Best iPhone Camera Settings for Better Photos and Videos (2026)
Your iPhone can take much better photos with a few settings: 48 MP or 24 MP, ProRAW, grid, exposure lock, 4K 60 fps, Action mode and more. Here is what to change and why.
Most people never open the camera settings, yet a few changes make a visible difference. Options vary by model; Pro iPhones offer more.
1. Format: HEIF or JPEG
Settings > Camera > Formats. High Efficiency (HEIF/HEVC) saves about half the space with the same quality. Most Compatible (JPEG/H.264) is easier to share with old PCs. Need to convert? HEIC to JPG.
2. Resolution: 24 MP, 48 MP and ProRAW
- On recent iPhones, the default 24 MP is a great balance of detail and size.
- 48 MP (in Formats > Photo Mode or Resolution Control) gives more detail for landscapes and cropping.
- ProRAW (Pro models) keeps maximum information for editing in Lightroom or Photos, but files are very large.
3. Grid and level
Settings > Camera > Grid and Level: straight horizons and better composition (rule of thirds).
4. Lock focus and exposure
In the Camera app, press and hold on the subject until AE/AF LOCK appears, then slide the sun icon up or down to adjust brightness.
5. Night mode and Portrait
- Night mode starts automatically in the dark; keep the phone still during the countdown or use a support.
- Portrait mode: adjust the blur (f-number) after the shot in Photos > Edit.
6. Video settings
- Settings > Camera > Record Video: 4K at 30 fps for most uses, 4K at 60 fps for smooth motion (sports, kids).
- Action mode stabilizes walking and running videos.
- Cinematic mode adds a blurred background that you can adjust later.
- Turn on Enhanced Stabilization if available.
7. Preserve settings
Settings > Camera > Preserve Settings keeps your last mode, filter and exposure.
8. Clean the lens
A fingerprint on the lens is the number one cause of blurry, hazy photos. Wipe it with a microfibre cloth. Still blurry? camera troubleshooting.
Storage
48 MP, ProRAW and 4K 60 fps fill the iPhone quickly: free up space.
Next: remove a photo background.
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