can purchase from reputable stores to perhaps have better offers.

 

[zoossh]

I don't think normal photos are the main space taking factor. It's prores photos & 4k videos, which I doubt it is a commonly used feature for everyday use. 256gb is generally enough for regular user.

Phones are depreciating gadgets. If you get the 14's just to save say $300, the resale value will be $300 less. Really depends on your needs & how often you upgrade. Eg. If you upgrade yearly but, iPhone 15 release you buy iPhone 14. iPhone 16 release you buy 15. You literally don't save much imo.

I dunno if the cam improves and when I go overseas to take shots, whether I will take high res pics (not videos).

But if I’m not likely to have time to do post processing, I wonder if the high res is necessary

 

[我要买GTR]

I dunno if the cam improves and when I go overseas to take shots, whether I will take high res pics (not videos).

But if I’m not likely to have time to do post processing, I wonder if the high res is necessary

Concerns pertaining to high res photos/videos are their storage space required & to transfer. Unless it's special moments or occasions, I don't see myself using taking high res photos/videos even while travelling. The normal mode suffice me already. I also not pro photographer la, so maybe it's not my field to comment much.

 

[froztheart]

I dunno if the cam improves and when I go overseas to take shots, whether I will take high res pics (not videos).

But if I’m not likely to have time to do post processing, I wonder if the high res is necessary

TBH, when travelling unless you are the kind that uses rigs like gimbals etc. it should suffice. Normal users makes no difference.
High resoluition from the Pro iterations will require RAW format and post processing with the required rigs for best results.

Posting on social medias doesn't matter much since they get compressed by the platforms anyway.

And like what @我要买GTR commented, thus, requiring higher storage for high res photos & videos which can be alleviated if you are using iCloud.

 

[我要买GTR]

TBH, when travelling unless you are the kind that uses rigs like gimbals etc. it should suffice. Normal users makes no difference.
High resoluition from the Pro iterations will require RAW format and post processing with the required rigs for best results.

Posting on social medias doesn't matter much since they get compressed by the platforms anyway.

And like what @我要买GTR commented, thus, requiring higher storage for high res photos & videos which can be alleviated if you are using iCloud.

+1

I use mobile gimbal as well. But I record using HD 60fps only

 

[froztheart]

+1

I use mobile gimbal as well. But I record using HD 60fps only

HD 60FPS good enough leh. hahahaha

 

[ZhouXingXing]

if you are shooting in apple proraw format, the photo size will be quite big if not, the size is quite small actually. you can switch to High efficiency mode. If you do much editing, like only adjusting brightness or exposure setting of the photo, jpg is fine,

the camera for ip 14 pro max and 15 pro max is similar except for the new telephoto zoom in ip 15 pro max

 

[我要买GTR]

if you are shooting in apple proraw format, the photo size will be quite big if not, the size is quite small actually. you can switch to High efficiency mode. If you do much editing, like only adjusting brightness or exposure setting of the photo, jpg is fine,

the camera for ip 14 pro max and 15 pro max is similar except for the new telephoto zoom in ip 15 pro max

Yup not much diff internally imo. More to aesthetics & port change this year.

Even for telephoto zoom for my 14PM i mainly use 1x-2x nia

 

[cpuer]

watching this thread.

Decided this year is the year to retire my iPhone 8 and Fuji X100F

waiting for reviewers to comment on the photo taking qualities between 15 and 15Pro

 

[ZhouXingXing]

watching this thread.

Decided this year is the year to retire my iPhone 8 and Fuji X100F

waiting for reviewers to comment on the photo taking qualities between 15 and 15Pro

dont think there would be any difference except one can take apple pro raw and one cannot..
if you prefer to shoot in raw format which mainly for editing purposes, do go for pro series..

 

[cpuer]

dont think there would be any difference except one can take apple pro raw and one cannot..
if you prefer to shoot in raw format which mainly for editing purposes, do go for pro series..

ic, i am just shooting in jpeg, looks like 15 should suffice for me

 

[zoossh]

watching this thread.

