Apple iPhone 6 Plus camera review

did you ask your daughter if she even wanted to carry another camera for situations that her iphone 6 cannot handle? that would be a better way to justify its purchase.

as for your disappointment with a phone review in a mobile photography website that doesn't mention p&s cameras, no one can help you with that.

Jan 9, 2015permalink

Cathy2015

Hi, I am planning a trip on January 12th and I don't know what I should use as a camera for the trip: my good old Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ5 or my new iPhone 6 plus. Even though the iPhone 6 plus is much newer, it seems to me that the good old Lumix is still a better camera.

What would you use as your camera for great pictyres if you were me: the iPhone 6 plus or the Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ5?

I really have no clue about cameras and I have no idea what all the spec mean :(

I'd appreciate some opinions (please).

Thanks,

Cathy

Jan 1, 2015permalink

FrankS009

I don't seen anyone having replied to your post. I don't use my cell phone camera virtually at all, but I used to own a TZ5 until it was stolen. I am not sure how the purely technical comparisons might be between the two, but the Panasonic does have a dedicated shutter button, and I like the photos that I took with mine a lot before I moved to a Panasonic Micro-4/3rds camera after the theft. My suggestion might be to take both on your trip, and have both handy. See which one feels more comfortable for you in hand for picture taking. A camera that you feel comfortable with is more likely to take better photos apart from technical differences

Jan 6, 2015permalink

cathy - what kind of trip are you taking? what did you end up using for your trip?

Jan 11, 2015permalink

FrankS009

It was your trip I was referring to. But for my trips , I use my phone for phoning and my small micro four-thirds camera (Panasonic GM5 or my old Panasonic GF1 with a 20mm pancake lens) for picture taking. Thy give excellent image quality - for all practical purposes as good as the big heavy Canons and Nikons and they also fit in a jacket pocket. Your TZ5 is even smaller. A very good point and shoot camera.

You asked about the kinds of trips I take - a trip to the east coast by train, by car exploring the Canadian mid -north and Michigan's UP, by bus where trains and airlines don't go.

Enjoy yours!

Jan 11, 2015*permalink

F - you're not responding to Cathy, she didn't ask you any of those questions.

Jan 11, 2015permalink

FrankS009

Yes, I was responding to you, thinking I was responding to Cathy.

Jan 11, 2015permalink

astrix21

Are there any sample shots for an outdoor flash photo in low/no light conditions? I am getting really poor results. Either the subject is washed out or flash is barely noticeable. What is the usable flash range (distance) ?

Dec 30, 2014permalink

psychok9

I think from a smartphone that costs also twice the competitors we should expect more (840-949€! We can buy a DSLR with this price).
8mpx sensor can't get enough details versus last and more modern 20mpx sensors.
A comparison versus the last Sony Xperia Z3 (480-495€) and Samsung Galaxy Note 4 should be interesting!
Then the final score and verdict seems a bit 'too' good.

Dec 26, 2014*permalink

serecordas

The iPhone 6/6+ doesn't have a two stage shutter button, but you can lock exposure and focus by touching the area of the screen to be focused for three seconds. Aside from a 1960's era Hasselblad, the iPhone 6+ is the best camera I've ever owned.

Nov 22, 2014permalink

Mister Roboto

S5 smokes the competition, I wonder why the score is high when the photo quality is next to horrible.

Nov 22, 2014permalink

Mister Roboto

Oil-paint plus version 6.0 =D

Nov 22, 2014permalink

No 4K. 1080p looks like garbage on 1080p monitors. 4K would be so much nicer. Maybe on iPhone 7?

Nov 9, 2014permalink

ExNewt

For those who want it, Camera+ app (mentioned in review) now can save as uncompressed TIFF.

Oct 30, 2014permalink

nebulaoperator

Well done Apple. HTC M7 user.

Oct 24, 2014permalink

Vladik

I switched from Lumia 1520, which I bought because of the camera to iphone 6 and I can safely say that the camera is way better, in all aspects of shooting. First of all the focusing, it's day and night, color and clarity. 1520 which supposed to have the tops quality cam, only took decent pictures during perfect conditions and focusing was slow as molasses. I would take a good 8mp cam over 20 any day, especially on a phone. Sick of MP race!

Oct 23, 2014permalink

Did you shoot DNG with the Nokia Lumia 1520?

And if you did, what raw extraction program did you use.

The appeal of the 1520 is not simply based on more MPs.

Oct 25, 2014permalink

robmanueb

Buys camera phone
Shoots RAW?

Oct 26, 2014*permalink

robmanueb:

Why not, raw be an option with some Nokias, and the Lumia 1520 has a card slot?

Anyhow the OP was making image quality claims about the 1520, but wasn't clear if he/she had taken full advantage of what the 1520's camera can do.

"I like the jpegs from the iPhone 6 more than the jpegs from the Lumia 1520".

Is a very different statement than, "the iPhone 6 has a better camera than the Lumia 1520."

Oct 26, 2014permalink

Vladik

HowaboutRAW, I didn't shoot raw on my phone, but I always do on my SLRs. Phone in my opinion should be a tool that you can use quickly and efficiently. I expect that phone should have good JPG engine, well, good enough. I dont expect stellar performance on phone cams.

Apr 22, 2015permalink

Apple users think that there are no benefits of 4K video because everyone still uses 1080p monitors. This in a nutshell is the mentality of die hard Apple users today. They can see things like how 4K looks significantly better on their 1080p monitors, but they try to erase from their minds what they've seen, and never research things like why 4K video significantly looks better on 1080p monitors.

Oct 23, 2014permalink

Unique1O1

hey dude, FYI iphone 5s,6 and 6+ can take 4k video at 24 FPS using other apps in the appstore.
We apple users are not dumb for not understanding the quality of 4k videos. The only reason we think its not useful, is because most of the people in this planet has not 4K TV. So its not that much use full. But in the future it will be.

Oct 23, 2014permalink

Lenscraft

Replace "Apple users" with any racial or religious description and you've got a pretty bigoted statement right there.

Oct 23, 2014permalink

"Apple users" dont believe in 4K anymore they pray for 5K from now on...4K is underoid only anymore:)

Oct 23, 2014permalink

RoJack725

It's not Apple users that don't believe in the benefits of 4K, it's Apple engineers that want to strike a good sensor size/price performance. Apple users would love 4K ability, as many now love the larger screen sizes available.

Oct 23, 2014permalink

David 247

"Apple users think that there are no benefits of 4K video..."
Now that has to be one of the dumbest statements I've seen recently. Just because the iPhone 6 doesn't support it (yet) doesn't mean many of us don't appreciate the value. But I for one would rather make sure the implementation of 4k is of good quality then have it just for "show" or bragging and marketing points. After all the newest iMac 5K supports 5K and more, just fine. Many Apple users also utilize higher quality cameras that do shoot high quality 4K. Clearly you know nothing about apple users or the broad spectrum of creative and professional interests many of us have. 4K in cell phone is not a priority for me, but if they add it in the future, I expect it to be of a very good quality, not just for show. And yes, I do use other brands when they are the best tool for the job. This is a phone with camera. Good enough to use in a pinch but not a primary tool for the majority of photo or video work.

