iPhone 17 Camera Full Specifications, Features, and FAQs

The iPhone 17 Camera Specifications takes smartphone photography to the next level with its Dual 48-MP Fusion Rear camera system and upgraded 18-MP front camera. From Night Mode and macro photography to Cinematic 4K Dolby Vision video and Action Mode stabilization, Apple’s latest standard iPhone delivers Pro-level features for creators and everyday users alike. With support for super-high resolution photos (24 MP & 48 MP), spatial audio recording, and dual capture mode (front + rear cameras at once), the iPhone 17 ensures you never miss a detail. Whether you’re capturing landscapes with the 120° ultra-wide lens, zooming with the 2× telephoto-equivalent mode, or recording in challenging low light, this camera setup adapts to every scenario. Explore the full specifications and FAQs to see why the iPhone 17 is Apple’s most versatile non-Pro camera yet.

Below you’ll find a clean, shareable article followed by a set of 15 frequently asked questions and concise answers.

iPhone 17 Camera full specifications

Rear Camera System

The iPhone 17 is equipped with a Dual Fusion 48‑MP camera system:

• Main (Wide / Fusion Main)
  • 48 MP • 26 mm equivalent focal length
  • f/1.6 aperture
  • Sensor‑Shift Optical Image Stabilization (OIS)
  • 100% Focus Pixels
  • Supports super‑high resolution photos at 24 MP and full 48 MP
• 2× Telephoto Mode
  • Achieved via main sensor crop (approx. 52 mm equivalent)
  • Same f/1.6 aperture and sensor‑shift OIS as the main camera
  • Delivers optical‑quality zoom without a dedicated tele lens
• Ultra‑Wide / Fusion Ultra Wide
  • 48 MP • 13 mm equivalent focal length
  • f/2.2 aperture
  • ~120° field of view
  • Hybrid Focus Pixels
  • Supports super‑high resolution at 24 MP & 48 MP

Zoom Capabilities

• 2× optical zoom in (via main sensor crop)
• 2× optical zoom out (via ultra‑wide)
• Total 4× optical zoom range
• Digital zoom up to 10× for still photos

Photo Features

• Night Mode (available on main & ultra‑wide)
• Photonic Engine for improved color and detail, especially in mid/low light
• Deep Fusion for enhanced detail in mid‑light scenes
• Smart HDR 5 for better dynamic range (highlights & shadows)
• Portrait Mode with Depth Control and six lighting effects
• Macro Photography via the ultra‑wide lens
• Lens Correction for ultra‑wide distortion
• Wide color capture for photos and Live Photos

Video Capabilities (Rear Camera)

• 4K Dolby Vision: 24, 25, 30, 60 fps
• 1080p Dolby Vision: 25, 30, 60 fps
• 720p Dolby Vision: 30 fps
• Cinematic Mode: up to 4K Dolby Vision at 30 fps
• Action Mode: up to 2.8K Dolby Vision at 60 fps
• Slo‑mo: 1080p at 120 fps or 240 fps
• Macro video: includes slow‑motion and time‑lapse with stabilization
• Time‑lapse with stabilization
• Dual Capture: allows using rear + front simultaneously in certain modes (up to 4K at 30 fps)

Other video enhancements: sensor‑shift OIS for the main camera, audio zoom, wind‑noise reduction, stereo and spatial audio recording, continuous autofocus during video.