Decided this year is the year to retire my iPhone 8 and Fuji X100F

waiting for reviewers to comment on the photo taking qualities between 15 and 15Pro

I’m used to dslr and never transition well into smaller cams as I’m used to optical viewfinder. Then I lost touch for many years before the interest is rekindled

I heard others have good things to say for the mirrorless. Not knowing much about it, but Am I right to say that non-phone cameras nowadays still never bridged over, and still have a rear screen that cannot come close to smartphone and nothing as seamless as iCloud?

with handphone camera, I’ve come to compromise with a lot of things. I’m shooting only wide on single focal length giving up variety, forego large aperture and narrow depth of field, and no time for post processing leaving exposure and hdr much to the phone to decide

I still can get something like this but only when the light is sufficient and when projected on tv, the poor quality shows (that is ip se3 which should be the same as ip 7/8 I think).

So I’m hoping that with better sensor, better low light capability or algorithm, I can cross this barrier.

The thing I’m afraid is actually not being able to see an answer. After my hiatus from photography, the entire community seem to have disappeared. Nobody talks about it or post it.

I need to see pictures especially those taken at night. Pretty much until now not yet decided to go for 13 14 or 15…

 

[zoossh]

dont think there would be any difference except one can take apple pro raw and one cannot..
if you prefer to shoot in raw format which mainly for editing purposes, do go for pro series..

Is the main lens sensor size and algorithm the same for ip15 plus and ip15 pro max? thought they are different…

 

[zoossh]

Yup not much diff internally imo. More to aesthetics & port change this year.

Even for telephoto zoom for my 14PM i mainly use 1x-2x nia

I was never a tele shooter and I always go near and wide, but after seeing what some others are doing like the above (although that is sony cam ?dslr, not mobile phone), I wonder if the 5x zoom will change the way i (view and) shoot and hopefully add layers

 

[cpuer]

I’m used to dslr and never transition well into smaller cams as I’m used to optical viewfinder. Then I lost touch for many years before the interest is rekindled

I heard others have good things to say for the mirrorless. Not knowing much about it, but Am I right to say that non-phone cameras nowadays still never bridged over, and still have a rear screen that cannot come close to smartphone and nothing as seamless as iCloud?

with handphone camera, I’ve come to compromise with a lot of things. I’m shooting only wide on single focal length giving up variety, forego large aperture and narrow depth of field, and no time for post processing leaving exposure and hdr much to the phone to decide

I still can get something like this but only when the light is sufficient and when projected on tv, the poor quality shows (that is ip se3 which should be the same as ip 7/8 I think).

So I’m hoping that with better sensor, better low light capability or algorithm, I can cross this barrier.

The thing I’m afraid is actually not being able to see an answer. After my hiatus from photography, the entire community seem to have disappeared. Nobody talks about it or post it.

I need to see pictures especially those taken at night. Pretty much until now not yet decided to go for 13 14 or 15…

wow dlsr senpai!

me using small cameras all along, started with Ricoh GR then kacheng itchy switched to the bulkier X100F. Though its a nice camera but the unpocket friendliness as compared to GR is frustrating.

I basically only seriously take photos when travelling, lugging the dua ling gong that close to a kilo is damn sian and a kill joy. worst i see that my wife iphone 13 beats me in her photo is very humiliating.

 

[zoossh]

TBH, when travelling unless you are the kind that uses rigs like gimbals etc. it should suffice. Normal users makes no difference.
High resoluition from the Pro iterations will require RAW format and post processing with the required rigs for best results.

Posting on social medias doesn't matter much since they get compressed by the platforms anyway.

And like what @我要买GTR commented, thus, requiring higher storage for high res photos & videos which can be alleviated if you are using iCloud.

I dun use gimbal as I’m not videoing. I’m hoping to have accessories to do rapid one hand switch of filters but it seem that current rigs and cages caters to videographer and not what I do.

but great to hear all these. Looks like I’ll stick to 256gb and iCloud without the high res