This issue seems to be a growing complaint with the 13 Pro series. It seems like the main problems are caused by the extreme conservatism in switching to the telephoto lens and excessive sharpening and processing due to smart HDR (and unlike older models, it can’t be turned off unless you use a third party app and shoot RAW). Some of this can be chalked up to software problems that might be fixed in the future. On the other hand, there are some hardware causes to your observations as well. The main lens on the 13 Pro is a new f/1.5 lens, which IIRC is the biggest aperture on an iPhone yet (the regular 13 is 1.6). Given that apertures are fixed on most smartphone cameras, I’d assume this is what explains the softness (lower f-stop number = bigger aperture = generally softer images). In exchange, you’d mainly get better low light performance, which might be why you get better results in your 13 Pro in most conditions except in bright light—in conditions with lots of light, you usually don’t want or need a huge aperture to collect more light, and smaller apertures (generally) give sharper (i.e. more things in focus in the frame) results. The 11 Pro had an f/2.0 lens which would be much sharper since the opening is smaller. EDIT: I also see from the DP review article that the telephoto lens on the 13 Pro/Max actually has a slower (smaller) aperture than the 12 Pro series since it’s much more zoomed in, as you’ve observed. Because of this, the telephoto lens in the 13 Pro has worse low light performance than the telephoto in the 12 Pro series. This is probably why the 13 Pro keeps preferring the main lens more often, given that the main lens gathers more light. Answer from jennesp on reddit.com
Apple Community
discussions.apple.com › thread › 253678023
iPhone 13 Pro Max Camera Quality - Apple Community
There are real issues with the iPhone 13 Pro Max camera. This is actually the reason I came here, to ask for help and find answers. Phophi19, the only solution I’ve found to good camera quality is to use the “.5”, “1”, and “3” zoom levels.
Facebook
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Iphone 13 pro max camera quality
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i hate the iPhone 13 Pro Max's camera. am i the only one ?
This issue seems to be a growing complaint with the 13 Pro series. It seems like the main problems are caused by the extreme conservatism in switching to the telephoto lens and excessive sharpening and processing due to smart HDR (and unlike older models, it can’t be turned off unless you use a third party app and shoot RAW). Some of this can be chalked up to software problems that might be fixed in the future. On the other hand, there are some hardware causes to your observations as well. The main lens on the 13 Pro is a new f/1.5 lens, which IIRC is the biggest aperture on an iPhone yet (the regular 13 is 1.6). Given that apertures are fixed on most smartphone cameras, I’d assume this is what explains the softness (lower f-stop number = bigger aperture = generally softer images). In exchange, you’d mainly get better low light performance, which might be why you get better results in your 13 Pro in most conditions except in bright light—in conditions with lots of light, you usually don’t want or need a huge aperture to collect more light, and smaller apertures (generally) give sharper (i.e. more things in focus in the frame) results. The 11 Pro had an f/2.0 lens which would be much sharper since the opening is smaller. EDIT: I also see from the DP review article that the telephoto lens on the 13 Pro/Max actually has a slower (smaller) aperture than the 12 Pro series since it’s much more zoomed in, as you’ve observed. Because of this, the telephoto lens in the 13 Pro has worse low light performance than the telephoto in the 12 Pro series. This is probably why the 13 Pro keeps preferring the main lens more often, given that the main lens gathers more light. More on reddit.com
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March 7, 2022iPhone 13 Pro camera quality
I have returned 2 iPhones 13 pro max ( 256 and 512 ) due to this and more issues. Unfortunately yes you are correct. I am now with a new battery inside my Xs max, waiting the 14 ( and lets see ) thanks.
More on reddit.com 15
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January 2, 2021iPhone 13 Pro camera quality and color correction
No I didn’t, but found a whole ... photo quality in general (which I’ve also noticed more and more) in another forum - https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/really-bad-photos-with-iphone-13-pro-max-merged.2315188/ Apparently this has been a problem since the 10 or 12 models. I haven’t noticed it on the 8 or earlier models. ... I've had Google Pixel phones since the first one and recently moved from a Pixel 4 to an iPhone 13 Pro and I'm honestly shocked at how bad the camera on the 13 ... More on reddit.com
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September 29, 2021The iPhone 13 Pro camera remains awful, still, due to the ridiculous over-saturated after effects it applies automatically to every picture.
