Viewpoint Amy Davies
Amateur Photographer|January 03, 2023
Does anybody actually use their smartphone’s pro modes? Or are they a marketing gimmick?
Viewpoint Amy Davies

’ve been reviewing smartphones in relation to their photographic capabilities for well over a decade now. In all that time, Apple has resolutely refused to add a professional or manual mode to its iPhones when using the default camera app. Every time a new one comes out, all the reviewers – myself included – moan about how there’s no such mode and how it’s a travesty. Google’s Pixel phones came out a bit later, but their native apps are very similar to the iPhone’s – and guess what, there’s no Pro mode there either.

For ages, we’d gripe about the lack of a raw-format shooting mode too, but Apple finally relented and allowed that in 2020 with the launch of the iPhone 12 Pro.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM AMATEUR PHOTOGRAPHERView all
140 years of change
Amateur Photographer

140 years of change

AP has become the world’s oldest surviving consumer photo magazine because we have moved with the times, says Nigel Atherton

time-read
2 mins  |
September 24, 2024
Preserving history in platinum
Amateur Photographer

Preserving history in platinum

A deep dive into the meticulous art of platinum printing, and the collaboration between the Royal Geographical Society and Salto Ulbeek. Mike Crawford explores how they brought historical photographs to life with enduring beauty and precision

time-read
7 mins  |
September 24, 2024
Life in the past lane
Amateur Photographer

Life in the past lane

What was life like for an amateur photographer in 1884? John Wade takes a trip back in time

time-read
3 mins  |
September 24, 2024
Choice cuts
Amateur Photographer

Choice cuts

How many trillions of photographs must have been taken in the past 140 years? Amy Davies asked some of our regular contributors for their favourites....a difficult task, to say the least

time-read
4 mins  |
September 24, 2024
How good a camera can you buy for just £140?
Amateur Photographer

How good a camera can you buy for just £140?

Three members of the AP team see what they can find for the money

time-read
5 mins  |
September 24, 2024
Round Five: The Best of the Rest
Amateur Photographer

Round Five: The Best of the Rest

The APOY judges choose their favourite images that didn’t make the top ten of our Landscapes category

time-read
3 mins  |
September 24, 2024
Amateur Photographer of the Year
Amateur Photographer

Amateur Photographer of the Year

Here are the top ten images uploaded to Photocrowd from Round Five, Landscapes, with comments by the AP team and our guest judge

time-read
4 mins  |
September 24, 2024
FILM STARS A lifetime of landmarks
Amateur Photographer

FILM STARS A lifetime of landmarks

Cameras that hit the headlines between then and now. John Wade is your guide

time-read
10+ mins  |
September 24, 2024
140 years of Amateur Photographer
Amateur Photographer

140 years of Amateur Photographer

As AP celebrates its 140th birthday next month, Nigel Atherton looks back at its glorious past

time-read
8 mins  |
September 24, 2024
John Wade considers...World War II: Home Front 1940, by A.J O'Brien
Amateur Photographer

John Wade considers...World War II: Home Front 1940, by A.J O'Brien

Say the word 'Wall's' to those of a certain age and two things spring to mind: sausages and ice cream.

time-read
2 mins  |
September 10, 2024