Leica Lux and 48 MP

[DanBell]

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Good morning everyone, can someone please help me? I have an iPhone 15 Pro Max and the Leica Lux App. In the File Formats menu I have activated Raw Format: Pro Raw Maximum resolution 48 MP. After taking some photos I sent them to my Mac Studio but I only see them in IMG_XXX.heic format at 750 Kb. I would like to take some photos at maximum resolution to check the quality of the file in print. I don't understand where I'm going wrong. Thanks in advance to anyone who can help me.

Dan

[Robert Ardinger]

Not at all an expert but have been trying to find the best practice for using my iPhone camera (iPhone 16 Pro).

I used the Lux app for a trial period.  Did not subscribe (but might because  "It's from Leica ).  Basically what I found is that if you use it with almost any of the "Leica" features activated (looks, lens simulations, "A" mode), the file will be a processed .heic.  (which does make sense).

I was able during the trial period to send Raw files to my Mac but these were essentially not much different than if I just used the iPhone's camera (the Lux app does suggest it will either record in Apple's ProRaw or just Raw in the file settings).  

When sending  (i.e. using "AirDrop") from the Lux app there should be a pop up that lets you choose between Raw and .heic if there is a Raw file to send.  

I  plan to use my iPhone as a backup camera for trips so wanted to be sure I could access the Raw (ProRaw) files).  I found that the Lux app seemed to have a bit more sluggish response for adjusting focus than the native iPhone app which combined with the Raw files being essentially the same between the two Apps, I have so far stuck with the native app. 

A new app I am trying now is the beta "Indigo" app from Adobe (can get it in the App Store).  It seems very interesting.  Not sure if it will save  files in "pure" Raw and not sure that I really want it to.  It does a lot with "computational" image adjusting and the results looks pretty good - probably better than I can achieve with a "pure" raw file in certain instances. (Apple ProRAW is also not exactly "pure" Raw and there is some "computational" work done on the file although it is still exported as a .DNG).

All these iPhone Apps (have also tried "Halide") will run up against the limits on the native iPhone camera, i.e. the 48 MP files are only obtained with the main (1X) lens.  Using any other lens results in a smaller file.

[Robert Ardinger]

Also, besides setting the Format preferences in the "Main Menu" (lower right hand location after selecting "P" (Photo) Mode), you might need to select the format you want the picture you are taking in the "Format" tab (located in the upper left hand corner of the same screen).  Choices are Raw, HEIC (or JPG depending on what was set in the Main Menu) or both.  

Taking a photo in "P" (Photo) mode with the "Format" choice being set to include a Raw image should give you a Raw file to send to your computer.  

The "unprocessed" Raw (not ProRaw) is only available if you subscribe (or during a trial) as are some other features.  As far as I can see if you take a photo in "A" mode (Aperture) then a Raw file is not available.

[DanBell]

Thanks a lot for your help Robert

[dunfr]

The 48mp is only available in PHOTO mode with 1x24mm lens; iPhone 15 Pro. This is is an iPhone limitation I understand. On your camera app screen display long press one the Function choices (customisable FN Buttons) and choose Maximum resolution ; this will help you. If you hold the phone in portrait orientation- they are the top 2 of the function “buttons” in the black bar above the viewfinder screen display, touch/hold for a few seconds and the Choose Function choices will display. Hope this helps.