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iPhone 18 Pro Could Gain DSLR Camera-Style Aperture Control
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Well, physics are physics. You don’t get to break some rules w.r.t. to light. Sure, software enhancements may get to a point where they are pretty darn close. But dedicated bodies, lenses, and lengths needed will always ensure the purpose built cameras have better starting stock for software to work on. So camera quality will likely always have the edge. (Possibly more likely a phone gets built into a camera body, actually)
Edited to clarifying
Physics is your friend here. Ever wonder why people have foot long lenses on their cameras?
I think that's their point. The title of this article says "DSLR Camera." It would make more sense to say mirrorless if they want to specify a camera type or like you said don't mention the camera type at all. Maybe just "professional camera" or something.
also I wonder if this is more for video? or maybe the rumors are getting a bit mixed and they are merely getting wind of a pro camera app where you can change every setting?
In less than 4 years, there will be no phones — only glasses.
And that phase will be short, until everyone carries an AI-powered neural retinal implant — something my company has been developing for years.
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IMO the main application here is for filmmakers/content creators, who like to use a certain shutter speed (1/48 or 180º specifically) and may not want to use NDs (which are a pain and affect image quality).
That said, an electronic variable ND would be the ideal solution, a la Sony Burano or Fuji Eterna.
That said, an electronic variable ND would be the ideal solution, a la Sony Burano or Fuji Eterna.
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It is more for video. The camera already has a 1.7 aperture for DOF. With video you want normal motion blur. On sunny days you can’t get that when the camera is selecting a shutter speed of 500 and in some cases way more that. In the Blackmagic camera app you can see it select shutter speeds over 2000 at times if you have it on full auto.
The variable aperture would allow you to stop down say to f16 and keep the shutter steed at 60 or 120. Right now the only option is to use an ND filter.
Can it be done? IDK. I’d like to see a VND filter instead. Seem that may be more realistic.
Damn I really wonder if this will be useful or it’s a joke because since the sensor of the iPhone is so small… you won’t probably see something at f8
Apple intends to equip next year's iPhone 18 Pro models with a variable aperture lens, according to a Chinese leaker with information allegedly sourced from Apple's supply chain.
According to the Weibo account Digital Chat Station, the main rear camera – what Apple calls the 48-megapixel Fusion camera – on both iPhone 18 Pro models will offer variable aperture, which would be a first for the iPhone. The leaker also claims that the devices' main and telephoto lenses will feature a larger aperture.
A variable-aperture system physically adjusts the lens opening, letting more light in for low-light shots or narrowing the opening for brighter scenes and deeper depth of field.
The main cameras on the iPhone 15 Pro, 16 Pro, and 17 Pro all use a fixed ƒ/1.78 aperture, where the lens is permanently set to its widest setting. With a variable lens, the iPhone 18 Pro would allow users to manually shift the aperture, similar to on a DSLR camera. This would mean more control over depth of field, enabling sharper focus on subjects or smoother background blur.
It isn't the first time we've heard rumors of Apple planning to bring variable aperture to the iPhone. Industry analyst Ming-Chi Kuo said in November 2024 that Apple's iPhone 18 Pro models will get the feature.
Variable aperture was rumored for at least one iPhone 17 model, but it failed to materialize. iPhone 18 Pro models are expected to launch in September 2026.
Digital Chat Station has a decent track record for Apple rumors. They accurately revealed that the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus would feature a slightly smaller 48-megapixel sensor than the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max, as well as the display panel design of the iPhone 12 back in 2020.
Article Link: iPhone 18 Pro Could Gain DSLR Camera-Style Aperture Control
Hopefully they remove that terrible dynamic island or make it much smaller. Still holding onto the 13 PM, I'll take the notch all day. My gf got the 17 PM and can't stand the dynamic island on it. If I were to upgrade now it would be to the regular Pro, and the dynamic island is even worse on it because they're the same size on both phones. 18 Pro or the fold might be a worthy upgrade.
Honest question, I thought the first gen SE (no bump) had the same camera as the 6S (with bump)?
Or did I remember it incorrectly? 🤔
You remember correctly! My venerable iPhone SE 2016 1st generation — sitting right next to me getting charged — has NO bump.
The camera lens sits *within* the phone. The back is absolutely smooth where the camera is. No protrusion at all.
So, the original blunt, categorical claim that the 5S was the last phone without a bump is flat out wrong!
By the way, the iPhone SE also takes wonderful photos indoors and outdoors, has fine reception, and fits great in the hand and in one's pocket. It's the phone that 's always in my front pants pocket and always goes with me.
Small pocketable phones are a real treat. It’s helped me understand why the iPhone 13 mini has such a devoted following!
😂🤣😂🤣😂🤣 With the tiny sensor? DoF difference would be negligible as everything will be in focus regardless. Only if you shoot macro, you might notice. The only real benefit is you can get sharper, better focus by choosing the sweet spot aperture. It's usually 2-3 stop from max, depending upon the lens. My cheapo 50mm f1.8 razor sharp at f4, but meh at f1.8.
And even in that case the use would be limited anyway because with the small sensors in a phone there are not a lot of occasions when you can afford to loose 2 stops of light.
Better cameras always good. However Apple needs to make an Aluninum titanium alloy that is stronger and more heat divertive than the 17. Lets be honest while this grade of aluminum is pretty bend proof it’s not what you want when your iPhone drops as it will nick and fray Also an alloy that can be anodized better so the paint doesn’t chip on the plateau
Enough said. Apple knows what it has to do
Enough said. Apple knows what it has to do
The very reason why I still bought the 1st gen SE even migrated to the 6S from 5S on launch day.