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Apple iPhone 6s Plus camera review

Lars Rehm | Published: Dec 1, 2015 at 13:01 UTC

161

Connect smartphone reviews are written with the needs of photographers in mind. We focus on camera features, performance and image quality.

The iPhone 6s Plus is the iPhone 6s' bigger brother and, apart from the larger 5.5-inch screen, mainly distinguishes itself from the smaller model by offering optical image stabilization system in its camera module. In terms of design it's as good as identical to its predecessor iPhone 6 Plus, but the hull is now made out of stronger aluminum and glass that Apple claims is the most durable in the industry.

Under the hood the improvements on the new model are more obvious. In the camera module sensor resolution has been upped to 12MP and there are 50% more phase detection sensors, 'focus-pixels' in Apple terms, located across the chip. In video mode the camera is now capable of recording 4K footage and the panorama mode can capture even larger images than before, up to 63MP. The FaceTime front camera comes with an increased 5MP resolution and, like we've seen on a variety of devices before, can now use the brightness of the display as a flash-substitute in low light conditions.

Naturally, the new model also comes with a more powerful chipset and increased memory. The screen is also now pressure-sensitive, a feature Apple calls 3D Touch. In the gallery app for example, it allows you to preview an image by touching the thumbnail lightly, while a hard press opens it up fully. This works in the same way on websites and for other types of content. We've put the iPhone 6s Plus through its paces, as always, with a focus on the camera and imaging. Read on to find out how we got on.

Key Photographic / Video Specifications

12MP BSI CMOS sensor with on-sensor phase detection
F2.2 aperture
Optical Image Stabilization
Dual-LED flash
4K-video
5MP front camera

Other Specifications

5.5-inch 1080p IPS LCD display (401ppi)
iOS 9 operating system
Apple A9 chipset
2GB RAM
16/64/128GB storage options
Force Touch Display
2750 mAh battery

Our 11-page review

We've considered every aspect of the Apple iPhone 6s Plus with the photographer in mind. We examined the user interface of the native camera app and its special features. We experimented with the camera's performance when taking stills and video, and had a play with the device's many special feature modes. Click any of the links below for more information of specific functions and continue to our conclusion for a final summary of our findings.

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Next page: Design & Hardware

Comments

Total comments: 161

Camera is not up to the mark...

0 upvotes

pretty hard considering how small small and thin the camera optic has to be tosort of fit the super slim iPhone 6s housing.

0 upvotes

Yes, I agree the camera has been a disappointment after having best cameras by Samsung and Sony. I am sure the team at apple will get this better with iPhone 7 this year. I have also came across this platform called www.fanreviews.co where lot of areas of Apple iPhone 6 & 6s https://fanreviews.co/mobiles/apple-iphone-6s-plus-2015-user-video-reviews are covered may be this is useful for others here

0 upvotes

The main reason why I'd opt for the 6s Plus would be the optical image stabilizer, which, in my opinion, is worth all the money.

Still, there's one thing bugging me: video quality. For example, on this blog, http://www.ios8downloadbetas.com/does-the-iphone-6s-plus-have-the-best-camera/, it says that the Xperia Z5 is able to shoot better 4K videos. Honestly, I find this hard to believe. Anybody who can make things clear? Thanks!

0 upvotes

Honestly 4K video is a feature I’ll not use for a while–at least until 4K televisions come down in price. Unless you have a TV capable of 4K, what’s the point in recording in 4K? Also note, that recording in 4K takes up a TON of space–3 minutes of 4K video takes up 1GB of space!

Yuu can see detailed review on the device over here https://fanreviews.co/mobiles/apple-iphone-6s-plus-2015-user-video-reviews

0 upvotes

glad I opted for the $300 5s on black friday instead of upgrading to the 6s. with only 8mp produces decent TIFFs using iRaw.

Edited 2 times; latest 2 minutes since posting

2 upvotes

just cannot get over horrid processing Apple is using on 6s and 6s Plus, gone is that 'natural looking' photo mantra, just take a portrait and look at the skin at 100%... horrid waxy looking, much (much) worse than other current smartphones, what was (is) Apple thinking?? the photos look so processed (like the Xperia's of 2 years ago). see what I mean here http://www.dpreview.com/forums/thread/3933323 and here http://www.dpreview.com/forums/thread/3936194

1 upvote

To whom much is given, much is expected.
Things should be way better at this point for the price iPhones are selling for.
It really bothers me that Apple hasn't:
1. Enable Raw mode.
2. Put a brighter lens.
3. Use a 3:2 Sensor.
4. Use a bigger sensor.

apparently they have 800 people working on the Camera as per the latest "60 Min" CBS interview !

Edited 3 times; latest 5 minutes since posting

0 upvotes

"apparently they have 800 people working on the Camera as per the latest "60 Min" CBS interview !"

It certainly doesn't show. It, for example, would have take them some dozens of manhours only to fine-tune the noise reduction parameters when shooting stills / panos at base / low ISO, as has been proved by my findings I've linked to below. They haven't bothered. (They may have thought their costumers are all non-techies not bothered by the messed-up, awful shadow regions even in well-lit shots? Prolly.)

Also, a LOT device manufacturers (MS, Samsung, LG, Pana or, in the past, Nokia etc.) with a LOT less resources allocated to cameras have produced significantly better fine-tuned and much more capable cameras. Compare for example the images the new Lumia 950 (XL) produce - or, for that matter, even the comparatively cheap LG G4. And yes, in addition to being much better fine-tuned, they all offer RAW as well - and not only via third-party apps (via the API).

