Apple’s iPhone 12 lineup introduced a new feature called ProRAW. This new feature is aimed to enhance the camera capabilities of the iPhone 12 series, particularly the iPhone 12 Pro and the iPhone 12 Pro Max. For photographers looking to capture high-quality images with an iPhone, ProRAW could become their go-to feature. Here’s what you need to know about ProRAW and how it enhances the camera capabilities of the iPhone 12 series.
What is ProRAW?
ProRAW is a new feature available on the iPhone 12 Pro and the iPhone 12 Pro Max. This feature allows the user to capture RAW files with a smartphone camera. RAW files are essentially uncompressed images that retain all the details captured by the camera sensor. Compared to JPEG files, RAW files provide more editing capabilities, giving users greater control over the final image quality.
ProRAW combines the advantages of RAW files with Apple’s computational photography technology found in previous iPhone models. This means that ProRAW captures all the benefits of the iPhone’s camera software while retaining the high-quality RAW image format.
How does ProRAW work?
ProRAW works by combining several techniques such as Smart HDR, Deep Fusion, and Night mode. Smart HDR captures multiple images with different exposures and combines them to create a high dynamic range image that retains detail in both the shadows and highlights. Deep Fusion uses machine learning to create enhanced details and textures in low to medium-light conditions, and Night mode captures bright and detailed images even in extremely low light conditions.
With ProRAW, all this processing is performed before the data is converted into a RAW file. This way, users can make use of the enhanced capabilities of Apple’s computational photography while still retaining the benefits of editing a RAW file. Essentially, ProRAW captures a RAW image with some processing applied to it, bringing users the best of both worlds.
How to use ProRAW?
Users can enable ProRAW within the camera settings by going to Settings, then Camera, and then Format. From there, they can select “Apple ProRAW” and activate it. ProRAW files are saved in the same way as standard RAW files, and they can be edited using editing software such as Adobe Lightroom.
Should you use ProRAW?
ProRAW is a game-changer for iPhone photography enthusiasts, and anyone looking to capture high-quality images with their smartphone. However, if you’re not interested in doing any post-processing and prefer the images straight from the camera, then there’s a good chance you won’t see much benefit from ProRAW. ProRAW files are larger than JPEG files, taking up more storage space, and require more processing power.
Overall, ProRAW is an exciting new feature that enhances the camera capabilities of the iPhone 12 series. It’s perfect for photographers looking to capture high-quality images with their smartphones while retaining the benefits of RAW files. So, if you have an iPhone 12 Pro or iPhone 12 Pro Max, consider giving ProRAW a try and see how it elevates your iPhone photography game.