All my pictures that I've taken with my 13 Pro Max look amazing.
I keep seeing this complaint but I haven't encountered it. Is it a problem with only some iPhones?
More on reddit.com 405
864
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DXOMARK
dxomark.com › apple-iphone-13-pro-max-camera-test-retested
Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max Camera test - DXOMARK
September 20, 2022 - Both cameras manage good exposure on the subjects, but limited dynamic range means the sky in the background is clipped fairly heavily. Detail is good on the front subject, but the larger sensor in the new models comes with a slightly more limited ...
Austin Mann
austinmann.com › trek › iphone-13-pro-camera-review-tanzania
iPhone 13 Pro Camera Review: Tanzania — Travel Photographer - Austin Mann
September 14, 2022 - Think of macro as a fourth lens that offers an entirely new camera capability, not just an iterative increase. If you’re a non-Max user, remember this year is a more substantial upgrade to the 13 Pro as you make a leap to a bigger sensor and the 33% increase in the Telephoto lens. The iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro Max camera systems are identical, so you don’t need to debate between them based on camera capabilities.
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The Sweet Setup
thesweetsetup.com › blog › the iphone 13 pro camera review
The iPhone 13 Pro Camera Review – The Sweet Setup
October 29, 2021 - The ultra-wide camera can capture 92% more light than its predecessor, dramatically impacting the sharpness, detail, and noise control in ultra-wide photos. This is due to the improved f/1.8 aperture lens.
Tom's Guide
tomsguide.com › phones › iphones
I tested iPhone 14 Pro Max vs iPhone 13 Pro Max cameras — and the results are surprising | Tom's Guide
October 11, 2022 - Using the telephoto to zoom in on a detail of the pub's architecture, the colors now seem more natural looking on the iPhone 13 Pro Max from my perspective, although the brighter sky on the iPhone 14 Pro Max is nice. The 14 Pro Max has an advantage with detail though, as you can make out the texture of the window beneath the smiley face on the pub more easily. Now we move to the night mode shots, and it's here that Apple's Photonic Engine really kicks in to deliver improved results for the iPhone 14 Pro Max. Take this main camera shot, looking again at the Shard but this time from London Bridge with the River Thames in the foreground.
Quora
quora.com › Whats-the-best-settings-of-camera-and-video-in-iPhone-13-pro-max
Whats the best settings of camera and video in iPhone 13 pro max? - Quora
Answer: Let’s unwrap this question. If there were “best settings” for the iPhone camera, then that would be the way the camera is built. You would have no options whatsoever because it already has the best settings. So, by your logic, Apple is stupid because they are tricking you with ...
Reddit
reddit.com › r/apple › i hate the iphone 13 pro max's camera. am i the only one ?
r/apple on Reddit: i hate the iPhone 13 Pro Max's camera. am i the only one ?
March 7, 2022 -
it’s mostly due to the tele-lens
I always loved the 52mm equivalent on my 8+, XS Max and 11 Pro Max cause, it gives me a similar f.o.v. than the lensesd i use the most often on my different cameras. But now it’s a 77mm and it’s just too long to take almost every type of photos. Too long to shoot people, too long for animals, too long for landscape and architecture. the only time were i’ve been happy with this longer lens is the few times where i actually wished it was way longer like for filming the weird drone that was going around my building the other day.
But when i subjectively hate this 77mm, it’s also objectively bad, like, it’s very poor in low light and apple are not confident in it, so with most apps, like the default one, if you try zoomig 3x there’s like 75% chances it won’t actually use the tele lens, but instead digitally zoom on the main lens reducing it’s resolution to barely better than 1 megapixel (720p pictures and videos basically)
I’ve spoken with apple about it on the phone, spent hours trying to diagnose my iPhone of not behaving like it should but, the sad truth is that, my iPhone does totally behave as planned by apple. And i’m mad.
