12 ways to use your iPhone 16's Camera Control button for better photos - faster

Screenshot by Lance Whitney/ZDNET

The iPhone 16 series comes with a physical Camera Control button that you can press to snap a photo or video, tap to display different settings, and slide to adjust the exposure and other elements. But the control can be challenging to operate, especially if you're used to swiping and tapping the on-screen settings to take a photo.

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I've been trying the Camera Control for the past few weeks, using it to shoot photos and videos out and about. There's definitely a learning curve. You have to figure out how to access each setting and apply the right press or tap to activate it. You also need to understand how adjusting the exposure, depth of field, style, and tone will affect your photo -- and which of these elements you should use and when.

I'm still trying to get used to the control to determine whether I prefer it over the standard on-screen camera settings. If you're struggling with the control as well, here are 12 tips that should make it easier to use.

How to use Camera Control on the iPhone 16

Screenshot by Lance Whitney/ZDNET Screenshot by Lance Whitney/ZDNET

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The settings that appear when you press or double-press the control will vary based on the app. On my iPhone, the Obscura camera app gives me access to settings for exposure, zoom, filter, focus, and format. The ProCamera app lets me control the exposure and zoom. And the Halide app provides access to lock, exposure, and focus settings.  

Screenshot by Lance Whitney/ZDNET Screenshot by Lance Whitney/ZDNET Screenshot by Lance Whitney/ZDNET Screenshot by Lance Whitney/ZDNET Screenshot by Lance Whitney/ZDNET Screenshot by Lance Whitney/ZDNET Screenshot by Lance Whitney/ZDNET Screenshot by Lance Whitney/ZDNET Screenshot by Lance Whitney/ZDNET Screenshot by Lance Whitney/ZDNET