The best settings for the iPhone camera, according to experts

I thought I had the best iPhone camera settings just because I have the iPhone 16 Pro Max – the latest and greatest smartphone from Apple.

However, I was immediately humbled when I saw Mashable’s photographer, Joe Maldonado, shooting in the field with a highly tuned iPhone 14 Pro. Even though we were taking the same photos, and despite using the best handset in Cupertino, Maldonado’s photos appeared brighter, sharper, and more vivid than mine.

At first, I thought the problem was a dirty lens. But even after carefully cleaning the sensors with a microfiber cloth, Maldonado’s photos were still much better than mine.

Finally, I asked, “Wait, how yours iPhone 14 Pro takes better photos than mine iPhone 16 Pro Max?”

“It’s all about the settings,” Maldonado said.

The best settings for the iPhone camera, according to experts

So how do you find out the creme de la creme of image quality without your iPhone? Follow these steps — and thank Maldonado later.

What you need

• The iPhone

• preferably the latest Pro model

Step 1: Go to ‘Settings’

Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

Step 2: Tap on ‘Camera’

Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

Step 3: Tap on ‘Formats’

Here, make sure “High Performance” under Camera Capture is checked and “24 MP” under Photo Mode. Also, make sure “ProRAW & Resolution Control” is turned on.

Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

Step 4: Tap on ‘Pro Default’

Make sure there is a check mark next to “ProRAW Max (Up to 48MP)” and JPEG-XL Lossy (the latter is only available on the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max).

Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

Step 5: Go back to the ‘Camera’ menu and tap ‘Save Settings’

Make sure the following are turned on: Camera Mode, Creative Controls, Macro Control, Scene Adjustment, Night Mode, Portrait Zoom, ProRaw & Resolution Control, Live Image. As the name of the menu suggests, this ensures that your current settings are saved every time you open the Camera app.

Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

Step 6: Go back to the ‘Camera’ menu

Enable ‘Grid’ and make sure ‘Level’ is turned on. According to Maldonado, these settings help him organize his photos. Also, make sure ‘Photos in Portrait Mode,’ ‘Priority Quick Shot,’ ‘Lens Adjustment,’ and ‘Macro Control’ are enabled.

Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

And that’s it for the Settings app.

Although you are in reality in the middle In the camera app, Maldonado suggests users turn on “Raw MAX”.

Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

Also, while shooting, be sure to hit “1x” (the main sensor known as the wide camera) to get the best quality photos.

Now, get out there with your freshly made iPhone and let us know in the comments if you notice the difference.