iPhone 14 Pro Max will you shoot at 48 or 12 mega pixels?

[ITsamsamsam]

don't watch pro raw from your phone. watch them on mac or pc. If you look at a pro raw from the phone it looks the same as a heic but with more resolution: it is as if Apple applied post production effects to the display on the phone. Downloaded to mac the DNGs are very different and appear softer and without tons of post production effects than heics. If you open a DNG from your phone with Lightroom ... well try it. I did several tests and in my opinion it is not always true that 48> 12 48> 12 if you want (you have time to) process the file in post production: out of the box they are worse. In the evening 12> 48 (also here: try) In total darkness (stars) 48> 12

 

[blw777]

The DNGs downloaded to a Mac are indeed pretty raw. I generally don't care to do that much processing—Apple has applied a LOT of computational photography to the processed files. I'm a professional photographer so I have the resources to do this, but it's enough work that I'd only do it in special cases. Lightroom by itself doesn't match the Apple "cooking" especially in dark conditions. I'd need to pull out Topaz Denoise AI and possibly also Topaz Sharpen after that, in addition to regular Lightroom adjustments.

I pretty much turned off raw when I got the 12 Pro and I guess that was iOS 14. Previously with iOS 13 and iPhone 7, the preferred mode was shooting raw and processing later as I do with a Nikon DSLR or mirrorless. (As an aside, Nikon/Canon/Sony/Fuji: pay attention to what Apple's doing. Although they haven't gotten there yet, they're gonna eat your lunch pretty soon if you don't wake up. Probably Google is in there too.)

 

[Menneisyys2]

don't watch pro raw from your phone. watch them on mac or pc. If you look at a pro raw from the phone it looks the same as a heic but with more resolution: it is as if Apple applied post production effects to the display on the phone.

Definitely. On the phone, the JPEG (HEIC?) compressed placeholder is displayed, which is an oversharpened MESS with tons of additional compression artefacts compared to the "real thing".

Interestingly, when you do open these files in MacOS Preview, for a very short moment, these very placeholders are shown and only after that will you be shown the real RAW "behind". That's why some may wander why suddenly Preview's image becomes so "soft" and less "crispy".

 

[ITsamsamsam]

I think so: the pro raw must be processed heavily to make it excellent, so at the moment I would be to shoot mainly at 12 and leave some shots at 48 only for the photos for which I will have time and desire to process. What do you think about it? I also noticed that with only lightroom the "effects" of the processing carried out by Apple are not achieved

 

[F23]

12 MP HEIC from Apple Camera for everyday quick share and reminder photos that I don't plan to keep forever, 48 MP HEIC from Halide for most pictures I plan to keep, and 48 MP ProRAW+HEIC from Halide for photos of especially awesome scenes or moments.

48 MP HEIC from Halide are much quicker to take and much smaller than the 48 MP ProRAW photos from the Apple Camera app, but they look the same. The only time ProRAW would be preferable is if you plan to edit.

can you explain the 48 MP ProRAW + HEIC capture option? I have Halide too & have been searching for more explanation on this setting. It saves a JPG (HEIC) + RAW image to my camera roll, but it's the same size as a 48 MP HEIC.
if I edit the image, am I editing the ProRAW file?
if I don't edit the image, and I post it on socials, is it posting the HEIC file?
how do I choose which file gets exported from the camera roll to various platforms

 

[blw777]

Raw files are just that: raw. They're raw sensor data, a bag of bits. You need to "cook" them into some sort of image form to see the results. One form of that is JPG. The embedded preview file is some sort of cooked JPG or other visible format (png, etc). You need some processed version to see the results of the raw file, which is why it's created at capture time; once it's there, it's embedded in the file for future use. But that's only one way to process ("interpret") the raw bits into a viewable file. You could do it in other ways than chosen, which is what happens when you copy a raw file to a Mac and then do some processing, such as Photos or Lightroom.

Generally speaking, nothing actually edits and modifies a raw file these days. Usually the "edited" version is just that: a visible version created with some processing directions.

