Renowned photographer Tyler Stalman delivers a comprehensive review of the iPhone 17 camera lineup, focusing intently on the Pro models' capabilities in his latest video. Shot entirely using the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max, the review offers an in-depth look at improvements over previous generations. Stalman, a seasoned iPhone camera reviewer, highlights significant advancements, particularly in the Pro models' performance.
One notable upgrade, according to Stalman, is the selfie camera. The new square sensor and enhanced Center Stage feature, which automatically adjusts between portrait and landscape modes, provides a significant improvement. While he personally disabled the automatic orientation switching, he praises the improved image quality and the enhanced ease of use when shooting vertically for horizontal framing.
Comparing the standard iPhone 17 and iPhone Air cameras to the Pro models, Stalman notes that the average user will likely see minimal differences in the main camera's performance. However, the true improvements in the iPhone 17 Pro become evident with ProRAW shooting and the inclusion of the JPEG-XL Lossy format. This combination results in significantly smaller file sizes without sacrificing image detail, preserving the RAW flexibility while reducing storage consumption.
Direct comparisons against images captured with an iPhone 14 Pro Max by photographer Derek Boniecki showcase the iPhone 17 Pro's superior performance. Side-by-side tests reveal cleaner images, reduced noise, and more accurate colors, especially in challenging lighting conditions and zoomed shots. These improvements were particularly noticeable in zoomed images.
Stalman's comprehensive video analysis extends beyond still images, delving into video recording capabilities and exceptional stabilization, even at higher zoom levels. His overall conclusion? The iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max represent a worthwhile upgrade for users of the iPhone 15 Pro and earlier models, particularly those valuing enhanced photographic capabilities. While the detailed analysis requires viewing the complete video, he strongly suggests the upgrade for photography enthusiasts.
This year, Apple has clearly focused on enhancing the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max cameras for professional-grade results, benefits that also trickle down to casual users. Some advanced features may require additional software or hardware, but the core improvements are readily accessible to all. The full video provides a comprehensive exploration of all these features and more.
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Originally published at: https://9to5mac.com/2025/09/17/photographer-tyler-stalman-reviews-the-iphone-17-iphone-air-and-iphone-17-pro-cameras/