Edited 3 times; latest 2 minutes since posting

2 upvotes

yes NR is horrific, even at low iso's... really disappointed in the 6s' camera!

1 upvote

Guys,

you'll really want to check out my posts (and comparative images) at http://www.dpreview.com/forums/post/56919409

I've managed to significantly increase the panorama shooting quality by dialing down noise reduction!

This will only work on jailbroken devices. On non-JB'n ones, you simply can't have any way of getting rid of the excessive and, in many cases (e.g., shooting at or slightly above base ISO) absolutely unnecessary default noise reduction.

Again, so far, I only managed to improve the sweep pano mode. However, I'm absolutely confident I'll be able to improve still image quality as well, as soon as I find out how Apple configures its noise reduction.

0 upvotes

Apple likes their pictures with a little bit of warmth filter and a boost in the shadows. Kinda like a mild instagram for all their pictures out of their camera. Not really accurate so it'll always underperform according to accuracy. You talk to people out in the wild, they'll always say "I don't know what it is but iPhone always takes so much better pictures" because they judge based on emotion, not technical accuracy. The Galaxy S6 and Note5 (S6 with RAW/DNG output) is more of a best available camera on a smartphone to bridge the gap between cameras and smartphones, while Apple is just trying to produce a better jpeg files for mobile use. Different schools of thought. There are advantages to both.

0 upvotes

Agree, but Apple dropped the ball here. The image quality should be better.

0 upvotes

"Agree, but Apple dropped the ball here. The image quality should be better."

Yup, they did. As I've proved in my (jailbroken, low-level hardware) tests(*), the hardware would be capable of much better results. It's just Apple that applies far too much (unnecessary) shadow noise reduction even at base ISO, when it would in no way be necessary.

*: please see my posts, fully packed with examples, at http://www.dpreview.com/forums/post/56919409

Edited 20 seconds after posting

0 upvotes

"while Apple is just trying to produce a better jpeg files for mobile use. Different schools of thought. There are advantages to both."

I wish Apple

- did implement RAW support, at least on the API level (for third-party apps) - they still haven't bothered

- spent a little more time on configuring the strength and selective (local brightness-dependent) noise reduction algorithm. As proved by my sweep pano examples, they apply very strong-handed noise reduction in the shadows even at very low ISO's, which would be absolutely unnecessary, as there is very little color noise even at ISO64, let alone lower ISO values. Nevertheless, even at ISO64, shadow areas are completely messed up by Apple's NR.

0 upvotes

Why is it becoming so much more difficult to find a list of scores for these phones? I don't care who is threatening to sue, it should be up front on the main page here and on dxo. That's what people come here to see.

0 upvotes

Phones as cameras reminds me of what happened with popular music in the last 15 years. It went from catering to every different taste to primarily catering to pre-teen girls and 20-somethings who frequent Starbucks.. Phones are the "autotuned" of the camera world.

4 upvotes

Did you guys ever give the Panasonic cm1 a rating?

2 upvotes

Guys,

you'll really want to check out my latest post (and comparative images) at http://www.dpreview.com/forums/post/56961343 - I've managed to significantly increase the panorama shooting quality by dialing down noise reduction!

Again, this will only work on jailbroken devices. On non-JB'n ones, you simply can't have any way of getting rid of the excessive noise reduction.

0 upvotes

I've just posted another pair of panos comparing the output of my version to that of Apple:

http://www.dpreview.com/forums/post/56962606

0 upvotes

Iphone 6s plus is the awesome phone with the perfect price range best than all other iPhones in all the categories. Truly awesome!

0 upvotes

definitely not in terms of camera or IQ!!!

1 upvote

i also want to have it.

0 upvotes

Panoramas have possibilities from mobiles. Can you suggest a suitable tripod mount to hold such a large phone upright to obtaon the best results as here in the UK we seem to lack such a vitally necessary device. Even a motorozed version with variable speeds for different light levels would be great. I Have very steady hands still and can track accurately according to the guidelines but maontaoning an unvarying speed gets very difficult indeed as you turn a full circle and usually on ground and two feet that are neither level nor able to maintaon a constant axis.

Also what cameras still have holes provoded for wriststraps as I cannot find and so hang onto my old N8 Nokia from 2010 when they all mostly had wristraps.

1 upvote

For the built-in sweep pano, you won't really need a tripod. Generally, only the closest edges (or late very low-constrast ones) etc. have stitching errors. Of course, it won't make things worse.

If, on the other hand, you plan on shooting stills for future pano stitching (in third-party apps), you'll definitely need a dedicated pano head. While I haven't tried it myself*, I'm pretty sure it's possible to put an iPhone 6s+ on most pano heads (Nodal series etc).

*: I wouldn't bother with doing any serious work with the iPhone, particularly not panoramas. Even a (now), compared to the 6s+, very cheap (about one-third the price if you buy it second-hand) Fuji X-E1+ 27mm combo, assuming the same (decent) tripod and pano head (e.g., Nodal Ninja 3) produces orders of magnitude better images, and particularly better final panos. If you already plan to take a (largeish) tripod with you, get a decent system camera with you for shooting, not the iPhone.

1 upvote

Stitched (not automatic sweep a'la iPhone) panoramas, when properly shot, require as much dynamic range and lack of noise as possible as you'll need to shoot with locked exposure (and, of course, focus). The iPhone6s+ is simply incapable of the DR (and noise) of any decent large-sensor camera.

