Convince Me NOT to Buy an iPhone 15 Pro/Pro Max

Faro on 04/10/2023 - 14:24
Last edited 04/10/2023 - 14:55 by 1 other user

I've seen a few videos and reviews and specsheets regarding what the iPhone 15 pro/pro Max can do as a video camera and, quite frankly, it's perhaps the only time in my life I've seen mobile phone footage and been convinced it looks close enough TV/cinema quality.

The reason for this post is that I'm looking for a decent camera to mess around with for the purpose of making short films or just general shooting of nature/holidays etc.

I've never owned an iPhone and don't want to switch from android to iPhone IF there's a decent enough 4k24fps video camera for around the same price or cheaper that delivers comparable or better image quality

TLDR;
Want a good film camera with comparable or greater quality, for the price of (or less than) a new iPhone.

Mobile Apple Mobile Phone

Comments

  • NeverBuyRegPrice on 08/10/2023 - 00:56

    Reasons not to buy an iPhone. I'm probably going to get flagged or extremely downvoted for this but I don't care. This is legit reasons for me and may affect you too.

    1. iPhones does not allow torrenting apps. Yes, you can use Seedr but it's limited to 2GB files unless you pay for a premium.

    2. Since you've used a Poco phone then I would assume you've also used Apps Lock allowing you to lock individual apps that works flawlessly unlike third party apps. iPhones have no such dedicated feature.

    3. The zoom only goes to 5x.

    4. Overheating issues.

    5. Slow charge.

    6. Expensive to repair.

    • prodrome on 08/10/2023 - 10:39

      Have my upvote because they're all reasonable points….

      but if you have kids at an apple centric school, you're going to be forced to join the apple cult for imessage etc.

  • MindGrenadius on 08/10/2023 - 16:34

    Android user since 2013 (had the iPhone 4) & fulltime professional content creator/filmmaker - I'm probably about to switch back. Apple Log looks absolutely insane and I really think people are sleeping on it because they're stuck in "but it's still a phone" mode. Yes, it's a smartphone camera, and absolutely has it's limitations vs a mirrorless/full camera, but for many many things (like what you've described) it's so so useful. They've removed the "smartphone" look from the processing pipeline and it honestly in many cases is indistinguishable from a mid-line cinema camera. Which is nuts. It will absolutely make a good B-Cam for many shoots and I have ideations to use it as my main camera for my main breadwinning shoots because of the ease of using it vs a full camera setup. Especially when paired with the new BMD app (which is also free)

    A full sized camera is cool and all, but you make videos with one and you're going to need a bunch of lenses and likely a gimbal. The iPhone has 3 & a smartphone gimbal is dirt cheap in comparison (you could also get away without using one) and you can access all the lenses without having to stop, change and rebalance it. You will absolutely spend more than just the body's worth on gear going that direction.

    I did think about the apps/money I've invested into Android but when I stopped and looked through, pretty much everything is account based/subscription and available on both. There's a number of other really good pro apps like Capture One that are iOS only and will likely never come to Android (the other main reason I want to switch)

    • Faro on 08/10/2023 - 17:35

      What you've stated is EXACTLY why this was a potential option for me. I don't think people are aware of the advancements you listed and its comparable quality to higher end cameras.

      Don't wade through the earlier comments though. It's a field of toxicity

      • netsurfer on 08/10/2023 - 19:57

        It's well known iPhones do better videos than Android for years. However, the ProRes to USB-C storage support benefits Mac devices more. Also, as mentioned, when it comes to videos, you have more options on a Mac. Obviously, it is not an issue for professionals and full time youTubers.

        A full sized camera is cool and all, but you make videos with one and you're going to need a bunch of lenses and likely a gimbal. You will absolutely spend more than just the body's worth on gear going that direction.

        I have a phone dedicated to remotely control my Panasonic camera. Wasted $$$ on those extra gears (gimbals, tripods, video mics, batteries, display calibrator). Taking quality videos and post processing all take time. I don't think it is worth it long term if there is no financial incentive.

        My mate bought a gimble for his iPhone. So easy for him to take videos in a wedding, nice and simple.