Oct 24, 2014permalink

David 247, so you are saying just because iPhone does not do 4K you are making the assumption that it can't be done right. I guess you haven't seen 4K footage from the Galaxy Note 4 (it blows even the Note 3's 4K footage out of the water). The noise performance, dynamic range, of the new sensor with the OIS looks as good as 4K footage from a Panasonic GH4 with a really sharp edge-to-edge lens. So you think it's not useful and the specs are for just bragging rights? I guess you would have to know how highly regarded the Panasonic GH4 is in the videography world to understand what I'm talking about...

Then you go on to say you don't need it on a mobile device. Those sounds like excuses to me.

Oct 25, 2014permalink

David 247

Michael Ma. I have made no assumptions about 4k not being possible. Those are your words and interpretations. The Galaxy Note 4 is a very good phone for those whose needs it meets. It does not meet mine. I am very familiar with the Panasonic GH4 and how it is regarded. I only stated my thoughts and opinion. No excuses. If the Galaxy Note 4 meets your needs, that is great. You should get one if you haven't already. But there are many different phones on the market because there are many different needs for different people. You sound like you are trying to justify your decisions. Enjoy what you have and may whatever it is serve you well. I am quite content with what I have. This isn't a competition. It is personal choice.

Oct 25, 2014permalink

vFunct

Correct.

Nobody cares about 4k.

It does not matter.

Oct 26, 2014permalink

"Replace "Apple users" with any racial or religious description and you've got a pretty bigoted statement right there."

Absolutely wrong WRT race. You are born to be a race - it's not your decision and you can't change it. (Not even Michael Jackson could.) Being a blind Apple fanboy is a _decision_ (and ignoring facts or just thriving for oversimplification).

Nov 9, 2014permalink

"It's not Apple users that don't believe in the benefits of 4K, it's Apple engineers that want to strike a good sensor size/price performance."

Other manufacturers have been able to do it for over a year, starting with the Note3. Apple haven't. No matter the reason (Apple want to iPhone6(+) owners upgrade to next year's 6s, with probably 4K? They just thought their customers, most of them, to put it mildly, being technically not very well versed, don't need 4K) - they _could_ have done it if they wanted to.

Nov 9, 2014permalink

Lenscraft, do you usually replace other people's neutral words with "racial or religious description" and criticize them for it? Sounds like a terrible thing to do. Why not just replace their entire sentences with quotes from another crazy person and judge them on things they never said. Which is what you are already doing.

Nov 9, 2014permalink

iPhone 6/6+ 's 3K output via MoviePro app is at higher bitrates than any other 4K Android phone out there; it beats any Android phone 4K video quality by a good margin; it's not even close. Even scaled down to 1080p, there is a significant & noticeable difference. (Do a search)

Nov 21, 2014permalink

Under The Sun

"Apple users think that there are no benefits of 4K video because everyone still uses 1080p monitors." Sweeping generalisation, logical fallacy spotting a mile away. If you want to get a rise out of Apple users, I suggest you try harder.

Jan 2, 2015permalink

I quit Apple around iPhone 3, as repeated jail breaking after every update was getting to be too much effort.

So I had not seen any iPhone pictures until this dpreview email arrived.

All I can think of is: They couldn't get the antenna to work without making it this ugly?

Maybe they should try Bamboo. I'm no Moto fan and I don't have one, but their designs have gone from ugly to great.

I guess that's just how stuff changes, like the shoreline and the sea.

Oct 23, 2014permalink

fatdeeman

"The new AF system keeps even fast moving subjects in focus. "

Hmm or maybe it's the depth of field and the fact that every square inch of that photo is in focus.

Oct 22, 2014permalink

Watch starting from 7:00 http://vimeo.com/106385065

Oct 23, 2014permalink

fatdeeman

What's your point? That shows it focused on the stone and then it refocuses on the static background, what's that got to do with tracking a subject? All it tells you is that it refocuses quickly.

Oct 23, 2014permalink

Thats the point

Oct 23, 2014permalink

Mister Roboto

I agree, with microscopic sensor, everything will be in focus because of the DOF not because of the focusing system.

Nov 22, 2014permalink

edee1337

If you're looking for more control over your camera's settings, check out ProShot: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/proshot/id924438909

Auto, P, M, C1, C2 modes on your phone! Haven't seen that in any app before

Oct 22, 2014permalink

David 247

Thanks for sharing that. Will check it out.

Oct 24, 2014permalink

(unknown member)

That's nice. I'd get the iPhone just for that.

Oct 25, 2014permalink

Amazing performance especially in low light. I think 8MP might be the break even point for daytime resolutions and low-light performance. Some phones have high resolution image in daylight but the low-light performance are laughable because of the super tiny cells.

Oct 22, 2014permalink

Silvarum

And some have high resolution image in daylight and very good low-light performance at the same time because of the super tiny cells.
Really, pixel size has little to do with low light performance, it is sensor size that makes difference.

Oct 22, 2014permalink

Some phones combine multiple cells into one for better low light performance automatically, others, you just have to manually select a lower resolution when it gets dark.

Oct 23, 2014permalink

biggercountry

Cons I don't think are really worth mentioning as cons:

• File export to computer can be cumbersome
- Not really the intended purpose of this camera. But I personally don't find automatic uploads to iCloud via Photo Stream and back to iPhoto on my computer cumbersome. Quite the opposite.

• No dedicated shutter button
- The volume up button, while not "dedicated" in the strictest sense of the word, may as well be, since in the camera app it will do nothing else. Some apps don't support this functionality, but I do all my photo taking from the camera app and post process later in other apps.

• Low-resolution front camera
- Again, the intended purpose of this camera doesn't require significant resolution.

• No 4K video
- This is not currently deal breaker to most consumers, with 4K TV and display penetration being quite low still. However, in the future it obviously will be. I still consider this a "fringe benefit" feature to the average smartphone consumer.

Oct 22, 2014permalink

Jogger

"• No dedicated shutter button"
What they mean is a two-stage shutter button, for AF/exposure and shutter release. Even my $50 Nokia 620 has a two-stage shutter button.

Oct 22, 2014permalink

"Intended purpose" is determined by the user.
Given the popularity of the derided 'selfies', some manufacturers started installing high resolution cameras front and back.

So yeah, for some people, that's going to be a contra.

Oct 23, 2014permalink

biggercountry:

On a Windows computer it's easy enough to use the free SynciOS to move files to and from the iOS device.

The Windows computer will simply see the iOS device as something like an external hard drive. No need for iTunes at all.

Oct 25, 2014permalink

No thank you. I have an NEX-6 that would just smoke this thing (and via Wi-Fi can still share quickly), and if I needed something really small I could always get an RX100. These sorts of cameras remind me of the junky Polaroid SX-70 candy cameras of yesteryear, I didn't care for those either.

Oct 22, 2014*permalink

The best camera is always the one with you.

Oct 22, 2014permalink

Jogger

I have my RX100 with me all the time. Thanks.

Oct 22, 2014permalink

(Jogger) Thank you. That is what REAL photographers do--they always have some sort of REAL camera with them, and by "real" camera I don't mean the 2014 equivalent of a Polaroid SX-70 or Kodak Instamatic. I mean a REAL camera, the 2014 equivalent of a Pentax K1000 and 50mm prime or the 35mm rangerfinders of yore.