I've published a lot of info on all these (with the X-E1), feel free to read my writeup at http://www.dpreview.com/forums/thread/3896092 . Note that I also link to my articles discussing my iPhone6s+ sweep pano improvements (jailbreak only).

0 upvotes

Well, when all is said and done one can hardly expect the camera of an iPhone or any other mobile device to compare to that of a DSLR. I do however find it nothing short of hilarious how camera manufacturers continue to profess how astounding their cameras are with the hopes of improving market sales.

1 upvote

The unwashed need educating.

0 upvotes

Cell Phone manufacturers are doing a way better job than DSLR makers are these days!

Check sales records. I must admit that for what most people post to now, ergo, web based stuff, why have a real camera anymore?

I have a Samsung Note 4 and I myself am darn impressed how "easy" it is to get a nice looking shot in a heartbeat. Am I going to print it at 8x10 no, but am I going to send some to my relation, friends Yes.

Edited 3 times; latest 7 minutes since posting

0 upvotes

Well, considering the fact that "TRUE" photographers like myself and many others require much more than just "nice" photographs, using a mobile phone as a primary tool for taking photos is not an option. Then again photography (which in itself is an art) is not just for anyone.

0 upvotes

Well I own a Sony A7r with a lot of toys to go along with it, but that does not take away the ability of my Note 4, which I have 24/7 with me, to take a picture that works versus even yes, lugging a 10 pound Tripod, which by the way you need with a A7r, and a bag full of nice lenses, etc., for a day out in the woods per say. Not counting other cameras I own.

We are the few that exist anymore on here that really could care about great photos to print or Pixel Peep, which even most of us do, even me. I probably only print large 1 in 1,000 shoots I take and I doubt that. It is big bucks to print big.

I treat my A7r more like a view camera than just a handheld camera. Without OOS in camera it is VERY unforgiving.

Versus the Note 4 where it just seems to work with Oly like colors in the blink of a eye pulled out of my pocket. I don't see how anyone can knock it for what it is intended to do. Am I going to print a 16x20 with it no. Am I going to post it to Facebook or Flicker, yes I am.

Edited 2 times; latest 2 minutes since posting

0 upvotes

I maintain my point. Photography is an ART and NOT just about sharing "nice" pictures on FB or Flicker.
There are photographers and then there are just who like to fool themselves into thinking themselves photographers.

0 upvotes

Me thinks you are full of it. Art is in the eye of the beholder.

A snapshot of a baby with a iphone is Art to a young mother and her child.

I bet you, like me, and many others on DPR have EVER been lucky enough to have taken 100 Killer pictures in their life that they would hang in a ART exposition.

And I have been doing this a Long time. Oh, and by the way I really am in the camp that Photography is really not an ART. It is too easy, for way to many people, to luck out and take a great shot to call it a ART like you seem to think.

Artist are few and far between to be lumped into a "craft" I will call it. And I made a full time living as a Photographer for 17 years. Artist no, Craftsman, well yes. I won't even call Ansel Adams a Artist. He was a VERY special Craftsman in his field. YMMV.

0 upvotes

Well to each his/her own poison. That's what makes us all unique. :) Thanks for the replies and if I seem full of it please accept my most sincere apology. I guess my passion for photography makes me emotional especially whenever mobile phones are concerned.

0 upvotes

I am Glad you have a passion for it. That is what makes you better!

If you are good you can take a Great picture with a Cell Phone. Strive to do better and hone your "craft"/ ART.

Good luck with your photography, it is a wonderful Hobby, even can lead to a rewarding Business. Memories that will last your lifetime. Glad to meet you. GL.

0 upvotes

Thank you webrunner5,

It was a pleasure meeting you. I will admit our short conversation has given me a new outlook on mobile photography. I wish you the best in your photography and would love to pick your brain occasionally if I need any advice on how to improve my pictures.

Happy holidays.

Kind Regards,
Scott Craig

0 upvotes

Practice, practice, practice. The only way to improve it. You can read every book on the web, but you have to get out and put it to use.

Learn everything about your camera and how the lenses you have work in different situations. Night time, daytime, wide open, fully closed. It makes a huge difference mood wise. It can be fun to experiment. Screw up, no big deal delete it. Do great, print it.

0 upvotes

Most cell phones you are not going to print much of anything. It is for social Media mostly. Now Video that is another story. I have made some darn interesting Videos with my Samsung Note 4 using 4k video on it. Downsized to HD, well it is excellent. Even my Apple 5s in HD is good. It is the future down the road with frame grabs. 4k has 8mp frame grabs, 8k will have 32mp frame grabs. It is out in Japan already.

Davinci Resolve 12 is out now for free. Get it!! Learn Video, it is the future. Complex and scary at first, but very logical once you learn to use it.

I use a lot of old 40's, 50's Blues Songs on my Videos. Free music, and sets a killer mood on certain Videos.

Get on Vimeo and watch a lot of the short films on there. Some amazing stuff with Cell Phones and not so expensive cameras. Skill has no boundaries over cost LoL.

Edited 2 times; latest 11 minutes since posting

0 upvotes

I've got both (technically my gf has the 6s Plus) and feel the Note 5 is superior in every way. Even the grip is more comfortable and you won't miss as many shots with the quick launch feature. Detail is much sharper than the 6s Plus and image stabilization is much smoother. Even 9to5 Mac wrote a review where the Note 5 crushed the 6s Plus in almost every category. Hands down the Note 5 will make you fall in love with cellphone photography.

