So you’re in the market for a new iPhone. Maybe you’re not sure if it’s time to upgrade yet. Maybe you’re not sure what sure which model to upgrade to. The new flagship iPhones are ridiculously expensive, so you better make sure you need all those features. To help you decide, here is the difference between iPhone cameras & iPhone comparison chart.
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How Good are iPhone Cameras?
I have personally owned iPhone 1, 3s, 5s, 6 plus, 6s plus, X, XS Max, and iPhone 14 Pro Max. I have noticed all the incremental improvements in the different iPhone cameras. But it was the iPhone 6s Plus that was a game-changer. Resolution increased from 8MP to 12MP. This suddenly turned the iPhone into a serious camera, and it was time to consider using the iPhone as a primary camera.
The problem with the iPhone 6s Plus was that the video footage was ok, but not fantastic. The footage was shaky because there was no video stabilization. That didn’t come out until the iPhone 7. And the sound was awful.
My iPhone XS Max still blows my mind. The camera is a massive improvement over its predecessors. The video quality is astounding, with phenomenal video stabilization. You can actually walk with an iPhone XS Max and record smooth video footage with awesome stereo audio. Am I ready to upgrade to the iPhone 14 Pro? Well, I have done so, and do not regret it. Side-by-side tests are incredible; the iPhone 14 Pro Max leaves the iPhone XS for dead.
There are new effects like the Bokeh, which blurs the background of portrait photos. And the optical zoom is amazing. I can honestly say that I normally leave my Nikon DSLR camera at home now, and just use the iPhone as the primary camera. Yes, that’s right, the iPhone is all you need for a travel camera and a video camera, particularly if you own the latest iPhone.
How Good is the iPhone Video Camera?
Let me say that I was so excited way back when the GoPro Hero 7 Black came out. The gimbal killer. Finally, I could take great footage walking without having to use a gimbal. The GoPro Hero 7 Black was incredible, every bit as good as the GoPro claims.
Not long after the release of the GoPro Hero 7 Black was released, the iPhone XS Max was released. Let me say that the XS Max image stabilization is also incredible. It is a huge improvement over previous iPhone models.
Take it from me, the iPhone XS Max is also a gimbal killer because there is no longer any need to use a gimbal for smooth iPhone image stabilization. But iPhone video is so advanced now with the flagship iPhone 14 Pro. But how do you compare iPhone cameras from 14 Pro to iPhone 13 to iPhone 12? Rest assured, you could safely use any of these new iPhones as your primary travel camera, or even for pro vlogging!
iPhone Camera Comparison Chart 2023
Difference Between iPhone Cameras
So here is a blow-by-blow comparison of the different iPhone cameras, so you can appreciate how they’ve grown over the years. I’ve only gone back to iPhone 7 Plus because let’s face it, anyone serious about photography would own a newer iPhone by now.
iPhone 14 Pro & 14 Pro Max (Same Camera Specs)
Main Camera
- Photo Resolution: 48 MP Main, 12 MP Telephoto and Ultra Wide cameras
- Photo-Aperture: Main f/1.78, Ultra-wide-angle f/2.2, Telephoto f/1.78.
- Photo Zoom: 3x optical zoom in, 2x optical zoom out, 15x digital zoom.
- Photo Stabilization: Second Generation Sensor-Shift Optical Image Stabilization.
- Video 4k Frame Rate: 24 fps, 25 fps, 30 fps or 60 fps.
- Video 1080p Frame Rate: 25 fps, 30 fps or 60 fps.
- Video Zoom: 3x optical zoom in, 2 x optical zoom out, 9x digital zoom.
- Video Stabilization: Second Generation Sensor-Shift Optical Image Stabilization (Main) Dual Optical Image Stabilization (Main & Telephoto).
Front Camera
- Resolution: 12 MP
- Aperture: f/1.9
- Video 4k Frame Rate: 24 fps, 25 fps, 30 fps or 60 fps
- Video 1080p Frame Rate: 25 fps, 30 fps or 60 fps
- Video Stabilization: Cinematic video stabilization
Full specifications can be found here.
iPhone 14
Main Camera
- Photo Resolution: 12MP Main, 12MP Ultra Wide.
