The iPhone 17 Pro features three 48-megapixel cameras. The biggest change is the telephoto lens, which is now a 4x optical zoom (100mm equivalent). This new lens, combined with a 48MP sensor, allows for an 8x sensor crop, providing high-quality, detailed shots with a natural shallow depth of field. 

This is a noticeable improvement over previous models, offering a more versatile and powerful zoom for photographers. The phone's camera user interface (UI) has also been completely redesigned in iOS 26, consolidating settings and modes for a more streamlined experience.

For professional users, the iPhone 17 Pro introduces ProRes RAW video recording. This feature, which requires an external drive and apps like Blackmagic Camera, gives videographers unparalleled control in post-production. You can now adjust ISO, white balance, and apply color transforms after the fact, much like with still-image RAW files. This offers incredible flexibility for color grading and detail recovery in shadows and highlights. 

Additionally, the phone supports Apple ProRaw for stills, which captures the full data from the 48-megapixel sensors, providing a superior starting point for photo editing.

The new front-facing camera is a standout feature. It's an 18-megapixel camera with a unique square sensor that allows it to capture both vertical and horizontal video in 4K without physically rotating the phone. 

This innovation also includes an auto-zoom function that widens the frame when multiple people enter the shot, ensuring everyone is in frame. Beyond the camera, the phone has a new unibody aluminum design for improved heat dissipation, and the screen can reach an astonishing 3,000 nits of brightness. 

While some screen dimming may occur under sustained use due to thermal management, the overall performance is robust.