Edited 37 seconds after posting

2 upvotes

"image stabilization is much smoother"

Is the OIS in the Note5 significantly better than the Note4? I've done a lot of Note4 vs. iPhone6s+ comparisons and, generally, I've found the OIS of the 6s+ better.

Edited 10 seconds after posting

0 upvotes

You must have some alignment problems. Galaxy note 4 is sharper on the right, iphone is sharper on the left. So the "better phone" depends on where you look.

Iphone is way too yellow and without measuring, a couple of units too red.

Iphone isn't "warm" on this calibrated monitor, it is merely jaundiced ant the people shots confirm that impression.

The grey is not grey at all, it's terrible.

1 upvote

Just posted a new thread here in the iOS subforum, shot on the 6s+:

"This is what you can expect of Camera+'s / 645 Pro's TIFF files (comparison!)"

http://www.dpreview.com/forums/thread/3938321

Edited 25 seconds after posting

0 upvotes

I have one, and is enough for me.

0 upvotes

Horrible camera quality from iPhone 6s, worst than old iPhone 6. Don't get it at all!

2 upvotes

untrue

1 upvote

The way better (economical) alternative, *if* one doesn't need an Apple Logo as Status symbol: Xiaomi RedMi Note 3:

Metal body
CPU: 64bit MT6795 Helio X10 Octa Core 2.0GHz, GPU: PowerVR G6200 700MHz
5.5 inch FHD 1920 x 1080 pixels IPS capacitive touch screen
MIUI V7; 3 GB RAM + 32 GB ROM.
5.0MP front camera, 13.0MP back camera with flashlight and auto focus.
Networking: 2G GSM: 900/1800/1900MHz; 3G WCDMA: 850/900/1900/2100MHz
4G FDD-LTE: 1800/2100/2600MHz, TDD-LTE (B38/B39/B40/B41: 2555-2655MHz)

3 GB vs 2GB RAM, fast Helio X10 MediaTek CPU, good 13 MP cam with Phase Detect AF, huge 4050mA battery, way cheaper than this 6s i.Phone, and way stylish, too. Fingerprint sensor included, also 5.5" FHD Display.

First Review:

http://www.xiaomitoday.com/xiaomi-redmi-note-3-review/

Looks quite good to me, would be my new smartphone in 2016 later. It looks like a excellent 6s Alternative, but not for stupid premium, apple asks for. :-)

Edited 2 minutes after posting

0 upvotes

While I'm in no way an Apple fanboy (some people here at Connect even think I'm an Apple hater - see for example my previous comments on the low quality of third-party pre-iPad Pro pen solutions), I much prefer using my 6s+ to my Note4 (both flagships) in everyday life, particularly for Web browsing. It's just snappier and more productive (except for niceties like pen, NFC quick transfer/control initiating or IR remote control, naturally).

Edited 55 seconds after posting

2 upvotes

To be honest, after having tested the Redmi Note 2, which, at least on paper, has the same camera as the Note 3, I would not recommend it for photography. Or at least I would recommend trying before buying ;)

2 upvotes

I wouldn't recommand a smartphone for daily-based photography, to be honest...it's way too much a compromise, only the DMC CM1 does have a decent 1" sensor, but the 28mm "Leica" lens is also by no means perfect...so either a small system camera or something like the RX100 series or another premium compact would do the trick.

1 upvote

Thanks for the tip. 3G RAM with 32G storage only 1099 yuan? That's only USD$ 170 WOW! Another USD$ premium gets you an Apple logo, Apple ecosystem, and maybe slightly better photo image? What's the camera and sensor size of the Xiaomi? Any phase detection?

0 upvotes

Guys, if you have a JB'n device, you're saved: it seems I've managed to reduce noise reduction. I'm still ding a lot of tests and fine tuning but the first results are more than promising.

Let me know if you need more info on this prompttly (most importantly, the changed CameraSetup.plist) before I publish a full tutorial and prolly a full Cydia configurer app (like my past camera enhancers) later.

5 upvotes

Continouusly posting my findings to http://forums.macrumors.com/threads/tweaking-camerasetup-plist-to-disable-the-agressive-iphone6-noise-filter.1928340/#post-22328064

1 upvote

Have just released an Xcode project (full source code) to greatly ease hacking and testing - see the above post at MR.

1 upvote

We need more like you. Keep up the good work!

0 upvotes

Thanks! Just posted a major update (see second post):

http://www.dpreview.com/forums/thread/3938094#forum-post-56961343

0 upvotes

I've just posted another pair of panos comparing the output of my version to that of Apple:

http://www.dpreview.com/forums/post/56962606

0 upvotes

I am astonished that after singling out the panorama mode for praise as the best currently available, I could find no examples. I find this quite incomprehensible. Can I have missed them? Is there some special area where such examples are stored?

0 upvotes

It is indeed somewhat better than, say, Samung's implementation. I've very thoroughly compared the two and the iPhone has always delivered somewhat better results.

0 upvotes

there is a whole bunch of panorama samples in the features section of the review.

1 upvote

Upgraded recently and have to say in most ways the camera is a disappointment. The new pixel technology was supposed to provide at least a bit better quality images, but these match what mine look like... at 100% full size they have a distinct "digital mush" look to them.

The dynamic range is indeed great - as is that panorama mode. But detail capture is for an $849 phone (64 gig), pathetically bad.

5 upvotes

Not the biggest Apple fanboy, but I do have to say I'm quite pleased with the new camera.

2 upvotes

WOW. Pic #3 an update to 1984.