It's pathetic that people whine about having to "lug" a camera around, when we have cameras like the RX100. If you fancy yourself a photographer, you DO it, no whining, period, especially with models like the RX100 available. I can see the "selfie" crowd using a smartphone for taking photos of their coffee-sipping and club-hopping exploits, but real photographers using one for their artistic exploits--give me a break.

Oct 22, 2014permalink

Well, I take my X-E1 with me almost everywhere. It doesn't weigh much and it produces significantly better images than even my Nokia 808 (which is also always with me). (And it also has better IQ than the RX100 series.)

Oct 22, 2014permalink

PazinBoise

Real photographers understand lighting and composition and can use what ever tools are available. Plenty of "real" photographers that capture very good images on smart phones. The iPhone 6+ isn't on the same level as full featured enthusiast camera like the NEX-6 of RX100 but that doesn't mean it is inferior and something to be scoffed at.

The camera on the iPhone 6+ is intended to be an all around camera that does many things well and is easy to use that just happens to be attached to your phone. Just because you carry around a dedicated camera with you all the time (which I do as well) doesn't mean the iPhone's camera is crap.

Oct 22, 2014permalink

Real photographer s know lighting & such of course, but they ALSO use a camera commensurate with their aspirations. Just like people who aspire to be something of a golf enthusiast don't use broomsticks on the golf course, or people who have baseball aspirations try to get a quality bat and baseball glove etc even though they COULD just use a stick, the same goes here.

Oct 23, 2014permalink

Chris Margaritis

How snooty, "Real photographers" are pros who use cameras at work, not at leisure. People no longer shell out $500 for cameras when a smartphone will do (and do lots more). If you hadn't noticed, smartphones have completely disrupted the consumer camera market, so real world has a different opinion on this. There have been some amazing photos captured on smartphones by savvy creative users. That phonecams are getting so good speaks highly of the technology and convergence. Those who ridicule Polaroid, the camera went from the hands of few to the many, who cherish their candids. Prices dropped, and though some selfies and such are corny, people's lives are interesting, creative and worth the easy access. Even studios are venturing away from traditional poses and lighting. People LOVE candids because they reflect real life. I HAVE to carry my phone everywhere, can't always take my camera. So, I use my phonecam a lot, and my DSLR when I can. Guess which images outnumber which on my PC.

Oct 23, 2014permalink

IcyPepsi

So you are ok to pay a few grands to a pro photographer who comes into your wedding with an iPhone , because he'll have it with him always. And since he's a pro he can use even the iphone to capture your memorable events with equal output and probably print a 20x30 inch with it. Oh, and needless too say, it's ok if it will not allow him to use his studio flashes, soft boxes, gels for white balance correction, etc. , because he's skilled enough to work with the "tool" he has. The iphone has everything built in and uses an auto mode anyway!

After all, it's skill alone that got humans to the moon. Who needs hardware? Right?

And Canon is unable to sell their full frames anymore because Apple started putting cameras on their phones!

Oct 23, 2014permalink

Serenity Now

God I hate that "real photographer" BS. Tiresome rubbish. Pazin is absolutely correct. I've seen beautifully composed evocative and emotional photos taken with a phone and I've seen pretentious rubbish taken with so called pro cameras. Who doesn't love a beautiful camera or piece of gear?That doesn't mean a camera like the one reviewed isn't great. I love my iPhone camera just like I love my hi end gear.

Oct 23, 2014permalink

jxh

These arguments are a bit absurd. There are lots of types of photography, certainly a studio shot is different from a candid shot. A few years back, while trying to switch lenses on a DSLR during a raging snowstorm, I realized I needed something else for many of the conditions I was facing and picked up a waterproof point an shoot (horrors!).

But the truth is, for many of my types of photo opportunities which last only moments, the P&S has the shot before the DSLR would even be out of the case.

And for candid street shooting, a smartphone attracts way less attention than a professional rig.

Oct 23, 2014permalink

I agree with IcyPepsi. No phone can replace an SLR or mirrorless etc for people who actually CARE. Show up for my daughter's wedding using a smartphone as a camera while calling yourself a professional and I will personally throw you out on your butt.

Yes smartphones have replaced the Powershots and Cybershots of the world, yes, but we're talking about Polaroid and Instamatic types for the masses who think Spaghettios is the same thing as real spaghetti served in a bistro. That's fine if that's all you want, but enthusiasts are supposed to strive for excellence.

In fact, I think pro photography should be licensed & usage of a real camera should be one of the stipulations for being able to practice your craft professionally. Use a phone--license revoked. I'm totally serious.

Oct 23, 2014permalink

PazinBoise

The issue here is the the original comment comes off as very snooty and elitist. No one is saying that smart phone cameras will replace dedicated enthusiast/professional gear but calling good smart phone cameras, like the iPhone 6+'s, junky is unfair.

No one expects a wedding pro wedding photog to show up using an iPhone but guess what, if that pro knows what they are doing there may be times where they are able to capture some excellent 1080/60p simply because they have their iPhone on them. They may not have time to switch their cameras set up form stills to video or get the videographer to come over for a shot and in order not to miss the moment they need to work with what they have.

Oct 23, 2014*permalink

Tell me again how real pros use real cameras when you have an entire channel with a majority of shots using gopros.

Oct 24, 2014permalink

Larry, geez, you come off as a little angry that anyone would be interested in an iPhone camera. The gist of your argument is that the right equipment makes you a "real photographer". I'm a "real photographer", a retired photojournalist, and I still use my DSLR kit, but mostly I use my iPhone camera. I am interested in updating to the iPhone 6 Plus, mainly on the recommendation of a friend and former colleague. He is a "real photographer" too. One of the founding members of a top international photo agency, he has done assignments all over the world for National Geographic, Time, and other major publications. He has a truckload of pro gear that most of us could only dream about. But he loves his iPhone plus. He also has a book out of B&W photos shot exclusively with a Holga! So, you see, there are all kinds of "real photographers" out there who use a variety of tools in their art and craft. If the iPhone isn't for you, that's fine. Don't denigrate those of us that like it.

Oct 24, 2014permalink

One may say it's "apples and oranges," but I don't see a legion of golfers practicing their craft with broomsticks, or even "laymen" grade golf clubs. They want the BEST for what they do, because in being the best you not only have to have the best skill, but it's only natural to want the best equipment as your toolkit.

The same goes with basketball players and the shoes they wear, baseball players and what sorts of bats and gloves they purchase, cyclists and the bicycles they acquire, and you sure as heck don't see someone participating on the racetrack using a "stock" Toyota Prius.

The same goes here. You want to call yourself the best, USE the best tool available for the job. OK, I can understand not toting a 4x6 view camera everywhere, or using a Nikon D3300 instead of a D4s, or heck, using an RX100 instead of an A7, but come on, you've got to draw the line somewhere.

Oct 24, 2014permalink

Funny, I see a legion of photographers at the Chicago Sun Times using iphones, they even fired their pulitzer prize winning photographer. When most of your "pro" images are displayed on screens and not printed, the importance of a full blown DSLR goes away to a large degree.