- Photo-Aperture: Main f/1.5, Ultra-wide f/2.4.
- Photo Zoom: 2x optical zoom out, 5x digital zoom.
- Photo Stabilization: Sensor-Shift Optical Image Stabilization.
- Video 4k Frame Rate: 24 fps, 25 fps, 30 fps or 60 fps.
- Video 1080p Frame Rate: 25 fps, 30 fps or 60 fps.
- Video Zoom: 2 x optical zoom out, 3x digital zoom.
- Video Stabilization: Sensor-Shift Optical Image Stabilization (Main).
Front Camera
- Resolution: 12 MP
- Aperture: f/1.9
- Video 4k Frame Rate: 24 fps, 25 fps, 30 fps or 60 fps
- Video 1080p Frame Rate: 25 fps, 30 fps or 60 fps
- Video Stabilization: Cinematic video stabilization
Full specifications can be found here.
iPhone 13 Pro & 13 Pro Max (Same Camera Specs)
Main Camera
- Photo Resolution: 12MP Telephoto, Wide and Ultra Wide cameras
- Photo-Aperture: Ultra-wide-angle f/1.8, Wide Angle f/1.5, Telephoto f/2.8.
- Photo Zoom: 3x optical zoom in, 2.5x optical zoom out, 15x digital zoom.
- Photo Stabilization: Dual Optical Image Stabilization (Wide & Telephoto), Sensor-Shift Optical Image Stabilization (Wide).
- Video 4k Frame Rate: 24 fps, 25 fps, 30 fps or 60 fps.
- Video 1080p Frame Rate: 30 fps or 60 fps.
- Video Zoom: 3x optical zoom in, 2x optical zoom out, 9x digital zoom.
- Video Stabilization: Cinematic image stabilization.
Front Camera
- Resolution: 12 MP
- Aperture: f/2.2
- Video 4k Frame Rate: 24 fps, 25 fps, 30 fps or 60 fps
- Video 1080p Frame Rate: 25 fps, 30 fps or 60 fps
- Video Stabilization: Cinematic video stabilization
Full specifications can be found here.
iPhone 13 & 13 Mini (Same Camera Specs)
Main Camera
- Photo Resolution: 12MP Wide and Ultra Wide cameras
- Photo-Aperture: Wide Angle f/1.6, Ultra Wide f/2.4.
- Photo Zoom: 2x optical zoom out, 5x digital zoom.
- Photo Stabilization: Auto Image Stabilization.
- Video 4k Frame Rate: 24 fps, 25 fps, 30 fps or 60 fps.
- Video 1080p Frame Rate: 25 fps, 30 fps or 60 fps.
- Video Zoom: 2 x optical zoom out, 9x digital zoom.
- Video Stabilization: Cinematic image stabilization.
Front Camera
- Resolution: 12 MP
- Aperture: f/2.2
- Video 4k Frame Rate: 24 fps, 25 fps, 30 fps or 60 fps
- Video 1080p Frame Rate: 25 fps, 30 fps or 60 fps
- Video Stabilization: Cinematic video stabilization
Full specifications can be found here.
iPhone 12 Pro Max
Main Camera
- Photo Resolution: True 12 MP ultra-wide, wide, and telephoto.
- Photo-Aperture: Ultra-wide-angle f/2.4, Wide Angle f/1.6, Telephoto f/2.2.
- Photo Zoom: 2.5x optical zoom in, 2x optical zoom out, 12x digital zoom.
- Photo Stabilization: Dual Optical Image Stabilization (Wide & Telephoto), Sensor-Shift Optical Image Stabilization (Wide).
- Video 4k Frame Rate: 24 fps, 30 fps or 60 fps.
- Video 1080p Frame Rate: 30 fps or 60 fps.
- Video Zoom: 2.5x optical zoom in, 2 x optical zoom out, 7x digital zoom.
- Video Stabilization: Cinematic image stabilization.