0 upvotes

Come on guys, AGAIN sensor size is not in the "Key Photographic / Video Specifications" list.

There really are just two things that specify the upper limit of the performance of a digital imaging system: aperture and sensor size. All the marketing terms: BSI, MP, CMOS vs CCD (and all the BS without I), etc, come after that. Marketing blah-blah-jargon agains real, tangible numbers.

I refuse to believe that you, who are pretty much the definitive guys regarding digital photography, don't know this. So please explain why, WHY do you not think sensor size is something that should be presented just along with maximum aperture. I honestly want to know!

Edited 4 times; latest 2 minutes since posting

7 upvotes

I fully agree with Henrik, and to state this here, I got a new pasword for this website since I had forgotten the other one for several years
As a professional photographer there's really one thing that I like to know first when evalutating a new camera: the sensor size. Without that information further details for me are - excuse my words - useless and I think I'm not the only one here.
Like Henkik, I would like to know WHY sensor size should be something of a secret.
For everything else this is a great website and I don't deny that camera's with small sensors make great pictures.

1 upvote

Nevertheless, if you Google around, you can easily find all iPhones have 1/3" sensors starting with the 5s. The 5 had a smaller 1/3.2" one.

Incidentally, it's Apple that also indirectly tells us the sensor size. Remember the 5 -> 5s switch? One of their main announcement bullets was the increased sensor size. That is, if any newer iPhone model would have had a larger sensor size, Apple would have announced it.

Of course they (as with Samsung and Sony, who, in their ads, always emphasize the substantially larger sensor sizes in their flagships) also know larger sensor means better IQ.

Edited 36 seconds after posting

1 upvote

Agreed. Need to know sensor size. Can't defy physics with software alone.

0 upvotes

Oh God.

Cheap wannabes running Android?

I don't care if they take pictures like a Nikon 810.

No, thanks.

1 upvote

Wow... I can't believe how bad the images are. I was really hoping for something better this time around but I guess there are better options these days that produce much better images.
I have tried almost everything and it looks like devices that are a few years old (like the Nokia 1020) or at least 1 year old (like the Panasonic CM 1) are still leaps and bounds above the image quality of the iPhone. The iPhone 6 is better than this.
For low light people shots (which most cell phones are used for) you really need the Xenon flash. More companies should be incorporating it.
I guess Apple gets by on how well the rest of the phone performs and the fact that most people don't care too much about the quality of their images.

5 upvotes

I had the same issue and was ready to condemn the new phone as a piece of junk. Go into your settings and then camera. Change your settings to 4K and the higher resolutions. My opinion has changed, this is a fantastic little camera.

1 upvote

well my pics look fine on my Mac. there must be something wrong with your eyes....

1 upvote

Where do you see bad images? Maybe you need glasses.

0 upvotes

I can't believe how bad the whole thing is.

It's like 2012 and 13 etc have just passed them by.

Why don't they just give up? Dismantle the company and give the money back to the shareholders.

1 upvote

I picked up a 6S a few weeks ago because my 5 was damaged and non-functional.

At first, I was thinking I should sell my Canon S110 pocket camera as this would replace it.

Having compared shots side by side, they are worlds apart. The phone is great for video and quick snapshots to share, but even the little sensor on the S110 offers a great deal more detail and image quality than the phone. We've still got a few years to go before the mainstream cell phones truly overtake pocketable midrange cameras.

2 upvotes

Agreed, I have Canon DSLR's that can do spectacularly amazing things that can only be done with that level of equipment. The problem is that the professional photographic gear is bulky and it doesn't go everywhere you take your phone. Phone cameras are improving with every upgrade but I do not think that it would be fair to expect a $1000 phone to do the same as a proper camera.

6 upvotes

I hope you'll do a review of the camera on the new Microsoft Lumina 950. Great specs, and my initial impression is very good. Would be interesting to see how it compares to others.

1 upvote

so reading the comments below, seeing same ppl repeating hate comments. the conclusion is, apple is still king.
I guess they didnt need to upgrade the camera, ios camera is the king of mobile photography, its intuitiveness, ease of use and the amazing-get-it-right is something android been trying very hard with no success so far.

0 upvotes

King in the crappy world LOL.

0 upvotes

When the Galaxy note 4 came out LAST year, apple certainly was NOT king, it was the also ran.
Even now (with a 16 month OLD Note 4 as a comparison) it is too close reliably call.

A review of the note FIVE which was released BEFORE the iphone 6s+ would make a more interesting (and relevant) battle.

Also note the left/right alignment issues I saw between iphone and the Note 4 images above.
Look at the left AND right edges.
They BOTH seemed out of alignment during shooting.

0 upvotes

I'm still amazed at how poor the IQ of the 6S is, I got mine and am very disappointed with the results, see thread here http://www.dpreview.com/forums/thread/3933323 it was always the 'other brands' with too much processing and smearing etc... now its Apple!

7 upvotes

From Apple's own homepage:

'And you can view Live Photos on your other Apple devices, too.'

0 upvotes

Isn't there a law against the trade of live photos, or something?

0 upvotes

NOOOO!!! I JUST ordered a 128gb iPhone 6s Plus, DAMN YOU APPLE!!! I should have just got a Panasonic CM1, they're $500 right now at BH Photo Video

3 upvotes

You won't have regrets. I notice an improvement between the 6 and 6s and if you use a camera app, you will get better pictures than from the native stock app because you will be able to change all the camera settings prior to taking the shot. I use a camera app for 99% of all my shots and shoot in 16:9 rather than what Apple provides, which is a boxy picture. Only when the subject has a lot of height, do I use the in-camera app.

