iPhone 16 Pro Camera control button vs on-screen control

[LoveToMacRumors]

I realize 9/10 pictures I take is with 1 hand.

With 1 hand, I realized the thumb is better positioned on the screen instead of on the side, because that way I can hold the phone more securily.

I invite you to try it yourself.

Most pictures i take only requires zoom change, and the on screen control is easy and accurate.

To sum up, not sure how the camera control button is going to be useful for the majority of users . . .

 

[russell_314]

To sum up, not sure how the camera control button is going to be useful for the majority of users . . .

It’s probably not going to be. I think most people will instinctively use the screen. I was hoping they would realize the mistake of removing the ring silent switch and add it back.

 

[cookiemonster89]

I also find it funny that Apple is giving a feedback from the taptic engine when you press the shutter. Yes we have image stabilization but I though the golden rule in photography is / was to eliminate every kind of shake while you take a photo.

 

[Diorama]

When I take a picture of a menu so I can send it to my friend on WhatsApp, or my gas meter, or a quick video to show someone how crazy the hail is outside, then I use one hand and will keep doing it the way I always have.

When I am taking a photo where I care how it comes out, like photos taken on holiday or of an amazing view or the neighbour’s crazy Halloween decorations, I tend to hold the phone horizontally with two hands and might find the new feature useful. Only time will tell.

 

[mysticmanix]

Something that is not clear to me, is the physical button forced onto you and the onscreen controls aren't there available at all anymore? Or is there a toggle you can switch the setting on and off?

 

[tomtad]

It’s probably not going to be. I think most people will instinctively use the screen. I was hoping they would realize the mistake of removing the ring silent switch and add it back.

It's strange but I've always used the phone in landscape and the volume button to take photos to try as get as close to a 'proper' camera experience. Using the screen gives you less control IMO. You have both options however

Something that is not clear to me, is the physical button forced onto you and the onscreen controls aren't there available at all anymore? Or is there a toggle you can switch the setting on and off?

There is a setting to have onscreen controls fade away when you use the camera button or stay on screen

 

[redbeard331]

There’s now 4 camera buttons on the iPhone, volume up/down, action button, and the new camera button.

All I wanted was a better telephoto sensor/lens.

 

[russell_314]

It's strange but I've always used the phone in landscape and the volume button to take photos to try as get as close to a 'proper' camera experience. Using the screen gives you less control IMO. You have both options however

I kind of wonder what percentage of people use the buttons over the touchscreen to change zoom. I also use landscape because that feels the best way to take most pictures. I use my right thumb to change the zoom. It’s just right there next to the shutter button.

I’m not against adding the camera button but not happy with them taking the ring silent switch away. That’s one big reason why I’m keeping my 14 PM. At some point, I’ll probably upgrade. Maybe to the 17 or 18.

 

[furou]

I kind of wonder what percentage of people use the buttons over the touchscreen to change zoom. I also use landscape because that feels the best way to take most pictures. I use my right thumb to change the zoom. It’s just right there next to the shutter button.

I’m not against adding the camera button but not happy with them taking the ring silent switch away. That’s one big reason why I’m keeping my 14 PM. At some point, I’ll probably upgrade. Maybe to the 17 or 18.

I’m not against it either, I’m honestly just confused about what need this button answers. All the controls are on screen already, it’s pretty much the same number of steps and shortcuts to achieve the same things but more complicated. Who asked for this? What purpose does this serve? There’s also already a physical button for taking photos - the volume buttons. I genuinely want to understand why adding this button is good design. It makes no sense to me, like how they replaced the mute switch or if they had decided to add a physical QWERTY keyboard in addition to keeping the on screen keyboard.

 

[azhava]

I’m not against it either, I’m honestly just confused about what need this button answers. All the controls are on screen already, it’s pretty much the same number of steps and shortcuts to achieve the same things but more complicated. Who asked for this? What purpose does this serve? There’s also already a physical button for taking photos - the volume buttons. I genuinely want to understand why adding this button is good design. It makes no sense to me, like how they replaced the mute switch or if they had decided to add a physical QWERTY keyboard in addition to keeping the on screen keyboard.

The camera button will launch the camera app, let you pre-focus your shots, adjust zoom (and several other settings), and shoot photo or video, all from the same button without having to move your finger around or press/swipe menus on the screen. Neither the screen button or the volume buttons can do that.

It's also in a more intuitive place for a camera button to be, at least for anybody who has used actual cameras. Just personal opinion, but to me the on-screen button and controls are in an awkward position when I'm taking photos.

 

[PeteS1963]

I can see how I would find the new button useful. However, I sometimes have my phone mounted on a tripod, in which case the button will be covered and therefore useless 😕