Apple showed photos from iPhone Duo. Four cameras, but they won't replace a telephoto lens

How does iPhone Duo photograph in the hands of photographers hired directly by Apple? The company published a selection of six shots by Jake Michaels and Jason Nocito on Instagram. This new part of the Shot on iPhone campaign thus offers a preview of the phone’s photographic capabilities even before pre-orders begin.

Four cameras do not mean four rear lenses

The photographic equipment needs to be understood based on the placement of individual cameras. On the back are two 48Mpx cameras: the main Fusion Main and the ultrawide. The outer display features a 12Mpx Center Stage front camera, while another front camera is hidden under the inner display.

For zooming in on distant subjects, it is important that the Duo does not have a dedicated telephoto lens. While it offers 2× zoom, which Apple describes as “optical quality,” it is provided by the main camera.

Gallery as inspiration, not a guarantee for every shot

The published shots are certainly proof that the Duo can be a capable camera phone, at least in the hands of experienced photographers. However, it must be added in the same breath that this is a selection from an Apple commission, not an independent test.

The purpose of such a gallery is mainly inspirational: it shows what can be created with the phone. However, it does not answer how reliably it will capture an ordinary snapshot or whether its zoom will be sufficient for your specific use.

Would you miss a dedicated telephoto lens on a phone?

Sources: macrumors.com, 9to5mac.com