Oct 25, 2014permalink

"but come on, you've got to draw the line somewhere." Um, yes, but different people may draw the line at different places. Different people have different needs. An artist who builds a pinhole camera and exhibits photographs from it is not less of an artist - or photographer - that someone who shoots with a medium format digital. Different interests, different needs. You are comfortable carrying your gear and that's fine. That's your thing. For certain situations, certain subject matter, I like shooting with my iPhone.

Oct 25, 2014permalink

Yes, different people draw the line at different places. That's because some people clearly have no sense of taste. You can say you like Kool-Aid better than real grape juice--you have that right, but I still say it's poor taste. Someone calling themselves a "photographer" but using a fruit phone's camera by choice--same thing, as is a newspaper firing photographers who actually know what they're doing, not that it would be the first time a business took the cheap way out & excellence suffered because of it.

Like I said, if it were up to me--it isn't, but regardless--professional photography would be a licensed endeavor, just like being a doctor or attorney is. It would be REQUIRED by the licensing committee that you NEVER use a camera phone for any shoots. Break this requirement--wham, your license to practice pro photography is revoked. Pro photography is supposed to be a totally separate world from the world of teeny-boppers taking selfies with a Polaroid-quality toy. Please.

Oct 26, 2014*permalink

PazinBoise

The thing with pro athletes is they are usually sponsored by the company whose gear they use. Most are paid to use the equipment they have and the one who aren't usually get it for free anyways. At the highest levels of golf and basketball equipment makes a difference but skill still trumps the gear used any day of the week.

Even if professional photography was a licensed endeavor the license would have to issued based on skill alone that way anyone card caring pro could be relied upon to capture usable shots with whatever equipment is provided or available.

Oct 27, 2014permalink

Okay Larry, I'll give it one more try. I was responding to your comments that "real photographers" carry "real cameras" with them at all times and that iPhones are not appropriate for "real photographers'. Bunk! I gave you examples of real photographers who happen to like iPhones. Now you and IcyPepsi are in a snit because you're afraid pro photogs will get rid of their pro gear and use only iPhones. Where do you get that notion? Are iPhones being marketed as pro gear? I'm a pro AND a "real photographer" and I use my iPhone all the time. When appropriate I get out my DSLR. I don't brag about my gear, nor do I worry what gear other photographers use. And I don't define other photographers by what gear they use. In the end it's your body of work, your portfolio, that defines you. I'm comfortable with that. And you?

Oct 28, 2014permalink

Here's another pro that loves the iPhone 6 Plus: https://since1968.exposure.co/the-iphone-6-plus-is-the-new-leica-m3?more=true

Nov 2, 2014permalink

If you use a "fruit phone" as a deliberate choice for ANYTHING, then right there, automatically, by my definition,-you are not a professional photographer, REGARDLESS of your portfolio. Those are the actions of a con artist, or at least someone with no taste. What's so hard about "lugging" around something like a Sony RX100. What kind of an attitude is that, are you kidding me? Anyone with any sense of decency and even the most remote amount of a work ethic has to be laughing hysterically at that notion.

I'm not even a pro, yet I have the decency and the taste to carry at least a Nikon 1-series EVERYWHERE I GO. I would sooner jump in an active volcano before Ieft the house without a camera in tow. It's not hard, and I'm not lazy like that, acting like doing such is just SUCH a hardship. Come on.

Nov 3, 2014*permalink

"If you use a "fruit phone" as a deliberate choice for ANYTHING" - anything? What about making phone calls? Nikon 1? That's not a real camera and you're not a real photographer. Have you no decency? Are you too lazy to carry a REAL camera?

Nov 10, 2014permalink

"Anything" meaning that use use its built-in camera when real cameras are readily at your disposal. "Real camera" is defined as being a camera that doesn't mutate or moonlight as a platform for playing Angry Birds. By that definition, a Nikon 1 is definitely a real camera. (Then again, so is a Coolpix, so that definition could probably use more refining.)

Nov 14, 2014permalink

Serious photographers use iPhones for serious work, and I'm not talking about wedding or commercial pros. And, I can shoot a photo and post it to Facebook in a matter of minutes. I can shoot a photo of my granddaughter and send it in a message to family members in a matter of minutes. For a miniature pocket camera it is quite good. For serious work I have my DSLR kit. I enjoy my iPhone camera, like hundreds of thousands of people worldwide, and I'm anxious to upgrade to the iPhone 6. It's real. Get over it.

Nov 16, 2014permalink

My opinion is real photographers would NEVER use their fruit-phone camera. That's my opinion, and it's not changing. Get over THAT

Nov 19, 2014permalink

https://www.yahoo.com/tech/27-stunning-iphone-photos-taken-c1416002518899.html

Your opinion is wrong. You are entitled to your opinion, but you are dead wrong. Period.

"The iPhone has become something of a darling among professional photographers — inspiring competitive photography contests, photos of candid moments from within the White House, and praise from even the globetrotting photographers of National Geographic.

"And when it comes to accomplished photographers, David Hume Kennerly ranks pretty high. The photojournalist has captured the Vietnam War, the “Fight of the Century” between Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier, and Gerald Ford’s presidency. He had already won a Pulitzer Prize for his work before he turned 30.

"Given those credentials, you might be surprised to hear that Kennerly’s latest work is a book dedicated to the art of the iPhone photo."

Nov 20, 2014permalink

"My opinion is real photographers would NEVER use their fruit-phone camera" -
https://yourlogicalfallacyis.com/no-true-scotsman

Nov 21, 2014permalink

Under The Sun

In the beginning I was with Larry with his "real photographers use real cameras" argument but Fotofantom convinced me otherwise.

Jan 2, 2015permalink

armanius

What about distortion? My iPhone 5 has horrible distortion at the top and bottom of the frame (in portrait mode).

Oct 22, 2014permalink

did not notice and distortion but there are plenty of images in the review for you to check yourself. DxO only measured negligible distortion in their studio testing: http://connect.dpreview.com/post/6303555427/apple-iphone-6-plus-camera-review?page=8

Oct 22, 2014permalink

"My iPhone 5 has horrible distortion at the top and bottom of the frame (in portrait mode)."

May be a defective unit? The iPhone 5 has quite a decent lens. Actually, it's significantly sharper than the 5s in the corners.

Oct 22, 2014permalink

Clean your lens.

Oct 24, 2014permalink

armanius

Thanks for the responses. The sharpness is there even in the edges on my iPhone 5. But people's head balloon in size!

Oct 25, 2014permalink

Fredy Ross

I guess I will stick with galaxy note. Very convenient to have a stylus.

Oct 22, 2014permalink

WaltFrench

Yes, very important in shooting pictures. Highly relevant to DPR readers.

Oct 23, 2014permalink

Fredy Ross

No stylus?

Oct 22, 2014permalink

no stylus and I doubt we will see one on an iPhone anytime soon.

Oct 22, 2014permalink

MacDaddy100

Honestly, a stylus on a smartphone is a limited niche that maybe 1 in 50 even care about, if that many.

Oct 22, 2014permalink

"no stylus and I doubt we will see one on an iPhone anytime soon."

