iPhone XS Whats the proper way to import photos and videos from my iPhone to my iMac?

[Benz63amg]

Im running low on space on my iphone and its been a few years since i did an import of my photos and videos, what is the proper way to do it? Using the photos app or using the ImageCapture app on the mac? i want to ensure they are imported in full quality for obvious reasons.

 

[now i see it]

I try to avoid using any Apple software. But whatever you do, don't get involved with iTunes - you'll regret it later.

I use File Browser

FileBrowser - Document Manager by Stratospherix Ltd
https://apps.apple.com/us/app/filebrowser-document-manager/id364738545

 

[pika2000]

Im running low on space on my iphone and its been a few years since i did an import of my photos and videos, what is the proper way to do it? Using the photos app or using the ImageCapture app on the mac? i want to ensure they are imported in full quality for obvious reasons.

Both are fine, and will import full quality. The difference is that Photos app will import the photos into its internal library and it will auto organize them, while image capture will import your photos to a manually created folder where you can organize them manually.

If you have iCloud, the easiest is to just enable iCloud Photo Library. Your photos will be automatically synced to all your Apple devices via iCloud. Then enable optimize storage on your phone and iOS will automatically adjust the number of photos downloaded to your phone as needed so you can regain some storage space.

 

[Benz63amg]

Both are fine, and will import full quality. The difference is that Photos app will import the photos into its internal library and it will auto organize them, while image capture will import your photos to a manually created folder where you can organize them manually.

If you have iCloud, the easiest is to just enable iCloud Photo Library. Your photos will be automatically synced to all your Apple devices via iCloud. Then enable optimize storage on your phone and iOS will automatically adjust the number of photos downloaded to your phone as needed so you can regain some storage space.

Thanks, ill use ImageCapture then.

 

[now i see it]

I recommend not using iCloud Photo Library- ever. Or use it and find out why it's a loser

 

[pika2000]

I recommend not using iCloud Photo Library- ever. Or use it and find out why it's a loser

Funny. I was in that position, yet even when iCloud was still MobileME, the photo syncing actually works well. It even syncs RAW files from my DSLR. With optimized storage, I don’t even have to worry about storage space on my phone. Apple definitely did a great job here.

 

[mikzn]

Im running low on space on my iphone and its been a few years since i did an import of my photos and videos, what is the proper way to do it? Using the photos app or using the ImageCapture app on the mac? i want to ensure they are imported in full quality for obvious reasons.

My vote is for the Photos App

I use the Photos App to store the files and to transfer from the phone - you can select "Delete from Phone" to clear the Photos from the phone

And you can create albums that you can sync favorites back to your phone with iTunes if there are some you would like to keep available on the phone

Photos is great for storing, organizing and editing and also great for "backing up" the complete library of Photos - I have 20 years of digital photos all stored in the Photos app / library and backed up in 2 separate drives (about 50 gig)

I don't use iCloud for Photos - nothing against iCloud which I use for many other things - but I like to back up the photos library once a week to my 2 back up drives

Photos is easy to use and great for downloading pictures from my camera, 2 iPhones and iPad Pro

 

[bbednarz]

I recommend not using iCloud Photo Library- ever. Or use it and find out why it's a loser

Why not tell us why you hate it so much..

I myself have never had an issue with it and think it works quite well.

 

[virginblue4]

I recommend not using iCloud Photo Library- ever. Or use it and find out why it's a loser

Why is that? I use it with no problems whatsoever.

 

[BODYBUILDERPAUL]

Photos App. I LOVE IT and find it flawless. I make photo albums with photos, home video and even music videos and downloaded videos all which are relevant to the album. It then syncs well to my iPhone and with Apple Homesharing/Airplay works perfect on my Apple TV 4K.