iPhone 16: Will It Transform Travel Photography With 4K 120fps And New Camera Control?

The countdown to the latest iPhone launch is over. Tim Cook, Apple's CEO, unveiled the new Apple Intelligence-powered iPhone 16 series and other premium gadgets and wearables yesterday, and all we can think about is whether our travel photos will get any better! Outlook Traveller spoke to some travel influencers and experts to find out what they think about the phone’s camera features.

Travel photographer and vlogger Anunay Sood, who has  337K subscribers on YouTube and 1.1M followers on Instagram, is excited about the latest Apple device's 4K at 120 FPS feature. 

“It is a game changer, and the audio upgrades are significant. Vloggers have transitioned from using bulky cameras to iPhones, and now the 4K at 120 FPS feature, which was once absent, has been introduced," Sood told OT.

For those unfamiliar, if a phone supports 4K at 120 FPS, it means its camera can record videos at that high resolution and frame rate. This capability results in exceptionally detailed and smooth footage, particularly beneficial for capturing fast-paced action scenes.

Additionally, suppose the phone’s display can handle 4K at 120 FPS. In that case, it can play videos at that same resolution and frame rate, offering a more immersive viewing experience with sharper details and fluid motion. Overall, 4K at 120 FPS on the phone ensures a premium video experience, with the camera capturing highly detailed and smooth footage and the display presenting it in stunning clarity.

Meanwhile, Riaan George, a content creator and journalist with 123K Instagram followers, mentioned he is particularly eager to explore the iPhone 16's video and photo capabilities. "The Camera Control feature is set to revolutionise my handheld shooting," he said. "As a video creator, the 4K at 120 FPS is a game changer. It allows me to play with video speed without losing quality, enabling amazing effects. Plus, with its haptic feedback, the live preview in Camera Control lets me professionally colour grade as I shoot."

More Features To Look Out For

The iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus have a slew of features like "aerospace-grade aluminium," a bigger display and the Action Button to the standard models, allowing users to quickly access features like recording voice memos, but the travel fraternity is most excited about things like a new camera control feature that lets users adjust settings by sliding a finger on the screen, located on the right side below the on/off switch.

The new camera control button is flush with the surface and protected by sapphire glass. A single click opens the camera, a second click captures a photo, and holding it starts recording a video. The camera control also supports advanced touch gestures, distinguishing between a full click and a lighter press. A lighter press offers a clean preview, aiding in accurately framing the shot. A new overlay provides quick access to essential camera functions like zoom.

What Do Experts Say?

Tech journalist Rajiv Makhni said, "With the iPhone 16 series, the ultra-wide capabilities on both the standard and Pro models are fantastic, especially for vlogging and travel bloggers. The addition of 4K at 120 FPS in the Pro models is a great feature for creating cinematic content and high-end photography.”

Makhni, however, highlighted that the advancements are not as sweeping as one has come to expect from Apple. “The only notable innovation seems to be the camera control button, which brands like Sony have had for years. It doesn’t feel groundbreaking. iPhones were once the best for video, and while they still perform well, the advancements seem minimal — perhaps a marginal 0.1-0.2% improvement."

Riaan George's Tips For Capturing Stunning Photos

George, who has previously attended Apple Events in Cupertino, also offered tips for those considering the new iPhone 16, particularly for capturing stunning photos. Here are some of them.

• Try out the new 48MP Ultra Wide camera: It will capture scenes in a breathtaking manner.

• Portrait mode: My personal favorite. While not new to the Apple Camera system, it sees an upgrade annually and is great for portraying subjects with true skin tones and capturing depth.

• Use Apple’s native editing apps: I love clicking photographs and playing around with the settings on the native Edit app, as opposed to transferring them to third-party editing apps. The new user interface for photo and video edits on the native app makes it much more interactive.

• During your upcoming travels, try 4K at 120 FPS videos: Create interesting montages and mini vlogs using this feature.

• Use Cinematic Mode: Shift focus to create stunningly high-quality videos of your destination and the people with you.

• Finally, use the new Camera Control feature: Optimised for both landscape and portrait mode, it gives you the ease of capturing and more flexibility between modes and focus.