And what is worse, the iPad is also unlikely to receive it either - unless there indeed is an iPad Pro in work. Nevertheless, if the latter is ever released, it's bound to be significantly more expensive, pretty much in the realm of a proper all-in-one Surface Pro 3. Then, noone (apart from some blind Apple fanbois) will get the iPad Pro for its stylus.

Oct 22, 2014permalink

"Honestly, a stylus on a smartphone is a limited niche that maybe 1 in 50 even care about, if that many."

On a small (conventional PDA / smartphone) screen, maybe. Nevertheless, the Note screens are pretty large, which means pens can not only be used for jotting down some words, but also for decent drawing, controlling multitasking etc. And it's all pixel perfect - unlike anything available for capacitive screens like those of iDevices.

Oct 22, 2014permalink

You can use a stylus with any of the iOS devices.

Oct 22, 2014permalink

Fredy Ross

but where do you put it when not in use?

Oct 22, 2014permalink

"You can use a stylus with any of the iOS devices."

A capacitive (read: crappy, unexact, obscuring the screen, awkward), yes. Hell, they're even worse than resistive styli of the pre-iPhone times and in no way comparable to the Wacom / nTrig pens of the Note 4 / Surface Pro 3 etc.

In a word: no sane people would want to use capacitive pens with any iDevices for extended lengths of time. They're THAT bad.

Oct 22, 2014permalink

Some people think that when you have a stylus, you have to use it ALL THE TIME instead of your finger. I think that's why some people have such a hard time understanding it's purpose. For 20 seconds out of your 3 hours you spend a day with your stylus, a stylus is irreplaceable. It does what a finger can't. That's when you use it.

Oct 22, 2014permalink

And all this time I've been happily sketching on my iPad Mini. If only I could have checked with Menneisyys to see how awful it actually is.

Oct 22, 2014*permalink

Jogger

"And all this time I've been happily sketching on my iPad. If only I could have checked with Menneisyys to see how awful it actually is."

Guess you have never used a digitizer pen with tilt and pressure sensitivity.

Oct 22, 2014permalink

Using those with my Mac has not taken away the enjoyment I get from drawing on my iPad.

Oct 22, 2014permalink

"Guess you have never used a digitizer pen with tilt and pressure sensitivity."

He surely haven't. Otherwise, he wouldn't call a cr@ppy capacitive pen great. He doesn't know what he's missing.

Oct 22, 2014permalink

"Using those with my Mac has not taken away the enjoyment I get from drawing on my iPad."

Again: even a resistive, old-school pen would be an order of magnitude better, let alone a proper radio (Wacom / nTrig) pen.

Oct 22, 2014permalink

I've used Wacom pens with my Macs many times and I still get along fine with capacitive pens. Its obvious you like to push your agenda as hard as you can.

Oct 22, 2014*permalink

"I've used Wacom pens with my Macs many times and I still get along fine with capacitive pens. Its obvious you like to push your agenda as hard as you can."

OK, I let you praise capacitive pens. (I won't argue with people that haven't really used proper(!) tablets, with built-in digitizer, with Wacom pens. A simple "passive", non-screen Wacom pad can't give the same experience.)

We, who actually have used it a lot on our tablets, still wish for a proper pen. Because we all know capacitive pens suck, no matter what you say.

Oct 22, 2014permalink

Sure, and the rest of us will bear in mind that if you aren't creating "masterpieces" on a 6" screen, a good iOS capacitive pen that has pressure sensitivity and palm rejection is great for sketching, drawing, writing, and note taking.

Oct 22, 2014*permalink

Again: it's simply impossible a capacitive pen can be used as effectively as a Wacom / N-trig one.

Otherwise, Microsoft, Samsung and other Wacom / N-trig producers simply wouldn't bother with adding such an expensive and space-consuming tech but would stick with the significantly cheaper / thinner capacitive tech.

Oct 22, 2014permalink

Since we are discussing a 6" screen, and not the larger Surface Pro tablet where drawing really shines, why do you feel that a Wacom pen will help you take better notes or sketch than a good capacitive pen like the Jot Touch?

Oct 22, 2014*permalink

certainly not a pressure sensitive one to do anything creative with.

I'm sure some of the regular third party ones will work though.

Oct 23, 2014permalink

Because putting pressure sensitivity in the pen is SOOOO hard to do. Resistive touch is junk, has been junk, is less accurate and does not track a drag motion as well...this is why capacitive took over. But I suppose history is wrong, the failed resistive touch laptops of the 2000's are great and you somehow have figured out something which a majority of people who have used both techs don't know. Ya, you're on to something. Clue: MS Surface uses capacitive touch so you don't even have your facts right. Nice try though.

Dec 28, 2014permalink

Felix E Klee

Lars Rehm lives in Landau? ;-)

Oct 22, 2014permalink

yes, he does! Temporarily at least :) Ich hatte bestimmt auch schon Bilder aus Baden-Baden in der ein oder anderen Review-gallery :)

Oct 22, 2014permalink

Xanadu in English.

Oct 22, 2014permalink

No, not Xanadau, but Apple Maps misspells it "Landali" which is a bit of an embarrassment considering that Apple Maps has been out for years and this is no metropolis but still a town of 40K inhabitants.

Oct 26, 2014permalink

Mister J

Looking forward to trying it out, though I suspect the size will be bigger than my pockets.

iPhones 3gs, 4s, 5s have been good for me, replacing bigger cams for much of (not all) my day to day stuff.

They've earned their keep on mounted prints up to A3+ or so.

Oct 22, 2014permalink

SergioBR

Note 4 for me is better ! Better camera, s-pen, better low light peformance etc

Oct 22, 2014*permalink

abolit

I would prefer Note 4 too. I wish Iphone 6 plus was sturdier a bit

Oct 22, 2014permalink

http://www.phonearena.com/news/Samsung-Galaxy-Note-4-wins-our-blind-camera-comparison-iPhone-6-is-distant-second_id61676

Where can I see image comparison of Note 4's SONY sensor?

Oct 22, 2014permalink

ShadowVlican

the note 4 is superior, but i don't discount the iphone6+ 8MP sensor and processing... they've done a superb job with it

Oct 22, 2014permalink

SergioBR

Oct 25, 2014permalink

SergioBR

http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/galaxy-note-4-teardown-confirms-sony-imx240-16-megapixel-camera-sensor-1471246

Oct 25, 2014permalink

KSV

Are you kidding me? The bad: no 4K video. Are you serious? Anyone who is still in his sanity would be ever interested in 4K video (and in full HD and in 8MP jpg for this merit) from this microscopic sensor?

Oct 22, 2014permalink

Oh come on... even DPReview stated a year(!) ago that the Note 3 (with its small sensor) records absolutely stunning 4K video, from which it's worth grabbing frames.

Oct 22, 2014permalink

KSV

You welcome to ditch all your photogear and get Note 3 and enjoy absolutely stunning 4K video :-). Heck - you may not need even to make still photos - just grab most appealing frame :-P

Oct 22, 2014permalink

*yawn*

No one stated 4K is better than stills photos shot with decent gear. It's, however, sometimes useful to be able to rely on just shooting an event and grab the best frames afterwards. With sports events with not-that-high-res output requirements (for example, with photomontages - some examples are in my Flickr stream at https://www.flickr.com/photos/33448355@N07/sets/72157648232147455/ , all shot with my Fuji X-E1, mostly in its 6 fps burst mode), just shooting 4K video and using frame grabs would result in a lot more good catches.

