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Choosing the Right Camera Setup
Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max: In the world of smartphone cameras, picking the third camera’s focal length can be tricky for manufacturers. While primary and ultra-wide lenses are straightforward (usually between 23-28mm for 1X and 12-18mm for ultra-wide), Apple has kept things simple with its iconic rear design.
Oppo’s Unique Approach: The 3X Zoom Lens
Contrastingly, companies like Oppo have taken a unique route with a 3X zoom lens (equivalent to 65mm) and no fancy lenses for extreme zoom. They use two 1/1.56″ IMX890 sensors, one for ultra-wide and one for the zoom. The level of detail this sensor captures in 3X portrait mode, even in low light, is impressive.
Google’s Challenge: The 5X Zoom Dilemma
Google, on the other hand, uses a 5X zoom lens. But, it has trouble with portrait photos due to a much longer focusing distance. Portrait and intermediate zoom ranges (2X to 5X) are areas where Google’s camera system struggles.
Apple’s Incremental Improvement: The 3X Zoom in iPhone 14 Pro Max
Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max’s camera evolution takes a more gradual approach. It introduces a 3X zoom, representing an incremental improvement from its predecessors. While initial concerns lingered regarding the potential introduction of a 5X or 10X zoom, the goal is to bridge the gap between the 1X and 5X/10X range seamlessly.
Innovation by Cropping: Apple’s 2X Sensor Crop Feature
Last year, Apple introduced a 2X sensor crop feature using a 48MP IMX803 sensor. This allows users to crop to a nearly flawless 2X portrait using the central 12MP sensor. However, cropping introduces noise and digital sharpening issues.
The Speculation: The 85mm Periscope Lens
Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max: According to information from a Chinese product page, the Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max is rumored to incorporate an 85mm periscope lens, potentially offering an impressive 3.5X optical zoom capability. This focal length is not too distant from 77mm, positioning it well for capturing outstanding portrait shots at 85mm. Additionally, Apple provides the option of sensor cropping for achieving high-quality 2X close-up portraits with this innovative camera system.
The Aperture Mystery: Is f/2.8 Here to Stay?
The report suggests that Apple hasn’t changed the f/2.8 aperture for the 3.5X zoom camera, consistent with the previous model. While it allows more light in, it narrows the focus plane, which Apple may want to avoid.
The Sensor Insights: Unveiling the 1/1.9″ IMX 603 Sensor”
The sensor is believed to be a 1/1.9″ sensor, a size familiar to Apple. The IMX 603 sensor was used in the iPhone 12 Pro Max and iPhone 13 as the primary sensor, with a 12MP resolution and 1/1.9″ size, ideal for the 3.5X zoom.
The Future of Zoom: Can the Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max Go Beyond 3.5X?
Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max: When it comes to the f/2.8 aperture for the Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max, we don’t foresee any significant issues. Other phones, such as the Honor Magic 5 Pro, boasting a wider 3.0 aperture for its 3.5X zoom lens, have proven to deliver excellent results. Similarly, the Oppo Find X6 Pro opts for a 2.6 aperture with its 3X periscope lens, albeit not reaching the lengths of the 65mm or 85mm periscopes.
Earlier reports hinted at the possibility of the iPhone 15 Pro Max supporting a maximum optical zoom of 6X. Speculation surrounds whether this will involve a sensor crop-in from the 3.5X camera or the introduction of continuous optical zoom technology.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, the Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max continues Apple’s tradition of excellence in smartphone photography. While specific camera details are still a mystery, Apple’s commitment to innovation assures us that this latest iPhone will be worth the anticipation. With potential periscope technology and improved optical zoom capabilities, Apple is poised to lead the way in smartphone photography.