3 upvotes

What apps do you recommend? I've been away from Apple since my 4s...

0 upvotes

Cancel the order. Apple has a 2 week money back policy if you don't want it. I initially bought the 6s (which I used for 2 weeks) but I changed it because the 6s Plus has image stabilization. After learning where to change the camera settings, I can now benefit from the 4K video which even works well in quite low light. This is a fantastic piece of equipment.

0 upvotes

I hate the photos that the iPhone 6s Plus produces so much, I am considering going back to the original 6 plus. So much better IQ in every way.

0 upvotes

yes I just upgraded to 6S from 6 and detail is horrid, see this thread I put up today, I'm quite shocked actually http://www.dpreview.com/forums/thread/3933323

2 upvotes

Check your settings.

0 upvotes

check what settings??

0 upvotes

there are no settings to adjust (only live photo which is off)

0 upvotes

Current 6s+ users, if you've jailbroken or can JB, you can join the discussion of hacking the camera plist file. CNR has already been eliminated and I do think I'll soon find the way to eliminate LNR too.

0 upvotes

Just another example of Apple dropping the ball lately. Its a similar story elsewhere with their services, apps etc...they seem to have become a victim of their own success...sad.

1 upvote

And sadly just another silly Apple is doomed shouter.

1 upvote

NO actually they (Apple) have lost the plot a bit, the IQ from the 6s is just poor, waxy water color effect on ALL skin tones and detail in general.

So, even the avid Apple fans are unhappy...

3 upvotes

This certainly looks like step back. Odd.

5 upvotes

The noise reduction algorithm is just so awful, I can't stand it. The "paint by numbers" effect is pronounced even in good light and gets worse with the light level. This is most noticeable in skin (faces). And this is really difficult and time-consuming to fix in post-production.

What's sad is I actually like the photos I took with my old iPhone 4S better than those I take with my 6S Plus. The saturation, color accuracy, and detail were worse, but at least it had a much more natural noise (grain instead of smearing) and skin tones looked so much nicer.

I really wish Apple would let us turn off or dial back the noise reduction, but I doubt that's ever going to happen.

Edited 1 minute after posting

0 upvotes

yip I'm amazed at how bad detail smearing is on the 6S see here http://www.dpreview.com/forums/thread/3933323

0 upvotes

That is no better than ISO-766 of Nexus 5X =D

Here 100% crop

https://c2.staticflickr.com/6/5792/22613964009_27f6b98d1b_o.jpg

Edited 18 seconds after posting

0 upvotes

yip, true. no better, actually a bit worse.

0 upvotes

Just got a Note 5. The pro (manual) mode in that lets you shoot in RAW is really top notch and worth a look. And considering Lightroom is available for Android, the world is your oyster. Of course, people who have the experience and understanding to reap the benefits of raw will benefit more than others.

9 upvotes

..........anyway the iphone/smartphone images just don't make the grade for computer based PP the dynamic range is too limited to tweak.
It is better to do all PP work on the phones or tablets where the images sit well

Edited 13 minutes after posting

0 upvotes

Wow, Motorola MOTO X Style (Pure?) steps all over this. Unexpected.

Edited 2 minutes after posting

2 upvotes

I'm curious as to where the phone camera rankings went. Even though I'm getting a 6S Plus, it's kinda fishy to me that the ranking is gone now that the iPhone isn't at the top. Or maybe I just don't know where it is :X

7 upvotes

The 6S has an 82 vs 87 for the top ranked Sony Xperia Z5:
http://www.dxomark.com/Mobiles/Announcing-a-new-display-order-for-DxOMark-Mobile-scores

I have the 6.44" Sony Xperia Z Ultra and sometimes use it with the Sony QX1 20mp APS-C E mount smartphone camera since I have many E and FE mount lenses along with adapters for my DSLR lenses.
https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8878/18415568962_88496633d8_o.png

1 upvote

Yeah the information is there if you're willing to dive into each phone's review. But there used to be a table on the right side of the home page that would have the rankings easily visible, usually with the iPhones on top. With the iPhones being outclassed nowadays, that easy-to-see table is gone. Coincidence I suppose.

1 upvote

Pathetic IQ, paying $700 bucks for a smartphone with mediocre features and results like this is laughable. $300 Nexus 5X is much better than this.

8 upvotes

Google wrong footed the competition with the cameras on its new phones. Factor in ten price, and new Nexus models are just a little bit competitive.

0 upvotes

Nexus 5X and 6P are much better in price/performance than any iPhone offering. Even the crappy 5C and 6C.

5 upvotes

Good point. It probably has the best IQ in a smartphone in good light right now.
I wonder what is lost though without the OIS as I find its value in low light with HDR mode in the Nexus 5.

0 upvotes

Nexus phones are on par with Samsung S6/Note. Panasonic CM1 is still the king, Pureview 808 next.

Wit regard to IS, seriously, you don't need it for wide shots even on shutter speed of about a sec or two. I don't know why they are making big deal about it.

3 upvotes

yip agreed, completely stunned by the poor IQ of my new 6S... Apple have lost the plot it seems!

2 upvotes

@Mister Roboto: "Wit regard to IS, seriously, you don't need it for wide shots even on shutter speed of about a sec or two. "

I'm a hardcore smartphone shooter, having shot tens of thousands of shots with the 808 and some thousands with the Samsung Note 4 and the iPhone 6s Plus.