Oct 22, 2014permalink

KSV

You missed sarcasm, my friend. I do not give a damn about phone cameras. They good indeed to make photo of numberplate of other party involved in accident, but this is about it. Ah, they also good for lomography. Frankly for anything else there are plenty of choices. Enjoy your Note 3

Oct 22, 2014permalink

technotic

Why are you comnenting on this story if you don't give a damn about these devices? Seems like what you say flies in the face of many people getting anazing images from them?

Oct 22, 2014permalink

"They good indeed to make photo of numberplate of other party involved in accident, but this is about it."

They do have their place under the Sun.

- "The best camera is always the one with you"
- Many smartphones shoot better video than many large-sensor cameras. Canon APS-C digital cameras, Fuji cameras, Oly cameras - just to list a few with, in most cases, poor video. Heck, even my iPhone 4 shoots significantly better-quality (no moire, no aliasing, higher per-pixel sharpness) than my Fuji X-E1. Or, for that matter, any Fuji system cameras...

Another MAJOR advantage of (current, decent) smartphones is sweep pano. As they use very quick sampling (unlike ANY system camera that use the mechanical stutter and not, if present, the electronic one), they have very little parallax error. Stitching quality / parallax error-wise, even the iPhone 5 consistently and greatly outperforms the dedicated, 6 fps panorama mode of my X-E1, and the case is the same with most other digicams.

Oct 22, 2014permalink

Because 4K video looks lightyears better on a 1080p monitor. It is because of the codecs. There are no consumer codecs that will store individual 1920 x 1080 pixels for each frame. However, there is a consumer codec that will store 50% of 4K pixel data that when interpolated it will result in data for individual 1920 x 1080 pixels. To capture true 1080p video on a consumer device, the only way you're going to get it is by shooting 4K. This is one of the main reasons people who want to shoot high quality video today shoot in 4K to display.

And yes, a lot of people care about this fact but it seems a lot of people with iPhones could care less about image quality because they care more about the brand.

Oct 22, 2014permalink

Nov 21, 2014permalink

xt1isdabomb

The only problem with the iPhone 6 plus....

AVAILABILITY!

Oct 22, 2014permalink

photo perzon

Some call it a phablet, or too large. Here is the real truth:

1) IF the phone is OFF, then it IS too large. Painfully large.

2) If the iPhone 6+ is ON, then it is simply gorgeous. Amazing screen changes into a Retina iPad Air quality (much better than the Retina Mini). Everybody that sees a picture or a movie gasps with a wow!

3) After using the 6+ a few hours, the 5S looks like a toy for a 4 year old. The 6 looks balanced, but by then you are aware that losing the + is making you lose the whole point of the product.

Bottom line: if you play with it 2 hours in the Apple Store, you will buy it or suffer the depression of compromising with the 6.

Oct 22, 2014*permalink

dialstatic

Couldn't agree more. I've had the 6 plus for two weeks now, and I continue to be amazed by the camera performance (especially in low light thanks to image stabilisation) and the fantastic screen. However, it is indeed somewhat too large: one needs to learn new routines for using and storing it. There's no getting away from the fact that this is a disadvantage, but the pros far outweigh that con for me. My partner purchased a regular 6 and although it is more pocketable, I don't regret the plus for a second.

Oct 22, 2014permalink

My oposition is: I dont want a phablet but I want the optical stabilisation... I am going to upgrade my 5s to 6 but I will miss one of the two major improvements over 5s

Oct 22, 2014*permalink

give it a try, it is actually quite manageable in size once you get used to it. I put a case on it which adds more bulk but without the case it is quite nice to handle, also because it is quite thin.

Oct 22, 2014permalink

The 6 has digital stabilization.

The 6+ is too large for one handed use, Reachability just doesn't cut it, which is what I do a lot so I'm quite happy with the 6.

Oct 22, 2014*permalink

(unknown member)

Most annoying feature is the Power button not being disabled when shooting.
If you use the volume buttons as shutter buttons, it is all too easy to accidentally push the Power button directly opposite on the bottom edge, with your thumb.
This sleeps the phone, just as you were about to take your shot!!

Oct 22, 2014permalink

dialstatic

Yes, major design flaw. About half the time I switch off the phone instead of taking a picture. I switched to using the on screen shutter which I somewhat dislike.

Oct 22, 2014permalink

jimjim2111

I use the iPh5 and its IQ is the same as my Canon Ixus 220, I think. And though it lacks the zoom, it has actual functioning GPS tagging (great for my point-to-point cycle hols), so a 1-1 draw on the practical stuff, for my casual holiday use.

Interesting thing for me here is that the new 6+ is better than the 5 and 4s but not yet £500 better (on my humble salary). I suppose my upgrade will be when the phone dates in other ways, not the camera.

Oct 22, 2014*permalink

Daxs

I just would love to see pictures of those phone photographers who need bigger pixels and 4K video! Must be amazing artworks! Walls of rooms covered with beautiful pictures taken by phone!

Oct 21, 2014permalink

It's called cropping and it's really nice to be able to do.

Oct 22, 2014permalink

xt1isdabomb

"It's called cropping and it's really nice to be able to do."

Except that incredible, gallery works of art have been made for years with phone cams & low megapixels...many by up-sampling.

Oct 22, 2014permalink

arhmatic

"Despite its nominally lower resolution than most competitors in the high-end bracket of the smartphone market in our brightly lit studio scene the Apple iPhone 6 Plus performs very well and squeezes more detail out of its 8MP image sensor than some 13MP models. Thanks to a well-balanced approach to noise reduction and sharpening it is even very close to the 16MP Samsung Galaxy S5. "

They are precisely 2 years "close" IMO. The iPhone 7s will probably be "very close" to the Samsung Galaxy S5...

Oct 21, 2014permalink

Kglass77

In megapixels maybe...I beg to differ in actual image quality. Let me guess you are a phone pixel peeper..

Oct 21, 2014permalink

xt1isdabomb

LMAO! Just gotta shake my head.

Oct 22, 2014permalink

desaint

don't get the 4k hype,friends of mine are pro dslr filmers and they don't want 4k and now there are people they want 4k on there phone,why..you go to shot a movie..

Oct 21, 2014permalink

batmatty

Same. It's just a marketing spec that looks great on paper but isn't really that useful in everyday use. The slow-mo feature is great though!

Oct 23, 2014permalink

Joe Ogiba

No 4K is a showstopper for me. I might get the new waterproof 4K Verizon Sony Xperia Z3v when my 2 year contract expires for my HTC Droid DNA in January. It also has wireless charging and 128GB Micro SDXC support.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oevRDwKJbKE

Oct 21, 2014permalink

RedFox88

You know DPR has yet to see a phone that records 4k video that actually records detail worth using that recording mode over using 1080, right? They've posted that before. 4k in a phone as.of now is just recording unnessasary large amounts of data. The s5 takes 128gb cards.

Oct 21, 2014permalink

vFunct

if it had 4k, I wouldn't buy it. That would be a showstopper for me.

