October 2, 2025 By Eduard Kun

5 iPhone 17 Camera Tricks You’ll Love

The launch of the new iPhone 17 range has sparked a true revolution in the world of mobile photography. With the power of the A19 Pro chip and the magic of Apple Intelligence, the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Air, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max don’t just capture images—they create works of art. If you want to unlock their full potential, you’ve come to the right place.

In this article, we’ll unveil 5 iPhone photography tricks that will allow you to master the iPhone 17 camera like a pro. Get ready to take your photos and videos to a level you never imagined.

The Power Behind the Lens: What Makes the iPhone 17 so Special?

Before diving into the tricks, it’s essential to understand the technology that makes them possible. The heart of the Pro models is the A19 Pro chip, a processing powerhouse capable of effortlessly handling intensive tasks like recording in 4K Dolby Vision at 120 fps. Thanks to its advanced thermal management system, performance remains stable even during the most demanding sessions.

The main difference between the iPhone 17 Pro and the iPhone 17 Air lies in their camera systems. While the Pro models feature a triple-camera system with 48MP sensors, offering the versatility of eight professional lenses and a long-range optical zoom, the Air focuses on an ultra-lightweight design with an excellent main camera. Both are fantastic, but the Pro models are designed for those seeking total creative control.

Now that you know all the potential that awaits, remember that you can find your new iPhone 17 and all Apple devices at the best price at Shop Duty Free.

The 5 Essential Tricks for Your iPhone 17 Camera

These mobile photography tips are designed to help you break free from automatic mode and take creative control.

1. Quality Without Limits: Unleash the Power of 48MP ProRAW

If you truly want to improve your iPhone photos, the Apple ProRAW format is your best ally. Available on the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max models, this format combines the information of a standard RAW image with the iPhone’s intelligent image processing. The result? A file with enormous editing flexibility, perfect for adjusting highlights, shadows, and colors without losing a single detail.

How to activate it:

  1. Go to Settings > Camera > Formats.
  2. Enable the ProRAW & Resolution Control option.
  3. Select ProRAW 48MP for maximum quality.

Pro Tip: ProRAW files are large. Use them for special photos that you plan to edit thoroughly. For everyday use, the 48MP HEIF format offers a fantastic balance between quality and file size.

2. High-Level Composition: Apply the Golden Ratio

The rule of thirds is a good starting point, but if you want your photos to have an organic and professional visual impact, you should consider the Golden Ratio (or Fibonacci Spiral). This composition is found in nature and art, and it is incredibly pleasing to the eye.

Although the native camera app doesn’t include this grid, the trick is to use a third-party app to visualize the spiral, frame your shot, and then replicate that composition in the native camera app to capture it. It’s a small step that makes a big difference.

3. Master the Light: AE/AF Lock (Exposure and Focus Lock)

Tired of the camera changing focus or brightness right as you’re about to take a shot? The solution is simple:

  1. Tap the screen where you want to focus.
  2. Press and hold your finger until the “AE/AF LOCK” message appears.

This will lock the focus and exposure, allowing you to reframe without the settings changing. Additionally, you can slide the sun icon up or down to manually adjust the brightness before shooting. It’s one of the simplest and most effective iPhone photography tricks.

4. Efficient Cinematic Video with the Blackmagic App

The Pro models can record in Apple Log format, a flat color profile that captures a much wider dynamic range—ideal for professional color grading. The problem is that the corresponding ProRes Log files are huge.

The trick: Download the free Blackmagic Camera app. It allows you to record video with the quality and dynamic range of Apple Log but using the much more efficient H.265 codec. You’ll get a professional cinematic look in much smaller files. Perfect for content creators!

5. Flawless Movement with Action Mode

Whether you’re filming your kids running in the park or vlogging while walking, Action Mode is your savior. Available across the entire iPhone 17 series, this feature offers video stabilization so incredible it feels like you’re using a gimbal.

It’s easily activated from the video interface and uses the camera’s hardware to crop and process the image, eliminating shakes and jitters. For instant access, you can configure the Action Button (on Pro models) to open the camera directly in Action Mode.

The Perfect Ecosystem: Accessories to Push Your iPhone to its Limits

The experience doesn’t end with the phone. The ecosystem of Apple accessories for the iPhone is designed to boost your creativity.

  • External Lenses: Brands like Moment offer anamorphic lenses for a cinematic look or macro lenses for stunning details.
  • Stability and Ergonomics: A good tripod is essential. Pair it with a MagSafe-compatible iPhone case that includes a grip to improve handling and comfort while shooting. This type of iPhone accessory transforms the experience.

For those who take video very seriously, accessories like the Blackmagic Camera ProDock turn the iPhone 17 Pro Max into a true cinema production camera.

Your Next Photographic Adventure Starts Here

Mastering the iPhone 17 camera is an exciting journey that will open up a world of creative possibilities. With these tricks, you already have the foundation to start experimenting and finding your own style. Plus, with options like paying for the iPhone in installments, accessing this cutting-edge technology is easier than ever.

To begin this photographic adventure, don’t forget that at Shop Duty Free, the entire iPhone 17 range awaits you, from the iPhone 17 Air to the powerful iPhone 17 Pro Max, all at the best conditions. Go get your new creative companion and start capturing the world like never before!