Front Camera
- Resolution: 12 MP
- Aperture: f/2.2
- Video 4k Frame Rate: 24 fps, 30 fps or 60 fps
- Video 1080p Frame Rate: 30 fps or 60 fps
- Video Stabilization: Cinematic video stabilization
Full specifications can be found here.
iPhone 12 Pro
Main Camera
- Photo Resolution: True 12 MP ultra-wide, wide and telephoto.
- Photo-Aperture: Ultra-wide-angle f/2.4, Wide Angle f/1.6, Telephoto f/2.0.
- Photo Zoom: 2x optical zoom in, 2x optical zoom out, 10x digital zoom.
- Photo Stabilization: Dual Optical Image Stabilization (Wide & Telephoto).
- Video 4k Frame Rate: 24 fps, 30 fps or 60 fps.
- Video 1080p Frame Rate: 30 fps or 60 fps.
- Video Zoom: 2x optical zoom in, 2 x optical zoom out, 6x digital zoom.
- Video Stabilization: Cinematic image stabilization.
Front Camera
- Resolution: 12 MP
- Aperture: f/2.2
- Video 4k Frame Rate: 24 fps, 30 fps, or 60 fps
- Video 1080p Frame Rate: 30 fps or 60 fps
- Video Stabilization: Cinematic video stabilization
Full specifications can be found here.
iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Mini
Main Camera
- Photo Resolution: True 12 MP ultra-wide and wide.
- Photo-Aperture: Ultra-wide-angle f/2.4, Wide Angle f/1.6.
- Photo Zoom: 2x optical zoom out, 5x digital zoom.
- Photo Stabilization: Optical Image Stabilization (Wide).
- Video 4k Frame Rate: 24 fps, 30 fps or 60 fps.
- Video 1080p Frame Rate: 30 fps or 60 fps.
- Video Zoom: 2 x optical zoom out, 3x digital zoom.
- Video Stabilization: Cinematic image stabilization.
Front Camera
- Resolution: 12 MP
- Aperture: f/2.2
- Video 4k Frame Rate: 24 fps, 30 fps or 60 fps
- Video 1080p Frame Rate: 30 fps or 60 fps
- Video Stabilization: Cinematic video stabilization
Full specifications can be found here.
iPhone 11 Pro Max
Main Camera
- Photo Resolution: True 12 MP ultra-wide, wide, and telephoto.
- Photo-Aperture: Ultra-wide-angle f/2.4, Wide Angle f/1.8, Telephoto f/2.0.
- Photo Zoom: 2x optical zoom in, 2x optical zoom out, 10x digital zoom.
- Photo Stabilization: Dual Optical Image Stabilization (Wide & Telephoto).
- Video 4k Frame Rate: 24 fps, 30 fps or 60 fps.
- Video 1080p Frame Rate: 30 fps or 60 fps.
- Video Zoom: 2x optical zoom in, 2 x optical zoom out, 6x digital zoom.
- Video Stabilization: Cinematic image stabilization.
Front Camera
- Resolution: 12 MP
- Aperture: f/2.2
- Video 4k Frame Rate: 24 fps, 30 fps or 60 fps
- Video 1080p Frame Rate: 30 fps or 60 fps
- Video Stabilization: Cinematic video stabilization
Full specifications can be found here.
iPhone 11 Pro
Main Camera
- Photo Resolution: True 12 MP ultra-wide, wide, and telephoto.
- Photo-Aperture: Ultra-wide-angle f/2.4, Wide Angle f/1.8, Telephoto f/2.0.
- Photo Zoom: 2x optical zoom in, 2x optical zoom out, 10x digital zoom.
- Photo Stabilization: Dual Optical Image Stabilization (Wide & Telephoto).
- Video 4k Frame Rate: 24 fps, 30 fps or 60 fps.
- Video 1080p Frame Rate: 30 fps or 60 fps.
- Video Zoom: 2x optical zoom in, 2 x optical zoom out, 6x digital zoom.
- Video Stabilization: Cinematic image stabilization.