The 808 becomes increasingly unreliable under 1/30s. Very rare handheld shots are completely unblurred. The Note4, and particularly the 6s+, is ways better in this respect. Very rarely have I got camera shake-blurred photos with the 6s+.

That is, even with the 808 producing significantly better images WRT sharpness / artifacts than the 6s+, in low light, the iPhone is simply much better if you need to shoot handheld. There's simply no comparison - the 6s+ will always be better. (Albeit, of course, you do have the chance to have a sharp 808 shot out of, say, ten.)

BTW, speaking of the Note4 vs. 6s+ comparison, the latter has definitely better IS in 4k mode. (I've made very thorough, synchronized tests.)

Edited 2 minutes after posting

0 upvotes

@ Menneisyys:

I just tried my Nexus 5x at less than 1/30s like 5 times just a minute ago and it flawlessly shot a low-light scene without a blur. OIS is pretty much useless for smartphone.

0 upvotes

very poor IQ ... big noise issues at iso 100 :-(

6 upvotes

Very impressive..!

3 upvotes

What are you looking at? The competition?

8 upvotes

LOL, impressive in what? Price!

8 upvotes

Mister Robot and DAPAL,
My remark was aimed, directed and sent to Mr. Lars Rehm, the author of what I think is a top quality report with great images to illustrate his article.
I wasn't talking to you or ANY other mouth that roams this page.
Didn't both your moms teach you not to interrupt the adult's conversation if not being called?
Instead of vomiting ludicrous opinions, try, just for the sake of argument, to write, illustrate and REDACT an article such as this one.
Yes, I know you'll rant and write back, but I won't answer to any of you. I was told, long time ago to let the a..h.... have the last word.

2 upvotes

Thanks for calling out the usual "clever" trolls around here.

1 upvote

@papa natas You weren't talking to anyone else here? On this public forum. Hmmm. Forgive anyone that dares reply to your comments. On the Internet.

You clearly have anger issues, and are a rabid Apple "enthusiast". Your words above are what strengthens the negative stereotypes of that brand.

And about what our parents taught us? That was a long time ago. But by your immature reply, I'm guessing you're still living with yours.

0 upvotes

That's what the world needs...An amateur shrink...
Anger issues,,,Me?
No..!! I only hate people who don't think like me, because my friends are all intelligent: they think like me.
And I'm one of the few gifted high IQ you'll find here.
And believe me...Didn't your mom teach you not to use academic expressions that you have no idea about?
You saw your shadow? Now, go back to your hole!!

Edited 3 times; latest 1 minute since posting

0 upvotes

The file export comment is misleading as you can always email the "actual size" photos. This does not "require" iTunes. Also, you can just install the Apple Mobile Device drivers (on a Windows PC) to access the device through Windows Explorer. I believe Windows Update will install the drivers for you.

In my opinion, only 3 or 4 of the negative points mentioned are real issues. Yes, the camera app should have extended features but you can't judge the device based upon something it "should" have. Review it for what it is... not what it should be.

Edited 2 minutes after posting

1 upvote

Is there a similar software as Airdroid in iOS world? It's so easy and fast to transfer files between Android devices and personal computers (PC or Mac) by WiFi. USB cable is not required anymore.

1 upvote

I also wondered if file export wouldn't go through Dropbox as well?

Of course one wouldn't want to see iTunes on one's Windows PC. Then, rather leave the snaps just in the phone.

But i do remember, when i (normally on Android devices) had to use an iPad temporarily, i was shocked at how difficult it is to actually get to your files and move them somewhere else. When i managed to (don't remember how, but through iTunes), i felt like i acted against the system and better hide.

Edited 3 minutes after posting

0 upvotes

Hmm that's a good idea. I would think Dropbox might work. I'll have to give it a shot. I just never bothered to download the iOS app -- only use it for PC.

0 upvotes

of course there's all sorts of hacks to get your files off the device, but you can't just plus in the cable and download them to your computer or laptop the old-fashioned but quick way. This requires iTunes to start, at least on the Windows Laptops I own.

2 upvotes

I don't know why Airdrop wasn't mentioned as an option for easily and quickly moving files between devices. Next to each photo is a button which says Share. Click on it and the first option is Airdrop. Perhaps the reviewer doesn't know his way around iOS so well? alternatively the share button offers several other options including iCloud Photo Sharing.

BTW if you want to share between iOS devices or any platform there is the free app Instashare.

Edited 10 minutes after posting

2 upvotes

If the reviewer doesn't know their way around iOS then they should not be doing a review. :P

0 upvotes

Dropbox has an app, Carousel, Google has the Google Photos app and then there is Mylio. All of them will sync photos from iOS to a Windows PC.

0 upvotes

ok, you've won, I have added "via USB" to that particular Con, just so you can stop listing all those apps you can use to transfer files...most of which are only an option if you have a really fast data connection and/or a lot of time. When I need to transfer lots of images I personally still find a USB cable the best way.

2 upvotes

Shareit app works brilliantly across iOS Android and PC, and is over a hundred times faster than transferring via wifi. I was amazed at how easily and efficiently it works.

0 upvotes

How come the app Image Capture on OSX will allow you to simply copy your pics and videos to your MAC but not on the PC? THere is no generic app on the PC that will allow this? Image Capture is not iPhone specific.

0 upvotes

Hehe thanks Lars. Really wasn't trying to bust your balls. I heartily agree that an opened and unlocked USB is the most practical option, especially for 4K video files. ;)

Due to the closed-system design of Apple's operating system, I presume there are security concerns with freely unlocking the USB port.