My partner still has his 11 Pro Max, and now everytime we go out together and i see a picture than could be taken i borrow his iPhone then airdrop myself the picture.
Also ! The main lens, has a much much bigger sensor, but the lens is actually much worse. In most situations i do take better photos with the main lens with the 13 Pro Max than the 11 Pro Max, but there are some situations, especially closer to the subject and in good light conditions, where the 11 Pro Max takes much sharper pictures.
And globally i also find the 13 Pro Max to use too much noise reduction and especially way too much Sharpening but that can be fixed by shooting RAW.
Anyway, anybody noticed apple not going the right decision with this iPhone ? I get that most of you will disagree with me. It’s okay.
I don’t think the 13 pro max is actually bad, i think for some (maybe even most) people it’s the best iPhone. But it’s not for me, and i really want to get back on the 11 Pro Max and seriously hope apple Brings back the "52mm or so" lens with the next iPhone.
Have a nice day everyone !
Top answer 1 of 56
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Both my 12 Pro Max and 13 Pro Max way overprocess images and I'm surprised people haven't complained about it more.
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This issue seems to be a growing complaint with the 13 Pro series. It seems like the main problems are caused by the extreme conservatism in switching to the telephoto lens and excessive sharpening and processing due to smart HDR (and unlike older models, it can’t be turned off unless you use a third party app and shoot RAW). Some of this can be chalked up to software problems that might be fixed in the future. On the other hand, there are some hardware causes to your observations as well. The main lens on the 13 Pro is a new f/1.5 lens, which IIRC is the biggest aperture on an iPhone yet (the regular 13 is 1.6). Given that apertures are fixed on most smartphone cameras, I’d assume this is what explains the softness (lower f-stop number = bigger aperture = generally softer images). In exchange, you’d mainly get better low light performance, which might be why you get better results in your 13 Pro in most conditions except in bright light—in conditions with lots of light, you usually don’t want or need a huge aperture to collect more light, and smaller apertures (generally) give sharper (i.e. more things in focus in the frame) results. The 11 Pro had an f/2.0 lens which would be much sharper since the opening is smaller. EDIT: I also see from the DP review article that the telephoto lens on the 13 Pro/Max actually has a slower (smaller) aperture than the 12 Pro series since it’s much more zoomed in, as you’ve observed. Because of this, the telephoto lens in the 13 Pro has worse low light performance than the telephoto in the 12 Pro series. This is probably why the 13 Pro keeps preferring the main lens more often, given that the main lens gathers more light.
Quora
quora.com › How-does-the-camera-system-of-the-iPhone-13-Pro-Max-compare-to-professional-grade-cameras
How does the camera system of the iPhone 13 Pro Max compare to professional-grade cameras? - Quora
Answer (1 of 3): It doesn’t. For example the iPhone doesn’t have two memory card slots (in fact, it doesn’t even have one) - meaning, it’s possible to go to a photo shoot and then due to a malfunction lose all the photos. If this was someone’s wedding, you’d have to ask them to ...
DXOMARK
dxomark.com › apple-iphone-13-pro-max-camera-review-apple-flagship-imaging
Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max Camera review: Apple flagship imaging - DXOMARK
September 20, 2022 - Both cameras manage good exposure on the subjects, but limited dynamic range means the sky in the background is clipped fairly heavily. Detail is good on the front subject, but the larger sensor in the new models comes with a slightly more limited ...
Photography Blog
photographyblog.com › reviews › apple_iphone_13_pro_review
Apple iPhone 13 Pro Review | Photography Blog
Apple iPhone 13 Pro Review
In this year’s new iPhone range there are four models, two of which bear the “Pro” moniker, the iPhone 13 Pro and the iPhone 13 Pro Max. Unlike with the 12 Pro series, the camera set up in both the iPhone 13 Pro and the larger Max version is the same, so most of what is said in our review ...
