Revolutionize Photography with iPhone 14 Pro: RAW vs JPGs vs Sony A7IV

Revolutionize Photography with iPhone 14 Pro: RAW vs JPGs vs Sony A7IV

Table of Contents:

1. Introduction
2. Shooting Raw Files in iPhone 14 Pro
3. Editing Raw Files in Snapseed
4. JPEG vs. Raw Comparison
5. Shooting in Portrait Mode
6. Comparing with Sony A74
7. Using a 50mm Lens
8. Pros and Cons of Shooting Raw Files
9. Conclusion

Introduction

I recently got my hands on the new iPhone 14 Pro, and as a professional photographer with 10 years of experience shooting weddings, I decided to put it to the test in a real-life Scenario. In this article, I will share my observations and comparisons between shooting raw files on the iPhone 14 Pro and using my regular setup, which includes the Sony a74 and professional lenses. We'll explore the advantages and limitations of shooting raw files, editing them, and compare the results with JPEG files and portraits taken with different lenses. So, let's dive in and see how the iPhone 14 Pro performs in a photographer's perspective.

Shooting Raw Files in iPhone 14 Pro

When shooting raw files in the iPhone 14 Pro, there are a few key points to keep in mind. First, the image displayed on the screen while shooting is not an actual raw file but a software-enhanced image. It may look great on your phone, but when you import the raw file to a program like Lightroom on your desktop computer, you might be surprised by how underexposed the image appears, especially in challenging lighting scenarios. However, the iPhone 14 Pro impresses with its ability to retain details when pushing the exposure up to three stops. It outperforms even Canon raw files in terms of noise levels and brings back the details in the faces of the subjects. While editing raw files in apps like Snapseed can be a bit challenging for beginners, there is a workaround to start from the base point created by the iPhone and achieve stunning results. By making a small adjustment in the photo app itself before importing the image to Snapseed, you can edit a 48-megapixel file and achieve a crystal clear, crisp, and beautiful image.

Editing Raw Files in Snapseed

Snapseed is a popular editing app for iPhone photographers, and when it comes to editing raw files, there are a few things to consider. If You load the raw file directly into Snapseed, you will be working with the underexposed starting point. However, by making a small edit in the photo app before importing it into Snapseed, you can retain the base point created by the iPhone and achieve a 48-megapixel edited photo. This workaround provides a more user-friendly editing experience, especially for those who are new to editing. With Snapseed's intuitive interface and a starting point closer to the desired look, you can Apply presets or make further adjustments to Create stunning edited photos.

JPEG vs. Raw Comparison

When comparing JPEG and raw files on the iPhone 14 Pro, there are a few differences to consider. In terms of resolution, raw files offer 48 megapixels, while JPEG files are limited to 12 megapixels. This difference becomes apparent when zooming in and examining the images closely. Raw files tend to look cleaner and offer sharper details, thanks to the absence of compression noise. However, it's worth noting that raw files are significantly larger in size, ranging from 55 megabytes compared to just 2 megabytes for JPEG files. While raw files provide additional sharpness and Clarity, JPEG files are more convenient, as they are ready to use without any additional editing.

Shooting in Portrait Mode

One limitation of shooting raw files on the iPhone 14 Pro is that portrait mode is only available when shooting in JPEG format. This means that if you want to capture images with the signature background blur effect, you'll have to shoot in JPEG. However, the iPhone 14 Pro does an impressive job of creating a fake blur that closely resembles the professional look achieved with a wide aperture lens. When comparing portrait mode photos taken with the iPhone 14 Pro and a Sony a74 with a 24mm F1.4 lens, both images look great when viewed at a small size. While the Sony photo offers slightly more details at a closer inspection, the difference becomes less significant when sharing the images on social media or small prints. The convenience and aesthetic result of shooting in portrait mode make it a preferred choice for capturing everyday moments and portraits.

Comparing with Sony A74

As a professional photographer, I have extensive experience with the Sony a74 and professional lenses. When comparing photos taken with the iPhone 14 Pro and the Sony a74, there are a few notable differences. While the iPhone does an impressive job of bringing up the underexposed raw files and retaining details, the Sony photos offer even more details and overall better image quality, especially in challenging lighting situations. Additionally, the background blur achieved with a full-frame camera and a wide-aperture lens is superior to the blur generated by the iPhone's computational photography. However, when viewed at a smaller size or for social media purposes, the differences become less apparent, and the convenience of shooting with the iPhone shines through.

Using a 50mm Lens

One exciting feature of the iPhone 14 Pro is the ability to zoom in at a 2x magnification, simulating a 50mm lens. This option opens up new creative possibilities for photographers who prefer the perspective and depth of field achieved with a 50mm lens. When shooting a 2x photo in raw or JPEG format, there is no noticeable difference in terms of details. This eliminates the need to shoot raw files specifically for 2x zoom images, as the JPEG files offer the same level of clarity and sharpness. This feature makes the iPhone 14 Pro a versatile tool for capturing portraits and scenes with a flattering perspective.

Pros and Cons of Shooting Raw Files

Shooting raw files on the iPhone 14 Pro has its advantages and limitations. Here are some pros and cons to consider:

Pros:

• Retains details and allows for exposure adjustments when editing raw files.
• Impressive ability to push up to three stops of exposure without significant noise levels.
• Offers a higher resolution and sharper details compared to JPEG files.
• Provides a starting point for editing photos in apps like Snapseed.

Cons:

• Larger file sizes occupy more storage space.
• Requires additional editing skills, especially for beginners.
• Not available when shooting in portrait mode.
• Limited difference in image quality in smaller-sized photos or for social media purposes.

Conclusion

In conclusion, shooting raw files on the iPhone 14 Pro can yield impressive results, especially in landscape or challenging lighting situations. The ability to retain details and adjust exposure in post-processing makes it a valuable tool for photographers who want more control over their images. However, for everyday use, portraits, and social media sharing, shooting in JPEG format or utilizing the portrait mode offers a convenient and aesthetically pleasing solution. The iPhone 14 Pro's ability to simulate a 50mm lens and generate a fake background blur adds to its versatility as a go-to camera for capturing a wide range of subjects and scenes. As a professional photographer, I find the iPhone 14 Pro to be a reliable companion, offering exceptional image quality and ease of use for my photography needs.