Pro Photographer Austin Mann Reviews iPhone 17 Pro Camera [Video]

Professional photographer Austin Mann has published his annual iPhone camera review, this year focusing on the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max. To put the new devices through their paces, Mann cycled and hiked more than 150 miles through the Dolomite mountains in Italy, capturing real-world shots in challenging conditions.

According to Mann, the most notable improvement for photographers is the new telephoto system on the iPhone 17 Pro. He highlights the 48-megapixel 4x (100mm) telephoto lens, calling it a more natural and versatile focal length than the 120mm lens found on the previous generation. The additional 8x (200mm) option is also praised for its ability to cleanly isolate distant subjects, while the jump from 12MP to 48MP at 4x delivers far stronger detail.




Photographic Styles get a new "Bright" option, which Mann describes as an "Undertone" style that is semantically aware—it adds contrast, brightens faces, and enhances foliage while still protecting highlights. He notes that he has been using Photographic Styles more often than ProRAW because of their power and flexibility.

The redesigned Camera app in iOS 26 also received positive marks for its streamlined interface. Mann found switching between modes is now noticeably faster, Night mode has been simplified, and accessing settings like aspect ratio and exposure is easier to do with one hand.



The new 18MP Center Stage front camera is described as a "surprise and delight" feature that improves selfies without requiring user input. He notes it automatically adjusts for group shots or switches between portrait and landscape, an experience he found particularly useful while trying to capture photos on his bike.


Mann also tested the new Crossbody Strap, describing it as smooth and secure, though he questioned the long-term durability of its thin tether line. He also discovered two lesser-known features, including the ability to use AirPods as a remote camera trigger and a new "Lens Cleaning Hints" setting.

While he found the new iPhone Air beautiful, he considered its single-lens camera too limiting for professional work, though he suggested third-party apps like Halide can help unlock its potential.

Mann devoted special attention to the new Cosmic Orange finish, calling it stunning but impractical for professionals. He explained that photographers often need to remain discreet—whether shooting through an airplane window into the sun, working behind a stage at a concert, or walking through a crowded market. Bright colors like orange can draw unwanted attention and even cause reflections, increasing the chance of missed shots. For those reasons, he recommends the Deep Blue finish with a dark case as the better choice for serious photographers.

His buying advice suggests the upgrade from an iPhone 16 Pro is worthwhile for those who want a better telephoto lens. He still prefers the smaller iPhone 17 Pro over the Pro Max for its easier one-handed operation but acknowledges the Pro Max's superior battery life and 2TB storage option will be decisive for some.

Hit the link for the full review...

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