Photographer Tyler Stalman reviewed the iPhone 18 Pro's new camera system, highlighting the variable aperture as the biggest upgrade. The f/1.48 main camera aperture lets more light reach the sensor, helping keep ISO lower in low-light conditions and reducing Night mode needs. Stalman notes Apple's unusual aperture blade placement above the primary lens element.

He recommends pro photographers avoid Cosmic Orange this year due to reflection issues, suggesting Burgundy or Black instead. The review also covers new Photographic Styles with Soft Skin, Glow, and Film effects, noting Soft Skin subtly reduces detail while Glow adds diffused highlights. Stalman finds the Film effect's grain and halation impressive but wishes for more control.

He comments on AI-powered editing tools like Clean Up, Extend, and Reframe, observing they can make changes too significant, potentially losing authenticity. The review compares iPhone 18 Pro cameras to iPhone 15 Pro, though video was shot on iPhone 17 Pro.