"Camera Styles are the Best Feature of the iPhone I've Used in Years."
The iPhone 16 series is not only focused on improving its camera. Thanks to advances in integrated circuits, it now includes a feature that transforms ordinary images into true works of art.
The quality of a good photograph can vary depending on the viewer's perception. For many, a vibrant and colorful image that generates admiration on social media is more than sufficient. However, some argue that a good photo should capture reality, whether imperfect or not, and not simply be a creation saturated with computational effects. To investigate how impactful a photograph can be without the intervention of artificial intelligence or additional processing, the Halide app was acquired, and its functionality, called "Process Zero," turned out to be revealing.
An experienced photographer mentioned that a camera's capability largely depends on the skill of the person handling it. However, the field of photography can be demanding, and the learning curve can be steep. Many smartphone users rarely explore the Pro mode in their camera apps, where complex adjustments such as color luminance are managed. For those who want to obtain quality images without having to master technical concepts like ISO levels, there are more user-friendly options.
The new iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro incorporate a tool called Photographic Styles, which acts as an advanced filter system. This allows for simultaneous adjustments of color and tone in an image, as well as the intensity of the applied effects. According to Apple, these styles also achieve a better understanding of skin tones. A test was conducted with a photojournalist and a street photographer, who confirmed that the feature is interesting, though with a caveat: some personal preferences may not align with the predefined styles.
Photographic Styles are not merely common filters; they represent a more versatile and nuanced option. These styles offer the ability to preview a different atmosphere, allowing adjustments that transform the image rather than simply applying a color effect. The result is that even the most ordinary photos become captivating images. A standard 24-megapixel shot without tone alterations averages 2.8MB, while applying a style increases it to 3.2MB, indicating that the original details are preserved along with the new adjustments.
Reversibility is another benefit of Photographic Styles; users can apply or remove styles and adjust intensity at any time. This new functionality is facilitated by the A18 and A18 Pro processors in the phones. This strategy represents a more controlled approach, moving away from Apple's previous intensive color processing.
Adjusting the styles may seem intimidating, but the experience of customizing tones is rewarding. Using the camera app, the feature activates quickly, and it is equally simple to adjust already taken images through the photo album, allowing each image to take advantage of these advanced styles.
While some significant improvements are noticeable, Photographic Styles have certain limitations; for example, they cannot be applied to the ProRAW format, which is recommended for maintaining image quality. Additionally, high-resolution editing may affect the thermal handling of the device, generating overheating in high processing load situations. However, this does not detract from the functionality's capabilities.
Photographic Styles are not a magic solution for obtaining the perfect shot, and there are still challenges such as loss of detail in surfaces or uneven exposures. However, their ease of use makes them an attractive option for the average user looking to capture photographs with a special touch without having to handle a professional camera.
