【Dear Utol (2025): Chick! Episode 47】

Source：Charm Information Network Editor：Digital Culture Time：2025-06-26 09:51:14

I thought I had the best iPhone camera settings simply because I have Dear Utol (2025): Chick! Episode 47the iPhone 16 Pro Max — the latest and greatest smartphone from Apple.

However, I was humbled quickly when I saw Mashable's professional photographer, Joe Maldonado, shooting out in the field with a highly tuned iPhone 14 Pro. Although we were taking the same photos, and despite using the best handset out of Cupertino, Maldonado's photos turned out more crisp, sharper, and more vibrant than mine.

What gives?!

Woman using the iPhone 16 Pro Max inside the park

Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

At first, I thought a dirty lens was the issue. But even after carefully cleaning the sensors with a microfiber cloth, Maldonado’s photos were still far superior to mine.

Finally, I asked, "Wait, how does youriPhone 14 Pro take better pictures than myiPhone 16 Pro Max?"

Mashable Light Speed Want more out-of-this world tech, space and science stories? Sign up for Mashable's weekly Light Speed newsletter. By clicking Sign Me Up, you confirm you are 16+ and agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Thanks for signing up!

"It's all about the settings," Maldonado said.

Featured Video For You

5 reasons iPhone 16 is the best upgrade for you

Best iPhone camera settings, according to an expert

So how do you get the crème de la crème of photo quality out of your iPhone? Follow these steps — and thank our pro photographer Maldonado later.

Total Time

5 min

What You Need

iPhone
preferably a recent Pro model

Step 1: Go to 'Settings'

Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

Step 2: Tap on 'Camera'

Blue arrow pointing at Camera option on iPhone

Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

Step 3: Tap on 'Formats'

You'll find "Formats" between "Record Sound" and "Preserve Settings."

Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

Step 4: Ensure the following 3 settings are toggled on

Here, make sure "High Efficiency" under Camera Capture is ticked as well as "24 MP" under Photo Mode. Plus, make sure "ProRAW & Resolution Control" is toggled on.

Credit: Kimberly Gedeon

Step 5: Tap on 'Pro Default'

Make sure that there's a checkmark next to "ProRAW Max (Up to 48MP)." There should also be a checkmark next to JPEG-XL Lossy (this is only available for the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max).

iPhone 16 settings under Pro Default menu

Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

Step 6: Go back to 'Camera' menu and tap on 'Preserve Settings'

Make sure the following are toggled on: Camera Mode, Creative Controls, Macro Control, Exposure Adjustment, Night Mode, Portrait Zoom, ProRaw & Resolution Control, Live Photo. Like the menu name suggests, this ensures that your current settings are preserved every time you open the Camera app.

Preserve Settings on iPhone 16 camera menu

Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

Step 7: Return to 'Camera' menu

Enable 'Grid' and make sure 'Level' is toggled on. According to Maldonado, these settings help him line up his shots. Plus, ensure that 'Portraits in Photo Mode,' 'Prioritize Faster Shooting,' 'Lens Correction,' and 'Macro Control' are enabled, too.