The introduction of the iPhone 16’s Camera Control Button marks a significant leap in Apple’s quest for seamless mobile videography. If you’re still fumbling with the on-screen menus to start a video, the iPhone 16 should be a fresh upgrade. This new feature means that iPhone 16 users can start, stop, and adjust video settings with unmatched ease.

iPhone’s Camera Control History

Historically, iPhone camera controls have relied heavily on the touchscreen interface, with minimal physical interaction except for the volume buttons doubling as shutter triggers. The release of the iPhone 15 introduced the Action button, setting the stage for more dedicated physical controls. Building on this, the iPhone 16’s Camera Control Button is a dedicated tool designed to offer direct access to the camera’s capabilities, streamlining the user experience for photographers and videographers alike.

Camera Control Button Design Features

The camera control button is strategically positioned for ergonomic access. The button itself seems to be longer than the usual camera button you’d see in phones - and there’s a good reason for that. Beyond a simple “pressure” button, this feature comes with a capacitive touch surface like you would find with the MacBook Pro Touch Bar. This creates a button that lets you swpiel through different camera functions before taking the shot. No need to rearrange the screen orientation or tap on the screen - everything can be done through that one came control button.

But what does this mean for video use? For videographers, the Camera Control button transforms the video recording process. You can stat recording a video with a long process and stop it with another click. This means that you can bypass the need to touch the screen which can disrupt your shot. Adjusting the settings like zooming in or exposure mid-recording becomes almost intuitive with these controls at your fingertips. Simply put - the iPhone 16’s new camera control button lets you capture high-quality iPhone videos on the fly.

Availability of the Button

Image Credit: Gadget Match

The Camera Control and the Action button is available across the iPhone 16 line which includes the iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro Max. Activation is straightforward, ensuring that even the new iPhone usrs can take advantage of this features right out of the box.

Changing the Landscape for Videographers

Quick Access to Recording

The camera control offers immediate access to start and stop video recording. This is important for capturing fleeting moments or managing recordings in dynamic environments without navigating through the touchscreen menu.

Enhanced Control

Image Credit: CNET

Mobile videography can now adjust zoom, exposure, and depth-of-field directly via the Camera Control button. This level of control is particularly useful in live shooting situations where conditions can change quickly - like a live concert. The tactile feedback and intuitive placement also allows for smoother adjustments without taking eyes off the subject.

Upcoming Focus Lock and Exposure 

Apple is set to do a software update for the 16’s camera and promises to introduce lock focus and adjustable exposure. These features should be doable with a light press of the button - which is perfect for capturing high-quality video in moving or high-speed scenarios with changing light conditions. The simplistic approach manages to achieve professional-looking results, making it perfect for videographers who want something light and easy for day-to-day use.

iPhone 15 versus iPhone 16

Image Credit: PhoneAreana

Of course, the camera control function isn’t the sole reason for upgrading your iPhone to the latest one. If you’re torn between this model, the iPhone 15, or maybe a Samsung model in the same tier - then here are distinct differences between the two that should help you with that decision.

Design and New Features

Right out of the gate, the iPhone 16 comes with the camera control button with features that aren’t available with the iPhone 15. This addition combined with the Apple Intelligence support means that the iPhone 16 is more versatile and user-friendly. The newer model also comes a wider variety of colors which should help users choose something that fits their personality better. 

Design-wise, Apple didn’t change much with the size. Both models maintain a 16.1 inch OLED display size although the iPhone 16 has a peak brightness of 2,000 nits. That’s 1,000 nits more compared to iPhone 15. For protection purposes however, getting iPhone cases made for the specific model is still advisable. 

Display and Software

Image Credit: PhoneAreana

Both models come with a 60Hz refresh resolution of 2,556 by 1,179 pixels. It also comes with a 50% tougher screen covering dubbed as the ceramic shield. This helps the iPhone resist common scratches that comes with day to day use. Even with that though, we don’t recommend using this phone without perfectly fitted durable phone covers.

This new model comes wth the iOS 18 which is compatible with the iPhone 15 as well. However, the main difference is that the iPhone 16 is designed to support thepromitesed Apple Intelligence features. If you’re preparing Apple’s AI launch, then an iPhone 16 should make sure you’re one of the first few to enjoy this enhancement.

Camera Capabilities

The new features of the Camera Button have been extensively discussed - but what about the camera itself? The iPhone 16 enhances its camera and video recording capabilities. The ultrawide camera boasts autofocus and a wider aperture which helps with macro-photography and low-light performance. Both models can shoot 4K video but you get a bit more bang with the 16’s ability to shoot 1080p spatial video with 30 frames per second. Add that to the camera button’s navigation features and you’ve got a phone that’s ready for action anytime!

Protect Your iPhone with Rugged Phone Cases

Surprisingly, there’s only a $100 difference between the iPhone 15 and 16’s starting price. It all comes down to whether you think the 16’s additional features - like the camera button - are worth that additional hundred. Once you’ve made up your mind - you can follow-up on that upgrade by checking through our selection of rugged phone cases for smartphones. Check out SUPCASE today to find the perfect accessory that meets your creative needs.