Usually Photos or whatever is working with a processed, viewable version, even if it has to create that on the fly. But if you export the file, you'll be asked if you want to export the processed version or the raw version.

 

[F23]

Raw files are just that: raw. They're raw sensor data, a bag of bits. You need to "cook" them into some sort of image form to see the results. One form of that is JPG. The embedded preview file is some sort of cooked JPG or other visible format (png, etc). You need some processed version to see the results of the raw file, which is why it's created at capture time; once it's there, it's embedded in the file for future use. But that's only one way to process ("interpret") the raw bits into a viewable file. You could do it in other ways than chosen, which is what happens when you copy a raw file to a Mac and then do some processing, such as Photos or Lightroom.

Generally speaking, nothing actually edits and modifies a raw file these days. Usually the "edited" version is just that: a visible version created with some processing directions.

Usually Photos or whatever is working with a processed, viewable version, even if it has to create that on the fly. But if you export the file, you'll be asked if you want to export the processed version or the raw version.

so for casual use & with no concern of storage size, would shooting all pics in the HEIC + ProRAW mode be ok?
that way it won't be necessary to edit every pic, but if needed, the RAW file would be available for editing.
instead of shooting most in HEIC, then switching to ProRAW for select shots, shooting all in HEIC + ProRAW would provide both benefits correct

 

[ITsamsamsam]

Raw files are just that: raw. They're raw sensor data, a bag of bits. You need to "cook" them into some sort of image form to see the results. One form of that is JPG. The embedded preview file is some sort of cooked JPG or other visible format (png, etc). You need some processed version to see the results of the raw file, which is why it's created at capture time; once it's there, it's embedded in the file for future use. But that's only one way to process ("interpret") the raw bits into a viewable file. You could do it in other ways than chosen, which is what happens when you copy a raw file to a Mac and then do some processing, such as Photos or Lightroom.

Generally speaking, nothing actually edits and modifies a raw file these days. Usually the "edited" version is just that: a visible version created with some processing directions.

Usually Photos or whatever is working with a processed, viewable version, even if it has to create that on the fly. But if you export the file, you'll be asked if you want to export the processed version or the raw version.

so do you recommend shooting mainly at 12 and "having Apple do it" and taking 48 photos that you will have the time and the desire to edit? From some amateur attempts I have noticed that it is rather difficult to modify a Pro raw and get a "nicer" result than the "Apple" 12 (although it is easy to get a "more natural" result)

 

[blw777]

so for casual use & with no concern of storage size, would shooting all pics in the HEIC + ProRAW mode be ok?
that way it won't be necessary to edit every pic, but if needed, the RAW file would be available for editing.
instead of shooting most in HEIC, then switching to ProRAW for select shots, shooting all in HEIC + ProRAW would provide both benefits correct

If you really don't care about storage size, RAW + some cooked format yields convenience as well as preserving all of the captured information. You have all of the options available. That's what I do for professional use.

However, for casual use, I think that the JPG files produced by iPhone 12 and later (for sure) are so good that I think it's pretty unlikely that casual use will ever need much editing that can't be done with a JPG. You can still edit a JPG, you just don't have all of the options (or obligations) that come with raw. HEIC is supposedly better than JPG, but that's not something I have a lot of experience with.

 

[gtg465x]

can you explain the 48 MP ProRAW + HEIC capture option? I have Halide too & have been searching for more explanation on this setting. It saves a JPG (HEIC) + RAW image to my camera roll, but it's the same size as a 48 MP HEIC.
if I edit the image, am I editing the ProRAW file?
if I don't edit the image, and I post it on socials, is it posting the HEIC file?
how do I choose which file gets exported from the camera roll to various platforms

Yeah, I noticed that yesterday and I’m no longer using that mode. There’s no way it’s saving a ProRAW based on the file size. Not sure if it’s a bug they’ll need to iron out or what. Haven’t gotten around to investigating.