1 upvote

Glad to know there is a similar software to AirDroid for Android devices, great.

0 upvotes

You can also use AirDrop to transfer between iOS devices and your Mac. AirDrop requires no apps.

Edited 1 minute after posting

0 upvotes

Since when does file export to PC require iTunes? I plug my phone in, it pops up as an external drive in Windows Explorer, and all the image files are visible for dragging and dropping. Does that not work without iTunes on some computers for some reason?

Edited 1 minute after posting

1 upvote

I just don't think Lars knows much about iOS.

1 upvote

well, all I know is I need to have iTunes installed and running on my computer to make files visible on the internal memory of the phone when it's connected via USB cable. That's all I need to know to put it down as a Con. You go ahead and transfer these 4K video files via AirDrop ;)

Edited 1 minute after posting

2 upvotes

All I know is that I plugged my iPhone 6 into my Win 7 work laptop, opened up file explorer, navigated to the camera roll, and copied files via USB. iTunes is installed but not running.

Easy-peasey.

Edited 2 times; latest 1 minute since posting

1 upvote

point is you should not have to install a software to make a file transfer. If you don't have a problem with it just ignore that Con. The same is true for any other Pros and Cons in that Conclusion. Something that is a negative for one person might not be for the next. Still, it's arguably good to be aware of it :)

2 upvotes

I just uninstalled iTunes and Quicktime and it works the same. Nothing wrong with listing it as a con, provided you actually know how things work.

You said you needed to have iTunes running to make the file transfer, and that is simply not true.

Perhaps someone on DPR, who is familiar with iOS on Mac and PC, can look over your review for other inaccuracies. I don't know much about Android so i would never try review an Android phone by myself.

Edited 3 times; latest 4 minutes since posting

1 upvote

The fact that you can email a photo doesn't negate how USB cable transfer is. Hardly misleading.

0 upvotes

You can share Using:
iMessage, mail, iCloud photo sharing, Notes, Twitter, Facebook, Flickr, PDF, Dropbox, copy to, etc. Once you've saved the image, you can also put it in Box, or other services.

0 upvotes

What's misleading is saying that you have to have iTunes running to transfer a file over USB.

0 upvotes

so, given this point has generated some discussion here I thought it merited some more testing and I have come to the conclusion that yes, you can transfer images without iTunes. You need to unlock the phone and explicitly give permission for the PC to access the iPhone (which you don't have to do on Windows Phone or Android) but then you get access to your images (but not any other folders). So apologies, you were right and I was wrong. I have of course taken that line out of the conclusion.

3 upvotes

Airdrop is limited to newer mac products my older Mac Pro does not want to play that game ..........anyway the iphone images just don't make the grade for computyer based PP the dynamic range is too weak to tweak

0 upvotes

PS: Instashare app is NOT free, hasn't been for quite a long time.

0 upvotes

Shareit app is free and works like a charm.

0 upvotes

Itunes suck big times.That was the main reason I hated Iphone.Everything needed to go through that...this means no movies or music for me to watch. Apple is pathetic with their protectiveness of DRM and their software and their Apple store.

0 upvotes

File transfer is a NON-ISSUE:
**Photo Transfer App** allows simple drag and drop two-way transfers between iOS devices and Win or MacOS devices once on the same network or after connected via Bluetooth. Versions for Android as well.
phototransferapp.com or on Apple App Store or GooglePlay. Have used happily it for years.

0 upvotes

When review Samsung S6/S6 Edge and Note 5 as they share the same camera and lens?

0 upvotes

we have already reviewed the S6/S6 Edge, check the review section.

4 upvotes

Lars, oh, I found it, thx. But then why S6/Edge is not in your list of cellphone studio Scene?

0 upvotes

yeah, we're looking to add that one sometime soon. I am doing the smartphone reviews in Europe but our studio scene is located at DPR headquarters in the US, so sometimes we are a little out of sync :)

2 upvotes

And much appreciating your photos from there. Besides the charm and interest, they bring back another life, or the kind of companionable mix I think we are headed for -- not least on DPReview. Thanks, Lars, and think you hit the target on judgment. Oh, and Apple's intention of convenience as far as photo download would be iCloud. You can download for your PC, and these days it does work; photos just appear. The arcane arrange of it is, well; but if you stick to the PhotoStream folder shouldn't have to worry about that. I use it with an iPad..

1 upvote

I have the 6s and yes pixel level detail is disappointing (even compared to my Note 4), really hope Apple can sort this out asap! Skin tones especially have a very 'waxy' look about them, don't know what Apple got wrong, but its a far cry from what I was expecting.

9 upvotes

Is there a reason you're looking at pictures taken using your phone, at pixel level?!

7 upvotes

I agree. The fact that pixel level image quality has gotten worse means I won't be upgrading from my lovely 6. Let's hope Apple resumes the trend of improving image quality with each generation with the 7.

0 upvotes

Hi Craig, reason is simple: to compare it to the 6 and other phones... its one of the easiest ways to check IQ. I hope Apple can sort it out with a firmware update to the phone cos the results are quite disappointing and not what one expects from dear ol' Apple, but to have previous gen Android smartphones easily besting the 6S is sad!

2 upvotes

iphone 6 is latest but camera require to update more.

1 upvote

in iphone next I hope camera with 40 mp with latest DSLR zoom. http://www.prestigecandles.com

Edited 46 seconds after posting

0 upvotes

Total comments: 161