        If you are single, then it is totally fine. If you have a family, they don't share the same enthusiasm and they just want to enjoy the holiday. Even if you have mates who love taking videos, if they have families, it will be hard to organise a road trip to take videos.

      • MindGrenadius on 08/10/2023 - 20:37

        The potential really comes through if you know how to grade the footage. It's what will give you the difference between "it looks like iPhone" and "looks like a cinema camera". It seems fairly easy to get there though

        I do have several decent cameras but I plan on using this a lot. FYI from what I've seen the H.265 Log output from the BMD app is a fraction of the size (a serious fraction like 1/10) and the quality is almost identical to the ProRes stuff. I believe it's 10-bit too. Which means you shouldn't even need to hook up external drives/SD cards

  • furyou on 08/10/2023 - 22:12
    -1

    The iPhone 16 Pro/Pro Max will be heaven and earth difference from 15, will have must-have features, and it'll be out in only under 12 mth.

    • Faro on 09/10/2023 - 09:03

      3 other people have made this same "joke".

      Helps if you actually read the post, too.

      • johnfuller on 11/10/2023 - 15:24
        -3

        get off your high horse, if the comment doesnt help, you dont need to comment like a hero

        • Faro on 11/10/2023 - 17:41

          Irony

  • bigbadboogieman on 09/10/2023 - 08:44

    You will have a hard time adjusting from Android to iOS. Don't do it, just adds another bit of stress to an already stressed out life.

    • johnfuller on 10/10/2023 - 07:40
      -3

      you didnt read the first post, the dinosaur doesnt want anyone's input

      • Faro on 10/10/2023 - 08:03
        -1

        All opinions are not equal nor valid, John.

        And for the record, bigbadboogieman's take was far more helpful and specific than yours even if it was neglectful of the camera

        • johnfuller on 10/10/2023 - 08:10
          -2

          yes you said it again, all opinions are not valid, you think your right, so why ask people for their opinion? did you bump your head?

          stick to your samsung, you'll have a hard time adjusting. 😂

          • Faro on 10/10/2023 - 09:03
            -1

            @johnfuller: I don't have a Samsung. Not have I really stated an opinion outside of the one where I sincerely believe you misinterpreted or straight-up didn't read (haven't read) the comments that came before yours or the body of the original post where it was clear this was about a camera

            The new iPhone has a good/great camera. So I was asking people whether it was worth getting the iPhone or if there was an equivalent mirrorless option.

            You need to come down from your bizarre high horse, John.

            • johnfuller on 10/10/2023 - 09:12
              -2

              @Faro: stick to your samsung, you'll have a hard time adjusting. 😂

              • Faro on 10/10/2023 - 11:43
                -1

                @johnfuller: Seems like you need to let this one go, John.

                • johnfuller on 10/10/2023 - 14:01
                  -1

                  @Faro: hold onto that keyboard 🤣

                  • Faro on 10/10/2023 - 15:39

                    @johnfuller: Your comment responses make less and less sense and have more and more projection

                    • johnfuller on 11/10/2023 - 15:25
                      -1

                      @Faro: i get dumber just reading yours and how you comment on those that dont help your agenda 😂

                      • Faro on 11/10/2023 - 16:37

                        @johnfuller: What's my agenda? 🤔🤔

                        (Keep responding by the way. It's making you look really emotionally intelligent)

  • bigbadboogieman on 10/10/2023 - 10:55

    Here is another, iPhone 15 is reported to have high levels of overheating and durability issues.

    I get that you're looking for a good camera and at the moment you won't find a comparable one in Android but it's only a matter of time.

    Also may be consider how often do you actually use/need a high quality camera vs. use of a decent quality camera on any phone.

    People sometimes don't even go back and look at the videos and photos they make. My family went overseas for a holiday and got tons of photos. I am yet to see a single photo despite of having access to all of it. Everyday I think I will but I never do..

    In the current cost of living climate, if you can afford and want the new iPhone then by all means go for it. If you're like me who works off "needs" rather than "wants" then just hold on to your cash. For e.g. I still love using my Note 10 plus (4+ year old personal phone) despite of having a newer iPhone (official use). I only touch the iPhone during office hours and then it sits in a drawer.

    • Faro on 10/10/2023 - 11:48
      -1

      Yeah I hear you and I absolutely understand all of this.