 

[blw777]

so do you recommend shooting mainly at 12 and "having Apple do it" and taking 48 photos that you will have the time and the desire to edit? From some amateur attempts I have noticed that it is rather difficult to modify a Pro raw and get a "nicer" result than the "Apple" 12 (although it is easy to get a "more natural" result)

If your camera app of choice makes it easy to switch between 48mp and 12mp, I'd take that option. If you're taking a picture of your dinner selection to put in your journal, it's pretty much inconceivable that you'll be able to exploit the difference between 12mp and 48mp. (Your journal or instagram posting is likely to be used at around 2mp, so even 12mp is a major overkill.) I've made 24" x 36" prints at exhibition quality (literally art gallery exhibitions) from 12mp files, although I'll admit that pushing it that far gives you NO room for sloppy technique. OTOH 24" x 36" is a pretty darn big print. I don't sell many bigger than that.

My opinion is that the Apple computational processing is so good that it takes a pretty well informed and well equipped user to match, let alone exceed the Apple cooking.

 

[ITsamsamsam]

it is a pity that Apple does not allow 48 heic shooting with its computational photography

 

[michael31986]

I’m not going raw. So whatever the apple standard is

 

[Mac7]

Would you mind posting your shortcut?

Here’s one I found on Reddit. It’ll search the last 250 pictures in your camera roll and convert any DNGs into HEIF, then prompts if you want to delete the DNGs.

You can edit the shortcut to change the number of pictures it’ll convert.

Convert Image

 

[1096bimu]

Raw files are just that: raw. They're raw sensor data, a bag of bits. You need to "cook" them into some sort of image form to see the results. One form of that is JPG. The embedded preview file is some sort of cooked JPG or other visible format (png, etc). You need some processed version to see the results of the raw file, which is why it's created at capture time; once it's there, it's embedded in the file for future use. But that's only one way to process ("interpret") the raw bits into a viewable file. You could do it in other ways than chosen, which is what happens when you copy a raw file to a Mac and then do some processing, such as Photos or Lightroom.

Generally speaking, nothing actually edits and modifies a raw file these days. Usually the "edited" version is just that: a visible version created with some processing directions.

Usually Photos or whatever is working with a processed, viewable version, even if it has to create that on the fly. But if you export the file, you'll be asked if you want to export the processed version or the raw version.

that's only true for other cameras except for iPhone

The WHOLE POINT of ProRAW is that it is already "cooked" because otherwise the actual RAW from these small sensors won't come close to this level of quality.

 

[ctjack]

I see no reason to keep 50MB photos - it is not justified for me given that my mirrorless APS-C camera with 24MP shoots only strictly 24.9MB RAW photos with much more details. I think most photographer reviews agreed to shoot 12 MP for faster speeds.

 

[Fatus_Asticus]

Here’s one I found on Reddit. It’ll search the last 250 pictures in your camera roll and convert any DNGs into HEIF, then prompts if you want to delete the DNGs.

You can edit the shortcut to change the number of pictures it’ll convert.

Convert Image

Appreciate it. I could convert them one by one but for whatever reason I got an error when using "Select Photos" and having multiple. This works perfectly.

 

[Menneisyys2]

that's only true for other cameras except for iPhone

The WHOLE POINT of ProRAW is that it is already "cooked" because otherwise the actual RAW from these small sensors won't come close to this level of quality.

This. The actual RAW, which is only based on a single image, is a lot noisier, has far worse dynamic range etc.

When I have some time, I'll investigate them too. There STILL may be some advantages to shooting them (if they're at all available at the image processing pipeline), at least in some situations.

 

[Menneisyys2]

I see no reason to keep 50MB photos - it is not justified for me given that my mirrorless APS-C camera with 24MP shoots only strictly 24.9MB RAW photos with much more details. I think most photographer reviews agreed to shoot 12 MP for faster speeds.

To save space, just export them as HEIC unless you want to for example change the white balance. (Albeit I don't know how much ProRAW supports this - plain RAWs from other cameras certainly do.) There will be very little quality differences.

 

[ToddH]

the new 48 mega pixel sensor at full resolution takes much more detailed photos but is slower and each photo weighs an average of 50 mb against 2.5 of the 12 mega pixels. Will you be shooting mainly at 48 or 12? Under what circumstances will you prefer 48?