I don't want a device that is wasteful in battery life. I would much rather have a device that is optimized for real use, not for specs. Designing for specs is bad engineering.

Also, 5k is where Apple is headed, per Retina iMac, so 4k is outdated anyways..

Oct 21, 2014permalink

Joe Ogiba

OMG are you for real ? 4K is outdated ? What planet are you on ? The $349 64GB 5.5" 4K OnePlus One is $500 less than the $849 64GB iPhone 6 plus and shoots both 4K UHD and DCI Cinema 4K (4096x2160).
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6y4GvxAHFxU

Oct 21, 2014permalink

Beef Tendon

The joke

Your head

Oct 21, 2014permalink

vFunct

4K is for the poors.

Real men are on 5K.

Oct 21, 2014permalink

Joe Ogiba

Wow, I didn't know kids are on this forum now.

Oct 21, 2014permalink

lol vFunct without 4k video recording what do you play to view on your 5k screen, 1080p content stretched lol. Considering the 5k res of the new iMacs it's even more surprising Apple didn't support 4k video.

Oct 22, 2014permalink

Nov 21, 2014permalink

bmoag

I just looked critically at a bunch of images from a brand new large iPhone 6. When it comes to smart phone cameras that emperor is buck naked: these are jpeg crushed noisy things with no dynamic range that are useless for anything but viewing on the phone screen itself, Kodak Instamatics for the 21st century. There is nothing wrong with that but they are nothing more than that either. It is astounding technology that these things can also record hi def video but again that is snap shot quality video best viewed on the small screen of the device itself.

Oct 21, 2014permalink

NDT0001

Totally disagree. I think these new phones outperform most low-midrange compact cameras available these days and are EASILY acceptable to view large on a retina screen or a tv. The only reason i would EVER spend money on a <$500 compact camera these days is for the zoom capability.

Oct 21, 2014permalink

BPD7

BS
My old Sony P200 shoots better pics than the iPhone, I did a side by side

Oct 21, 2014permalink

Felix E Klee

Picture quality wise - except for one type of shot - every 100 USD/EUR compact camera beats every phone on the market, simply due to vastly better optics. Many compacts have macro mode, they can optically zoom into tele range, they have a flash, etc.

That one type of shot is wide-angle, and the quality advantage only applies to those few relatively large-sensor phones out there.

The shots in the gallery look like what I expect from a tiny sensor with a tiny lens. Interesting is the software. That's were cameras lack behind phones.

You just can't beat physics.

Oct 22, 2014permalink

Good review. I have to question this statement though:

"Thanks to a well-balanced approach to noise reduction and sharpening it is even very close to the 16MP Samsung Galaxy S5. "

In looking at your iPhone 6 Plus vs S5 image comparison tool I see a significant amount more detail in the S5's picture than the iPhone 6 Plus. There are a few areas where they are close but many areas where much more detail comes through.

For example the bearded man picture... no comparison really, the S5's picture has loads more detail. When you go to the bottle things are a bit closer, but still plenty of areas where there's an obvious detail advantage.

Oct 21, 2014*permalink

I'll add that this is under the bright light comparison.

Oct 21, 2014permalink

That's Samsung's sharpening you are seeing. S5 is capturing more detail but the biggest difference is the high sharpening applied to the image that Apple and Nokia won't do to their image. Once you turn off the light, S5 don't have enough actual detail to survive Samsung's heavy processing.

Oct 22, 2014permalink

uhoh07

yeah....but how they gonna look on my new 5K retina??????

Oct 21, 2014permalink

tedwill48167

I shot scenes in Nevada with my Fuji x100s and my iPhone 6 Plus. I didn't see a tremendous amount of difference in daylight shots. Obviously, the Fuji outperforms my 6 Plus in low light conditions, but I'm less likely to have the Fuji with me as I am the iPhone.

Oct 21, 2014permalink

So use the Fuji when you have it with you and your phone when you don't.

Oct 22, 2014permalink

Tom_A

I tried the 6 Plus in the shop and I was impressed by the image quality and well controlled noise. Considering that the best camera is the one that you have with you, with the 6 Plus in your pocket you can shoot quite acceptable pictures at all those occasions you don't have your "proper" gear with you.
I will likely upgrade from my 4S to the 6 Plus. It won't replace my Fuji, but I am curious to compare the image quality with my old Nikon D200+35mm lens - this was a great camera but it is now obsolete. I still expect the Nikon to have better skin colour, yet in general it wouldn't surprise me if the iPhone were able to hold its own.

Oct 21, 2014permalink

Gregm61

Better than the crappy Kodak Instamatic mom and dad used in the early 70's, but not something I'd use to shoot my vacation pics today. Great for recording the sign in the airport parking garage though so I remember where I parked.

Oct 21, 2014permalink

Bet the crappy Kodak Instamatic could do shoot very good images under limited circumstances, but one then had to develop the film and print well.

It's the 1980s that brought faster and better 35mm film--and the Japanese P&S.

Oct 21, 2014permalink

graybalanced

It's a realistic perspective. I started with an instamatic too, so I am very familiar with the potential image quality of an Instamatic and 126 film.

Most good smartphones can beat an Instamatic 126 combo. In low light, smartphones and especially the iPhone will utterly dominate an old Instamatic with 126. It is actually possible to get a sharp low light shot with an iPhone, where a cheap film P&S won't be able to hike up the ISO, won't be able to optically or digitally stabilize, and won't be able to reduce noise.

I've scanned a lot of my old 126 film and you'd be surprised how blurry that stuff was, for all of the above reasons.

Oct 21, 2014permalink

graybalanced:

Right Instamatics were worthless for anything but daylight out doors.

Oct 22, 2014permalink

Scott12345

Excellent article, thanks. I've found that in bright conditions where I want depth of field, the quality and color from my iPhone is better than the jpg output from my Canon DSLR. In other words it takes several minutes of work to extract similar attractive images from RAW. The iphone video mode is simply far superior to my Canon DSLR in terms of detail, motion and aliasing artifacts, and sound quality.

Basically, I agree the iphone takes amazing photos and video and should be considered by photographers.

Oct 21, 2014permalink

Extracting a singele raw takes several minutes, what are you using a Sigma Quattro?

Which Canon DSLR do you use, and which lenses?

Oct 21, 2014permalink

And an 8 year old Canon DSLR will easily do ISO 800 jpegs.

Oct 21, 2014permalink

Jerry Ci

Your comment about the "Canon DSLR" doesn't apply to most modern Canon DSLRs (or Nikon equivalents). It's interesting that you didn't mention what model camera it was, because without that information, your comment is meaningless and cannot be scrutinized.

Oct 21, 2014permalink

brycesteiner

Didn't realize the OP wanted it scrutinized.

Oct 21, 2014permalink

"Your comment about the "Canon DSLR" doesn't apply to most modern Canon DSLRs (or Nikon equivalents)."

Well, in ONE thing he's right: video. All iPhones starting with the iPhone 4 (or all iPads / iPad minis) shoot far better video than all APS-C CANON cameras (incl. the G1X and the G1X Mk II). There simply isn't moire / aliasing in the iDevice's footage, while there's plenty in those Canon shooters.

Oct 21, 2014permalink

Menneisyys:

And unlike Nikon and Apple Canon makes video cameras--including the excellent G30.