Front Camera (TrueDepth Camera)
- Resolution: 12 MP
- Aperture: f/2.2
- Video 4k Frame Rate: 24 fps, 30 fps, or 60 fps
Video 1080p Frame Rate: 30 fps or 60 fps - Video Stabilization: Cinematic video stabilization
Full specifications can be found here.
iPhone 11
- Photo Resolution: Dual 12 MP
wide-angle and telephoto - Photo-Aperture: Wide-angle f/1.8, Telephoto f/2.4
- Photo Zoom: 2x optical zoom, 10x digital zoom
- Photo Stabilization: Dual image optical stabilization
- Video 4k Frame Rate: 24 fps, 30 fps or 60 fps
- Video 1080p Frame Rate: 30 fps or 60 fps
- Video Zoom: 2x optical zoom, 6x digital zoom
- Video Stabilization: Optical image stabilization
Front Camera
- Resolution: 7 MP
- Aperture: f/2.2
- Video 1080p Frame Rate: 30 fps or 60 fps
- Video Stabilization: Cinematic video stabilization
Full specifications can be found here.
iPhone 11
Main Camera
- Photo Resolution: Dual 12 MP
ultra wide-angle and wide-angle. - Photo-Aperture: Ultra-wide-angle f/2.4, Wide Angle f/1.8
- Photo Zoom: 2x optical zoom out, 5x digital zoom
- Photo Stabilization: Optical Image Stabilization (Wide)
- Video 4k Frame Rate: 24 fps, 30 fps, or 60 fps
- Video 1080p Frame Rate: 30 fps or 60 fps
- Video Zoom: 2x optical zoom, 3x digital zoom
- Video Stabilization: Optical image stabilization (wide)
Front Camera (TrueDepth Camera)
- Resolution: 12 MP
- Aperture: f/2.2
- Video 4k Frame Rate: 24 fps, 30 fps or 60 fps
Video 1080p Frame Rate: 30 fps or 60 fps - Video Stabilization: Cinematic video stabilization
Full specifications can be found here.
iPhone XS Max
Main Camera
- Photo Resolution: Dual 12 MP wide-angle and telephoto
- Photo-Aperture: Wide-angle f/1.8, Telephoto f/2.4
- Photo Zoom: 2x optical zoom, 10x digital zoom
- Photo Stabilization: Dual image optical stabilization
- Video 4k Frame Rate: 24 fps, 30 fps, or 60 fps
- Video 1080p Frame Rate: 30 fps or 60 fps
- Video Zoom: 2x optical zoom, 6x digital zoom
- Video Stabilization: Optical image stabilization
Front Camera
- Resolution: 7 MP
- Aperture: f/2.2
- Video 1080p Frame Rate: 30 fps or 60 fps
- Video Stabilization: Cinematic video stabilization
Full specifications can be found here.
iPhone XS
Main Camera
- Photo Resolution: Dual 12 MP wide-angle and telephoto
- Photo-Aperture: Wide-angle f/1.8, Telephoto f/2.4
- Photo Zoom: 2x optical zoom, 10x digital zoom
- Photo Stabilization: Dual image optical stabilization
- Video 4k Frame Rate: 24 fps, 30 fps or 60 fps
- Video 1080p Frame Rate: 30 fps or 60 fps
- Video Zoom: 2x optical zoom, 6x digital zoom
- Video Stabilization: Optical image stabilization
Front Camera
- Resolution: 7 MP
- Aperture: f/2.2
- Video 1080p Frame Rate: 30 fps or 60 fps
- Video Stabilization: Cinematic video stabilization
Full specifications can be found here.
iPhone XR
Main Camera
- Photo Resolution: 12 MP
- Photo-Aperture: f/1.8
- Photo Zoom: 5x digital zoom
- Photo Stabilization: Optical image stabilization
- Video 4k Frame Rate: 24 fps, 30 fps, or 60 fps
- Video 1080p Frame Rate: 30 fps or 60 fps
- Video Zoom: 3x digital zoom
- Video Stabilization: Optical image stabilization
Front Camera
- Resolution: 7 MP
- Aperture: f/2.2
- Video 1080p Frame Rate: 30 fps or 60 fps
- Video Stabilization: Cinematic video stabilization
Full specifications can be found here.