I shoot ProRAW 48mp all the time… but they are large files. I have the Gold 1TB model so plenty of storage. The Halide app will take photos in 48mp with ProRAW and jpeg! The JPEGs look great from the app.

Other apps will probably follow suit. The jpeg process is fast on Halide. Try it out. I just recommend it for the JPEGs in 48mp without using ProRAW.


ProCam 8 will also shoot jpeg files at 48mp

https://apps.apple.com/us/app/procam-8/id730712409

‎Halide Mark II - Pro Camera

‎**Please note: Halide is *not free*. We do offer a 7-day free trial for annual memberships. Don't like subscriptions? You can also buy the app outright with a single in-app purchase.** Halide is the Apple Design Award winning camera app with over 10,000 reviews! The most powerful camera for...

apps.apple.com

 

[F23]

I shoot ProRAW 48mp all the time… but they are large files. I have the Gold 1TB model so plenty of storage. The Halide app will take photos in 48mp with ProRAW and jpeg! The JPEGs look great from the app.

Other apps will probably follow suit. The jpeg process is fast on Halide. Try it out. I just recommend it for the JPEGs in 48mp without using ProRAW.


ProCam 8 will also shoot jpeg files at 48mp

https://apps.apple.com/us/app/procam-8/id730712409

‎Halide Mark II - Pro Camera

‎**Please note: Halide is *not free*. We do offer a 7-day free trial for annual memberships. Don't like subscriptions? You can also buy the app outright with a single in-app purchase.** Halide is the Apple Design Award winning camera app with over 10,000 reviews! The most powerful camera for...

apps.apple.com

how come the ProRAW + HEIC image shows the same file size MB as the 48 MP HEIC image? in the stock Photos app.

 

[Bobcat32]

Who cares about raw. Real world. Real people. Is the binned heif 12 MP better than the heif 48 MP or not? Kinda tired of hearing the words raw raw raw raw raw raw raw. Too little time to be editing stuff like some film director. Anyone have an answer? Let’s see some comparison images that haven’t been compressed because of the site please? Literally not a single good comparison has been done with the iPhone 14 yet. So annoying I’m annoyed

 

[ToddH]

how come the ProRAW + HEIC image shows the same file size MB as the 48 MP HEIC image? in the stock Photos app.

Are you talking about the Apple default camera or Halide? The default camera doesn’t shoot both, only ProRAW or jpeg. When jpeg is selected, it is always 12mp. In Halide, I only choose ProRAW. When you swipe up at the small line above the grid symbol, the red arrow I added is a button you touch to swap from raw (will be yellow) or jpeg, which will be white. Quickly swap between the two. Just leave it on ProRAW so you can easily swap to HEIF because I’m not sure how the HEIF + jpeg are separated. You see the jpeg file when the photo is taken along with the raw, but seeing them separate is unknown to me.

 

[ToddH]

Who cares about raw. Real world. Real people. Is the binned heif 12 MP better than the heif 48 MP or not? Kinda tired of hearing the words raw raw raw raw raw raw raw. Too little time to be editing stuff like some film director. Anyone have an answer? Let’s see some comparison images that haven’t been compressed because of the site please? Literally not a single good comparison has been done with the iPhone 14 yet. So annoying I’m annoyed

Do it yourself and compare… why ask us to do it if you already have the new iPhone. I don’t need to compare, I shoot RAW and I already have what I want from the iPhone camera, high resolution files!!! Why the hate for raw? Use it…. Improvise, overcome , & adapt.

 

[Bobcat32]

Do it yourself and compare… why ask us to do it if you already have the new iPhone. I don’t need to compare, I shoot RAW and I already have what I want from the iPhone camera, high resolution files!!! Why the hate for raw? Use it…. Improvise, overcome , & adapt.

I don’t have it. Obviously if I did I would be doing comparisons. It just amazes me how something like the iPhone 5 to the 5s there would be all these sites doing photo comparisons. But now that the iPhone has gone 12 to 48 and there are crickets all over the internet in relevance to photo comparisons. And instead it’s all this talk about pro raw. But I catch your drift dude sorry just am awake now hung over and Sunday wasted. Hahaha