      There are a few details that I left off of this post regarding the context of how I can justify spending the money on a camera currently (but that itself is something personal that I don't feel needs to be justified on Ozbargain of all places).

      My intent to use this camera is definitely as a hobby I have pursued fleetingly many times in the past. I've never had a super capable video camera in my life, but have had some passable ones in phones previously.

      Photo-wise, I have used older mirrorless cameras and, again, phones to produce some decent enough shots that I've now got hanging up around the house and in family member's houses. They're not the greatest things in the world, but they are okay enough to me. Getting a decent camera will have its purpose in my life in that sense.

      • bigbadboogieman on 10/10/2023 - 11:52
        +1

        Mate go for it I reckon. If it adds purpose and fulfilment to your life then there is no prize tag for that… Good luck with the hobby. Post some good wallpapers so we can beautify our phone and laptop desktops.. 😊

  • johnfuller on 10/10/2023 - 14:12
    -2

    how do we block on ozbargain?

    • Faro on 10/10/2023 - 15:38

      You really have been triggered about your comment, huh?

      Hope you can sort out your emotions

      • johnfuller on 11/10/2023 - 07:49
        -2

        not triggered, i just dont like muppets, if you can help me block them, it would be great

        • Faro on 11/10/2023 - 08:23

          That sounds like an emotional trigger considering your resorting to name-calling and labelling like a child would to identify an 'other' that has caused them distress.

          Also your consistent downvoting of my comments - not because I've said anything factually incorrect, but because you've been the recipient of them and have decided you don't like me in general for whatever petty reason, would back up the "triggered" assessment.

        • Faro on 11/10/2023 - 08:29

          Considering your initial labelling of me as "unintelligent", you're yet to actually make a single intelligent argument or statement.

          • johnfuller on 11/10/2023 - 09:06
            -2

            @Faro: wow you made two posts, its a record, boy you got time, your mums going to get angry if you dont eat your cereal , hurry along child, go play roblox

            • Faro on 11/10/2023 - 12:57

              @johnfuller: Glad to see you're clearly not triggered in the slightest 😉

    • 2025 on 10/10/2023 - 22:28
      +1

      Go here John - No doubt it’s the best option for you.

  • mr3v0 on 13/10/2023 - 10:26

    I am literally in the same boat as you. Have had android for the always and primarily Pixels/Samsung, thinking of switching to my first being the iPhone 15 Pro primarily for the camera. Don't get me wrong I love the customisability of android (Will switch back I think when there is an android phone which I find takes as good video as an iPhone) and honestly find iOS a bit boring but you can't get away from the fact they have amazing cameras and makes taking video simple. I've tried using my Fuji X-S10 for video as it has IBIS and OIS on some lenses and its definitely good but for the best footage I have to use my gimbal which is a pain to carry around everywhere as I'm not a professional and do it instead as a hobby. Go with what your gut tells you and I'm not sure if the Vodafone $1000 off deal for iPhone is still on but that might help ease the massive cost of an iPhone. Let me know what you end up doing!

    Edit: Just saw you ended up going with a Lumix g9 good choice!

    • Faro on 14/10/2023 - 14:05

      How's your research and such coming along? Have you thought any more about a potential camera or iPhone switch?

      • mr3v0 on 17/10/2023 - 14:53

        I think I'm still going to stick to switching to the iPhone, also as an experimental thing for me. But just waiting to see if any further deals pop up as I don't like the idea of a phone plan that much. In the meantime will continue with my Fuji for the most part.

        • Faro on 17/10/2023 - 15:35

          I just looked up your Fuji and it seems pretty great honestly. What sort of stuff are you looking at filming that it isn't great for?

  • T1OOO on 21/10/2023 - 21:08

    I just came back from taking a look at the new iphone 15, i was thinink lets just see how it feels and looks in real life…

    boy i was so so so disappointed, its more streamlines and curviesh but has the really really tacky cheap feel esp with the titanium…

    it feels as if a Chinese knockoff makers cloned it, its absolutely terrible, im gona stick to my 14 pro and boy they better change something if they want me to upgrade , 5 years with the same design is far far too long, it needs a big big change.

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