Digital Camera World
digitalcameraworld.com › tech › phones › iphones
Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max review | Digital Camera World
Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max review
The iPhone 13 Pro Max has a lot going for it as a phone, a phablet and an everyday companion that can manage almost every aspect of your life. But we’re taking a particularly close look at its camera features to see if the reality lives up to the hype. And you know what? It does. It might not replace your DSLR or mirrorless camera, but it really raises the bar for image quality... The iPhone 13 Pro Max is Apple’s biggest, boldest and best new iPhone... and could cost you as much as a MacBook (gasp)
Lux
lux.camera › iphone-13-pro-camera-app-intelligent-photography
iPhone 13 Pro: The Edge of Intelligent Photography
February 2, 2022 - When you shoot handheld, the more you zoom, the more susceptible you are to motion blur due to the subtle movements of your arm holding the phone. As a rule of thumb, when shooting handheld you should set your shutter speed to twice the focal length of the lens. The telephoto camera on the iPhone 12 Pro Max had a 65mm focal length, so the math worked out to 1/130th of a second.
The Verge
theverge.com › tech › featured videos › apple
iPhone 13 Pro review: a better display, the best camera, and incredible battery life | The Verge
The camera systems on the iPhone 13 Pro and the 13 Pro Max are identical this year, which means you don’t have to buy the bigger and more expensive phone to get the best photos. And I do mean best photos because there isn’t another phone on the market that can match the iPhone 13 Pro.
Published October 6, 2021
Photofocus
photofocus.com › home › iphone 13 pro max the perfect solution for photo and video on-the-go
iPhone 13 Pro Max the perfect solution for photo and video on-the-go - Photofocus
April 25, 2022 - The iPhone 13 is the best iPhone yet. And it brings some groundbreaking features that both casual and pro shooters will love. Cinematic mode works excellent, and is a great way to get creative with filmmaking · Low-light photography is vastly improved across the board · Macro mode works really well, with great, sharp details present ... Same camera systems between the Pro and Pro Max versions mean you don’t need a bigger phone for the best experience
Tom's Guide
tomsguide.com › phones › iphones
iPhone 13 Pro Max review | Tom's Guide
iPhone 13 Pro Max review
Another new iPhone 13 camera feature is Photographic styles, which lets you choose how you want your photos to look in terms of tone and warmth. Your options include standard, rich contrast, vibrant, warm, cool. And you can adjust these as you see fit. In terms of overall image quality, the iPhone 13 Pro Max ... The iPhone 13 Pro Max’s stellar cameras, 120Hz display and longer battery life add up to a practically perfect phone.
CNET
cnet.com › tech › mobile › phones › iphone 13 pro and 13 pro max review: apple gave us features we've wanted for years
iPhone 13 Pro and 13 Pro Max review: Apple gave us features we've wanted for years - CNET
iPhone 13 Pro and 13 Pro Max
Editor's note, Nov. 19: The iPhone 13 Pro and 13 Pro Max have the best cameras and best battery life of any iPhone we've tested. Both offer a number of high-end features, like the ability to record ProRes videos, which help them live up to the Pro in their names.
Apple
apple.com › ca › iphone-13-pro › specs
iPhone - Apple (CA)
July 15, 2022 - The power of the iPhone camera system gives you a wide range of focal lengths with exceptional framing flexibility — from sharp close‑ups to sweeping wide shots that let you capture more of a scene without stepping back. And get up close like never before with 8x optical-quality zoom on iPhone 17 Pro — the longest zoom ever on an iPhone.
The Guardian
theguardian.com › technology › 2021 › nov › 15 › iphone-13-pro-max-review-apples-heavyweight-super-phone
iPhone 13 Pro Max review: Apple’s heavyweight super phone | iPhone | The Guardian
November 15, 2021 - Unlike last year’s 12 Pro models, ... cameras: three 12-megapixel cameras on the back including a really good 3x optical zoom, a top-class main camera with excellent low light performance and a great ultrawide camera...
CNET
cnet.com › tech › mobile › phones › iphone 13 pro vs. 12 pro max night mode comparison: which is best in the dark?
iPhone 13 Pro vs. 12 Pro Max night mode comparison: Which is best in the dark? - CNET
November 30, 2021 - The camera upgrades promise even better images than the previous iPhone 12 Pro Max thanks to a larger main image sensor, a wider aperture and various software improvements across all its lenses.