Here is how iPhone 12 Pro Max compares to a cinema movie camera

YouTuber Michael Tobin recently performed a series of tests to determine how the highest-end iPhone 12 Pro Max model compares to a professional video camera used for cinema-quality content.

The iPhone 12 Pro Max boasts a 3-camera layout on the back of the phone with a 47 percent larger main camera sensor. The phone also has a new telephoto lens that has an f/2.2 aperture and 5x optical zoom, while the main wide-angle lens has an aperture of f/1.6. This allows for 27% more light for better photos. The Pro Max also features sensor-shift stabilization, along with OIS.

iPhone 12 Pro Max camera

Former Apple specialist Michael Tobin tests how the iPhone 12 Pro Max compares to a movie camera

The first feature of the Pro Max that immensely impressed Tobin was Dolby Vision HDR video recording with 10-bit color depth which makes for “vibrant, but natural” colors and an uncomparable viewing experience, especially on a Dolby Vision-capable screen.

Though impressed by the quality, Tobin was disappointed by the lack of “Pro” features on the phone. Unlike Samsung’s Galaxy Note 20 Ultra and Sony Xperia 1 II, which offer more in-depth settings for users in their stock camera apps as compared to their base models, the stock camera app on the iPhone 12 Pro Max is the exact same as it is in the iPhone 12.

iPhone 12 Pro Max

In addition to the lack of in-depth settings, Tobin was particularly annoyed by the lack of an option to adjust the bit rate (or data rate) for captured video. The bit rate on the iPhone 12 varies during video recording, reaching a peak of 110 MB/s. However the iPhone 12 Pro Max is capable of going all the way up to 140 MB/s, but there is no way for users to manually change the rate or set it to a specific value in the stock Camera app.

The YouTuber also tested out a lens rig from Beastgrip that helped to add an incredible depth of field to the Pro Max’s camera and helped make it almost equivalent to a professional camera.

iPhone 12 Pro Max

No matter how many bells and whistles Apple attaches to the iPhone camera, at the end of the day, its capabilities are limited due to its form factor. However, though it may not compare to professional cameras, it still manages to produce excellent results for everyday use.

You can view the full video here:

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About the Author

Asma is an editor at iThinkDifferent with a strong focus on social media, Apple news, streaming services, guides, mobile gaming, app reviews, and more. When not blogging, Asma loves to play with her cat, draw, and binge on Netflix shows.

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