Front (Selfie) Camera

• Sensor: 18 MP “Center Stage” camera
• Aperture: f/1.9
• Autofocus: with Focus Pixels; includes lens correction
• Flash: Retina Flash
• Features: Center Stage for photos & video calls, ultra‑stabilized video, dual capture (front + rear), Night Mode, Portrait Mode (with effects), Deep Fusion, Smart HDR 5
• Video: 4K Dolby Vision (24/25/30/60 fps), 1080p (25/30/60 fps), slo‑mo (1080p at 120 fps), time‑lapse with stabilization, QuickTake up to 4K at 60 fps

Other Imaging / Lens & Hardware Details

• True Tone flash on rear
• Sapphire crystal lens cover for rear cameras for durability
• Lens apertures: f/1.6 on main/telephoto‑equivalent; f/2.2 on ultra‑wide
• Focus pixels / Hybrid / Full pixel coverage for fast, accurate autofocus in challenging lighting

Summary of Strengths & Considerations

• Big hardware jump for the standard iPhone: both the main and ultra‑wide are 48 MP, and the front camera is upgraded to 18 MP.
• Offers Pro‑grade video features — Dolby Vision 4K, Cinematic Mode, Action Mode — suitable for creators.
• Excellent low‑light and macro performance powered by Apple’s Photonic Engine and Deep Fusion.
• Telephoto-equivalent 2× mode delivers optical‑quality zoom without a separate tele lens, keeping the phone compact.

iPhone 17 Camera — FAQs (15 questions)

1. What are the main camera specifications of the iPhone 17?

The iPhone 17 has a Dual Fusion 48‑MP system: a 48 MP main (wide) camera and a 48 MP ultra‑wide, both capable of super‑high resolution photos (24 MP & 48 MP).

2. Does the iPhone 17 have a telephoto lens?

No dedicated telephoto lens. It uses a 2× Telephoto mode by cropping the main 48 MP sensor to simulate roughly a 52 mm focal length, delivering optical‑quality results.

3. How much optical zoom does the iPhone 17 support?

It supports 2× optical zoom in (main sensor crop) and 2× optical zoom out (ultra‑wide), giving a total 4× optical zoom range, plus up to 10× digital zoom for photos.

4. Can the iPhone 17 shoot in low light?

Yes. Night Mode on both main and ultra‑wide, combined with the Photonic Engine and Deep Fusion, delivers strong low‑light performance.

5. Does the iPhone 17 support macro photography?

Yes. Macro photo and macro video are available using the ultra‑wide camera.

6. What are the video recording capabilities of the iPhone 17?

Key modes include 4K Dolby Vision up to 60 fps, Cinematic Mode up to 4K/30 fps, Action Mode up to 2.8K/60 fps, and slo‑mo 1080p at 120/240 fps.

7. Does the iPhone 17 have Cinematic Mode?

Yes — Cinematic Mode supports up to 4K Dolby Vision at 30 fps, enabling dynamic focus shifts and depth effects while recording.

8. How good is the front (selfie) camera on the iPhone 17?

Very good — an 18 MP Center Stage front camera with autofocus, f/1.9 aperture, and support for 4K Dolby Vision up to 60 fps, plus Night Mode and Portrait Mode.

9. Can I use Portrait Mode on the iPhone 17?

Yes — Portrait Mode is available on both front and rear cameras, with Depth Control and six lighting effects.

10. Does the iPhone 17 record spatial audio?

Yes — it supports stereo and spatial audio recording, audio zoom, and features to reduce wind noise.

11. Is there lens protection on the iPhone 17?

Yes — the rear cameras are protected by sapphire crystal lens covers for improved scratch resistance and durability.

12. Does the iPhone 17 have a True Tone flash?

Yes — the rear camera system includes a True Tone flash for more natural illumination.

13. Can the iPhone 17 capture wide‑angle shots?

Yes — the 48 MP ultra‑wide camera offers a roughly 120° field of view, ideal for landscapes and group shots.

14. Does the iPhone 17 support dual recording with front and rear cameras?

Yes — Dual Capture allows recording with front and rear cameras simultaneously in select modes, up to 4K at 30 fps.

15. How does the iPhone 17 compare to older iPhones in terms of camera?

Compared to older non‑Pro iPhones, the iPhone 17 delivers a substantial upgrade: both main and ultra‑wide sensors are 48 MP, the front camera is 18 MP, and video features such as Dolby Vision 4K, Cinematic Mode, and Action Mode are significantly improved.

Source: Apple