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DronesiPhone 17 Pro Cameras: What’s New and What Stayed the Same
iPhone 17 Pro Cameras: What’s New and What Stayed the Same
A New iPhone Season
September means a new iPhone launch, and this year brings four fresh models: iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone 17 Pro Max, and the super-slim iPhone Air. While all of them got camera updates, the real excitement is with the iPhone 17 Pro series, which carries the most advanced camera system. Let’s see how it compares to last year’s iPhone 16 Pro.
| Feature | iPhone 17 Pro / Pro Max | iPhone 16 Pro / Pro Max |
|---|---|---|
| Main Camera (Lens) | 24mm (equiv.) F1.78 | 24mm (equiv.) F1.78 |
| Main Camera Sensor | 48MP sensorType 1/1.28 (71.5mm²) | 48MP sensorType 1/1.28 (71.5mm²) |
| Ultra-Wide Camera (Lens) | 13mm (equiv.) F2.2 | 13mm (equiv.) F2.2 |
| Ultra-Wide Camera Sensor | 48MP sensorType 1/2.55 (23.5mm²) | 48MP sensorType 1/2.55 (23.5mm²) |
| Telephoto Camera (Lens) | 100mm (equiv.) F2.8 | 120mm (equiv.) F2.8 |
| Telephoto Camera Sensor | 48MP sensorType 1/2.55 (23.5mm²) | 12MP sensorType 1/3.2 (15.3mm²) |
| Front Camera (Lens) | F1.9* | F1.9* |
| Front Camera Sensor | 18MP Center Stage front camera**(square multi-aspect sensor) | 12MP TrueDepth camera |
| Video Features | ProRes RAWGenlock supportDolby Vision HDR4K/120p videoProRes LogACES color | Dolby Vision HDR4K/120p videoProRes LogACES color |
Triple 48MP Cameras
The iPhone 17 Pro still has three rear cameras: main, ultra-wide, and telephoto. But now, all three use 48MP sensors. These “Fusion” sensors combine pixel data in smart ways to deliver sharper images, better digital zoom, and more detail in every shot. Similar technology is also seen in other flagship phones, but this year it becomes standard across the Pro lineup.
Main and Ultra-Wide Cameras (Unchanged):
- 24mm (equiv.) F1.78 main lens with 48MP sensor
- 13mm (equiv.) F2.2 ultra-wide lens with 48MP sensor
Both sensors are the same size as last year’s, keeping image quality strong in everyday shots.
Telephoto: A Major Upgrade
The big news is the telephoto lens. Instead of a 5x / 120mm lens from the iPhone 16 Pro, the iPhone 17 Pro now uses a 4x / 100mm F2.8 lens with a brand-new 48MP sensor.
Why change? Many users felt last year’s 5x lens made the jump between the main and zoom cameras too wide, forcing the phone to rely heavily on digital tricks for mid-range shots. The new 4x zoom fixes this gap, switching to the telephoto camera earlier for clearer photos.
The new telephoto sensor is more than 50% larger than before, giving much better detail and quality. It also supports an 8x “virtual zoom” (about 200mm), though this mode crops the sensor and won’t be as sharp as a true optical lens.
Smarter Image Processing
Apple says the entire photo pipeline has been improved. Machine learning now helps reduce noise, enhance colors, and keep more natural details, especially in low light.
Video: Professional Tools
iPhones are famous for video, and the iPhone 17 Pro adds two new tools:
- ProRes RAW – lets you record raw video for editing flexibility, including changing white balance later.
- Genlock – synchronizes multiple cameras for effects like “bullet time.”
These join existing features like Dolby Vision HDR, 4K at 120fps, and ProRes Log.
Front Camera: A Square Sensor
The front camera also gets an upgrade. It’s now an 18MP sensor with a square, multi-aspect design. This means whether you shoot vertical or horizontal, the sensor adapts without needing to rotate the phone. It also improves stabilization in video and works with AI features like automatic group framing.
The sensor is almost twice as large as before, but because it’s multi-aspect, not all of that surface area is used in every shot. Still, it offers more flexibility and higher quality selfies.
Final Thoughts
The iPhone 17 Pro doesn’t change everything, but its new telephoto camera, smarter image processing, and stronger video tools make it a solid upgrade for anyone serious about photography or video.