Oct 22, 2014permalink

https://www.flickr.com/photos/26713436@N07/

"And unlike Nikon and Apple Canon makes video cameras--including the excellent G30."

I know. This is why I strictly spoke about APS-C (crop) digital cameras, not camcorders.

Oct 22, 2014permalink

Scott12345

No need to be so defensive people :). The Canon is undoubtedly superior, but I am saying that getting the same nice attractive jpg colors requires a bit of work from the Canon, whereas they come straight out of the iphone. My Canon is the SL1 so fairly modern.

Feel free to look at my Flickr (hold the criticism, I'm no pro and don't need to be told), the two most recent photos were done using the iphone panorama feature. Nice color!

Cheers

Oct 22, 2014*permalink

Menneisyys:

Oh, I got that you were limiting yourself to Canon APSC video. (And the G1X II isn't quite APSC.)

The question is why, since Canon makes all sorts of very good video cameras.

Oct 22, 2014permalink

Scott12345:

All I've learnt here is that the SL1's jpeg engine isn't up to your liking. That's certainly possible.

But the SL1 is a far more capable high ISO (including jpeg) camera than any iPhone.

And extracting a single Canon raw does not take several minutes--provided one has a computer made after 2008.

Oct 22, 2014permalink

ender21

I'd love to see an "image compression analysis" as an extension of the Image Quality category. With third-party apps that tout the ability to save higher quality JPEGs or even TIFF prior to the compression stage, I have to imagine that Apple's stock compression level (and any hardware/software manufacturer, for that matter) has to enter into the IQ discussion at some point.

Oct 21, 2014permalink

Samuel Dilworth

I have to ask: what is the intriguing book in the fourth picture on the first page?

Oct 21, 2014permalink

It is a German book on photography from the year 1936 called "Knipse - Aber Richtig!" Loosely translated that would be "snapshooting done right" or something along those lines :)

Oct 21, 2014permalink

Samuel Dilworth

Nice. A fine background!

Oct 21, 2014permalink

GlaZZ

Thanks for the review.
It's amazing how 8MP 1/3-inch sensor camera can beat other higher pixel larger size smartphone cameras such as 20.7 MP 1/2.3-inch Exmor RS on Z2 and 1/2.6-inch 16MP BSI CMOS sensor on S5.
How much difference does the software make in this case?
Look forward to Z3 and Note 4 reviews, though I already decided on Note 4

Oct 21, 2014permalink

Jerry Ci

Perhaps I missed the analysis that says the 8MP 1/3 inch sensor is better than the 20.7MP Sony sensor or the 16MP BSI S5 sensor. There were statements throughout that said the Apple 8MP sensor compared favorably or held-up well to the 13MP sensors on the market. It's preferable to not twist the reviewers words and conclusions.

Oct 21, 2014permalink

ShadowVlican

it's because Sony screwed up their JPG engine on the Z2... it tends to think the world is painted with water colour... i believe they fixed this in the Z3 (check out GSMarena studio shots)

Oct 22, 2014permalink

The Z3 is equally cr@ppy. Just check out for example the image at http://i-cdn.phonearena.com/images/articles/143634-image/Sony-Xperia-Z3.jpg (linked from http://www.phonearena.com/news/Samsung-Galaxy-Note-4-wins-our-blind-camera-comparison-iPhone-6-is-distant-second_id61676 )

Not only is the lower left corner absolutely rubbish (bad lens), but the grass around the center also show a lot of watercoloring. Much-much more than for example the Note 4 shot of the same scene at http://i-cdn.phonearena.com/images/articles/143635-image/Samsung-Galaxy-Note-4.jpg

Incidentally, the iPhone 6's image (at http://i-cdn.phonearena.com/images/articles/143637-image/iPhone-6.jpg ) is between the two, lens quality & watercoloring-wise. The Note 4 is clearly better, and the Z3 is worse.

Oct 22, 2014*permalink

ShadowVlican

thanks for that link! judging by the photos there, the note 4 consistently DOMINATES, and you're right about the Z3: still water coloring on low contrast areas like foliage/grass

Oct 22, 2014permalink

Photato

Any reason why Apple is still using a 4:3 Aspect Ratio sensor in a 16:9 world?
All the pictures are shown top/botton cropped on the iPhone 16:9 screen or with side bars when zoomed out, same for HDTVs.
As for Video, most of the sensor's pixels are wasted into a 16:9 crop. Here the lens behaves more like narrower 38mm eqv.
I am scratching my head wondering about Apple's famous attention for detail. LOL

Oct 21, 2014permalink

same reason why pretty much all DSLRs use 3:2 and compact cameras 4:3...they are very well established still image aspect ratios. 16:9 is very much a video thing. Shooting still images in portrait portrait orientation with 16:9 is quite painful for example...

Oct 21, 2014permalink

Photato

It doesnt have to be a 16:9 sensor. A 3:2 sensor would have been a more efficient solution.
Ideally premium smartphones should have multi-aspect ratio sensor. Combined with the phone level sensors users would have shots at Level most of the time, fast and effortlessly.

Oct 21, 2014permalink

mosc

There's no such thing as a multi-aspect ratio sensor. All sensors are physically an aspect ratio and everything else is a crop. To have a sensor who's maximum resolution in multiple aspect ratios has the same diagonal size means your sensor is physically larger than your lens's viewable area (see LX100) and you are effectively ignoring parts of your sensor. This sensor is tiny as hell already, why waste what it's got on an even smaller lens? Crop aspect ratio when you're in post. Recommending "multi-aspect ratio" for a smartphone as some kind of feature is bizzare.

Oct 21, 2014permalink

Photato

The new Panasonic CameraPhone has a sensor larger than the image circle, meaning capable of muti aspec crops. Why is that bizarre? A camera is a camera, big, small, iOS powered or propietary dedicated firmware . The limiting factor in a Samrtphone is Size and Weight, hence expanding the sensor rather than the lens assembly seems even more reasonable.

Oct 21, 2014permalink

to be fair the CM1 is more of a camera with an attached phone component than a smartphone with a camera :)

Oct 21, 2014permalink

graybalanced

It is a 16:9 world unless you are posting to Instagram which is a 1:1 world, and all of a sudden Apple's 4:3 sensor makes a lot more sense.

Oct 21, 2014permalink

The Squire

What? No 4K? At that price!?

Oct 21, 2014permalink

ender21

Interestingly, a third-party app like ProCam claims the ability to capture 3K from the 6, though I don't know for sure if that's native or upscaled from HD. I've messed with it but haven't had the time to pixel-peep it yet.

Oct 21, 2014permalink

Brian OReilly

Volume up/down as well as earpiece volume controls can be used as shutter release.
Not 'Dedicated' - but, dedicated enough for me :-)
Brian

Oct 21, 2014permalink

you can do that on almost any phone but it doesn't give you the two-way control of a real shutter-button.

Oct 21, 2014permalink

Brian OReilly

To clarify - do you mean 'Two-Stage' shutter button as in 'real' camera?
BRian

Oct 21, 2014permalink

yes, Lumia phones and Sony Xperia Z1-3 for example have a shutter button that you can half-press to lock focus.

Oct 21, 2014permalink