iPhone X
Main Camera
- Photo Resolution: Dual 12 MP wide-angle and telephoto
- Photo-Aperture: Wide-angle f/1.8, Telephoto f/2.4
- Photo Zoom: 2x optical zoom, 10x digital zoom
- Photo Stabilization: Dual image optical stabilization
- Video 4k Frame Rate: 24 fps, 30 fps or 60 fps
- Video 1080p Frame Rate: 30 fps or 60 fps
- Video Zoom: 2x optical zoom, 6x digital zoom
- Video Stabilization: Optical image stabilization
Front Camera
- Resolution: 7 MP
- Aperture: f/2.2
- Video 1080p: Yes
- Video Stabilization: No
Full specifications can be found here.
iPhone 8 Plus
Main Camera
- Photo Resolution: Dual 12 MP wide-angle and telephoto
- Photo-Aperture: Wide-angle f/1.8, Telephoto f/2.8
- Photo Zoom: 2x optical zoom, 10x digital zoom
- Photo Stabilization: Optical image stabilization
- Video 4k Frame Rate: 24 fps, 30 fps, or 60 fps
- Video 1080p Frame Rate: 30 fps or 60 fps
- Video Zoom: 2x optical zoom, 6x digital zoom
- Video Stabilization: Optical image stabilization
Front Camera
- Resolution: 7 MP
- Aperture: f/2.2
- Video 1080p: Yes
- Video Stabilization: No
Full specifications can be found here.
iPhone 8
Main Camera
- Photo Resolution: 12 MP
- Photo-Aperture: Wide-angle f/1.8
- Photo Zoom: 5x digital zoom
- Photo Stabilization: Optical image stabilization
- Video 4k Frame Rate: 24 fps, 30 fps, or 60 fps
- Video 1080p Frame Rate: 30 fps or 60 fps
- Video Zoom: 3x digital zoom
- Video Stabilization: Optical image stabilization
Front Camera
- Resolution: 7 MP
- Aperture: f/2.2
- Video 1080p: Yes
- Video Stabilization: No
Full specifications can be found here.
iPhone 7 Plus
Main Camera
- Photo Resolution: Dual 12 MP wide-angle and telephoto
- Photo-Aperture: Wide-angle f/1.8, Telephoto f/2.8
- Photo Zoom: 2x optical zoom, 10x digital zoom
- Photo Stabilization: Optical image stabilization
- Video 4k Frame Rate: 30 fps
- Video 1080p Frame Rate: 30 fps or 60 fps
- Video Zoom: 2x optical zoom, 6x digital zoom
- Video Stabilization: Optical image stabilization
Front Camera
- Resolution: 7 MP
- Aperture: f/2.2
- Video 1080p: Yes
- Video Stabilization: No
Full specifications can be found here.
iPhone 7
Main Camera
- Photo Resolution: 12 MP
- Photo-Aperture: f/1.8
- Photo Zoom: 5x digital zoom
- Photo Stabilization: Optical image stabilization
- Video 4k Frame Rate: 30 fps
- Video 1080p Frame Rate: 30 fps or 60 fps
- Video Zoom: 3x digital zoom
- Video Stabilization: Optical image stabilization
Front Camera
- Resolution: 7 MP
- Aperture: f/2.2
- Video 1080p: Yes
- Video Stabilization: No
Full specifications can be found here.
iPhone 6s Plus
Main Camera
- Photo Resolution: 12 MP
- Photo-Aperture: f/2.2
- Photo Zoom: 5x digital zoom
- Photo Stabilization: Optical image stabilization
- Video 4k Frame Rate: 30 fps
- Video 1080p Frame Rate: 30 fps or 60 fps
- Video Zoom: 3x digital zoom
- Video Stabilization: No
Front Camera
- Resolution: 5 MP
- Aperture: f/2.2
- Video 1080p: No
- Video Stabilization: No
Full specifications can be found here.
