iPhone 16 Pro Max Review: New Features for Videographers

an iphone 16 camera being held by a man's hand in front of an iphone 16 pro marquee Today’s videographers have a wealth of professional cameras at their disposal. But sometimes, the best camera for the job may already be in your pocket. Smartphone cameras are more powerful than ever before, with many models capable of capturing 4k video, including the new iPhone 16 Pro lineup.

Consider Your Setting

The iPhone 16 Pro Max and Pro officially launched in September 2024. Like its predecessors, these models bring back features like the ability to film in 4k and in Apple Pro Res. But the iPhone 16 Pro and Max also feature new additions to the camera and microphone that are particularly intriguing for video professionals.

Below, find an overview of the new features added to the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max, and get insight on whether it’s worth the upgrade.

What are the iPhone Pro & Pro Max?

Apple’s "Pro" iPhone models are the premium versions of the standard iPhone. They offer upgrades over the standard model, including a larger display, a longer battery life, a better camera, and more powerful chips.

What are the iPhone 16 Pro’s new camera features?

Both the 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max have the same base cameras as each other, meaning the features listed below are present in both models.

New Camera Button

One handy feature for the 16 Pro models is the addition of a dedicated camera button. The camera button sits just below the power button on the side of the phone.

One click automatically opens the camera. Once the camera is open, you can click once to take a picture or press and hold for video. Double-clicking also brings up a miniature camera menu, so you can adjust the camera settings like the zoom and focus without needing to touch the screen.

We appreciate this addition since it makes filming and adjusting your settings more convenient and streamlined.



Higher Megapixel Sensor

While the iPhone 15 Pro featured 48-megapixel sensors in the main cameras, the 16 Pro & Pro Max expands these to the ultra-wide cameras. The more megapixels (MPs) a camera’s sensor has, the more detail a photo or video can contain. So, the 16 Pro models can help you capture higher-quality wide-camera footage.

Higher FPS Dolby Vision

The iPhone 16 Pro Max and Pro can film in Dolby Vision, a high dynamic range (HDR) video type that realistically captures more authentic color, brightness, and contrast. Dolby Vision also embeds metadata into the video file, so you can more easily edit and color grade your footage.

While the iPhone 15 Pro Max could also film in Dolby Vision up to 60 frames per second (fps), the 16 Pro models double that number and can film in Dolby Vision up to 120 fps. Footage with a higher fps looks smoother than those with lower levels.

4k Slow Motion Video

While the iPhone 15 Pro was able to film in 4k, it wasn’t able to capture slow-motion footage in HD, and it capped slow-motion at 30fps. The iPhone 16 Pro series can record slow motion footage in 4k at 120 fps, a significant rise in quality.

Studio Quality Microphones

Beyond the new camera capabilities, the iPhone 16 Pro lineup also features upgrades to the microphones.

Both the 16 Pro and Pro Max include four studio-quality microphones that can capture Spatial Audio, which places sounds in different locations on speakers, similar to surround sound. This makes your audio more natural and immersive without needing to do an additional round of edits.

Faster Video Transfer

The 16 Pro lineup features new A18 processing chips, which speed up USB-3 file uploads for large Pro Res video files. The phones also have faster video encoders, which can load twice as fast as previous models and speed up your editing workflow.

How much do the iPhone Pro & Pro Max cost?

The iPhone 16 price lineup start at:
  • iPhone 16: $799
  • iPhone 16 Pro: $999
  • iPhone 16 Pro Max: $1,199
You can get $180 to $650 in credit when you trade in an iPhone 12 or newer at an Apple Store.

Should I buy an iPhone 16 Pro or Pro Max?

That depends. If you have a phone from an older lineup, like the iPhone 11 or 12, then the iPhone 16 Pro offers plenty of new camera upgrades that can improve the quality of your videos and photos and make your visual projects easier.

That said, if you already have one of the more recent models, like the iPhone 15 Pro, then many of the basic camera features are largely the same, such as the ability to film in Apple Pro Res or record in 4k video footage. But the iPhone 16 Pro lineup’s upgrades to slow-motion recording, the wide-range camera, and faster video uploading are nice perks, which could make a trade-in worth the extra cost if you consistently film with your phone.

Final Words From A Rhode Island Videographer

Even if you have the best-quality cameras in your toolkit, filming your first major video project on your own can be daunting. So, if you want professional help you bring your vision to life, McVeigh Media is ready to help.

As experienced Rhode Island videographers, we’ve worked with both local organizations and major brands to film commercials, promotional materials, and other professional video content to elevate your brand. We can handle every step of the videography process, from initial recording to final edits, so you can get a professional result you’re proud of. Contact us today to learn how we can streamline your next video project.
Posted by Sean McVeigh
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Sean McVeigh is an award-winning filmmaker and producer with over 25 years of experience. Sean’s work as a cinematographer and editor has been viewed on many of the major TV networks including NBC, ESPN, and the BBC. He has also worked with iconic brands like Apple, GE, Jaguar, Amtrak, US National Parks Services, and AAA.