iPhone 6s
Main Camera
- Photo Resolution: 12 MP
- Photo-Aperture: f/2.2
- Photo Zoom: 5x digital zoom
- Photo Stabilization: No
- Video 4k Frame Rate: 30 fps
- Video 1080p Frame Rate: 30 fps or 60 fps
- Video Zoom: 3x digital zoom
- Video Stabilization: No
Front Camera
- Resolution: 5 MP
- Aperture: f/2.2
- Video 1080p: Yes
- Video Stabilization: No
Full specifications can be found here.
iPhone 6
Main Camera
- Photo Resolution: 8 MP
- Photo-Aperture: f/2.2
- Photo Zoom: 5x digital zoom
- Photo Stabilization: No
- Video 4k Frame Rate: No
- Video 1080p Frame Rate: 30 fps or 60 fps
- Video Zoom: 3x digital zoom
- Video Stabilization: No
Front Camera
- Resolution: 1.2 MP
- Aperture: f/2.2
- Video 1080p: No
- Video Stablization: No
Full specifications can be found here.
iPhone SE
Main Camera
- Photo Resolution: 12 MP
- Photo-Aperture: f/2.2
- Photo Zoom: 5x digital zoom
- Photo Stabilization: No
- Video 4k Frame Rate: 30 fps
- Video 1080p Frame Rate: 30 fps or 60 fps
- Video Zoom: 3x digital zoom
- Video Stabilization: No
Front Camera
- Resolution: 1.2 MP
- Aperture: f/2.4
- Video 1080p: No
- Video Stablization: No
Full specifications can be found here.
Equipment For The Best iPhone Video
Even though iPhones take unbelievable video with great audio, they will be even better with the following recommended equipment. And if you own an older iPhone this is practically mandatory for great-quality video recording.
Tripod
Get yourself a Joby GorillaPod 3K Kit. Not only does this give you perfectly still videos and photos with zero blur, but it also makes for a great hand grip whilst walking around.
Phone Adaptor
You will need a device to attach your iPhone to the tripod. The MeFOTO Smartphone adaptor SideKick360 Plus is a great
External Microphone
The Shure MV88 iOS Digital Stereo Condenser Microphone plugs directly into the lightning port of your iPhone. It gives the best audio of any microphone on the market, is extremely compact, and is easy to change direction.
iPhone Current Prices
Here is the full range of iPhones on Amazon, so you can keep up with the current Apple-certified refurbished price list and compare iPhone cameras by cost.
Compare iPhone Cameras
We trust that you found the iPhone Comparison Chart useful to quickly compare different iPhone Cameras, and learn which iPhone is best for your needs and your budget.
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Thanks for your article on iPhone cameras.
I am about to replace my iPhone 6s. In addition to use as a phone, I use my smart phone as a camera, for texting, email, and searching the web. I don’t stream movies, etc.
I would like to have a good camera and strong battery life, but don’t want to spend over $1,000 for the latest models. You clearly liked the XS Max when you got it. Since I have $500 – 600 to spend now, what model would you recommend buying?
Thanks, Will White kipwill78@gmail.com
Hi Will,
I upgraded from the 6s to the XS Max. I handed the 6S down to my son, and whilst the phone is fine the camera is now cactus, it’s all shaky.
Then I swapped my XS Max with my wife’s iPhone X. I actually like the iPhone X more than the XS Max. The form factor is much easier for taking photos and videos, and I really cannot tell the difference. Except with night photos, the iPhone X is quite terrible at those. I would definitely recommend the iPhone X for anyone on a tight budget.
But I have to say, I’ve heard great things about the XR. In reviews it is every bit as good as the X in the camera department, and heaps cheaper. The only problem is you don’t get the telephoto lens. But if you can live without the 2X optical zoom, the XR is probably your best choice for a tight budget. Just don’t expect too much from your night photography, in all other aspects, the X and the XR are amazing.
Regards,
Ramon
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Excellent article. I am experiencing some of these issues as well.. Cameron Epel
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