The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra Review For Photographers

[@PetaPixel]

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[@aldwin360]

6:40 The new Ultrawide is 50MP JN3 1/2.4" Sensor. A little bit bigger than the previous 1/2.55" Sensor. 10:00 Also its been YEARS that you can move camera modes from the "more" section. Just long press it.

[@FrederickDunn]

I just knew I should have come here first. I'm a professional photographer and cinematographer, but my phone has filled in the creative gaps for me. I choose my phone based on image quality alone. The image/sequence classifications are VERY useful when I'm in post-production. 04:25 thank you. 18:10 Video performance is where I get the most use. QUESTION: Can you explain how the audio-zoom works? It's amazing, but I can't get a good explanation. I do lots of interviews, Audio-Filtering! Perfect! Thumbs up, thanks.

[@EmergentStardust]

Buying one for log recording. I wish they didn't bake in the sharpness and had a bit more dynamic range, but still this is the upgrade I've been waiting for!! Excellent review.

[@SsgtHolland]

You guys still do the very best reviews! I have been with you for over a decade and you have always delivered exactly what I was looking for.

[@TomasRamoska]

Next, they need to upgrade 3x camera to 50Mpx

[@Michael_M_P]

The problem you figured out in 13:39 is for me a major one and youre one of a few that adress it. An ultra/ pro phone must have a superb point and shoot hit miss rate at all conditions. I am a photographer and I know phones do already stretch physics with software beyond all boundries, but other phone makers have a better hit miss rate in this conditions and as dad you want to sacriface picture quality instead of having a blury subject (kid).

[@jahriffn]

Kudos to the polite path people. Infinite love and gratitude from Colorado!

[@LabourLawAdvisor]

have you tried shooting galaxy log with blackgmagic camera app? i believe the sharpening issue won't be there, or maybe i'm wrong. No one has made a dedicated video on galaxy log yet

[@CamcorderHomeVideos]

The Blackmagic camera app has an option to increase sharpening, as well as reduce noise. I personally stopped using the Blackmagic camera app for OpenCamera, because it offers more flexibility, and I found it to have less issues than the Blackmagic camera app. For whatever reason, my phone (Pixel 6 Pro) was limited to 4K 30fps if I wanted to use the telephoto lens, and I couldn't even use it in 1080p60 or 1080p30. The only other way to record with it would be if I held the photo shutter button for 1440x1080 video at 30fps. The video from the default camera app has terrible sharpening and noise reduction, crushes what should barely be "shadows", while blowing out highlights, created an orange tint, has stepped zoom increments, slow and very choppy lens transitions, and 4K 60fps that looks closer to 2K 48fps. The OpenCamera app allows be to record in just under 4K, in smooth 60fps. I assume the software disables the use of the telephoto lens if it recognizes 4K 60fps, so the next highest resolution it is. The shadow and highlight processing is much improved, the orange tint issue isn't there, the zoom is much smoother with better lens transitions, and the sharpening and noise reduction can be disabled. The only issue I've had with the app, is the fact that setting the white balance to manual makes the preview go black, so I have to choose a preset, and manually setting the ISO and shutter speed switches the frame rate to 30fps, and limits the dynamic range compared to auto.

[@silviawesterhoff939]

Thankyou for the information specifically about the camera's. Do you think the extra possibilities on the ultra is worth 400 euro more? (then the basic s25) Is it really that amazing and better? (I do like the macro)

[@anirudhpuranik5222]

0:25 samsung managed to create a worse or rather more bland design than the iPhone. Looks so bland, it feels like a tool and not something you would want to flex after spending huge dollars. Miss the golden age of S7 and S8. Heck even the S24 was better.

[@spudwas]

What about the stabilization on video? Why skip that?

[@aagebergholt7552]

I am coming from the SG21. The locations and the video shot by Jordan on a pro camera. LOOKED FANTASTIC on the S25 Ultra SCREEN 🎉

[@jonathanraecrisanto5912]

8:30 S23 Ultra also has the same feature with filters. I used a picture shot with a Fujifilm with Film Simulations as a reference. It fixed most of the things I don't like with the stock camera.

[@sibangjack]

19:50 S-Lut 🤣🤣 Samsung should listen to Chris advice.

[@MysteryNotes]

🤣

[@TomasRamoska]

@sibangjack Free advertisement I hope they dare to call it S-Lut. Do you use that S-Lut? Yes, I use it daily 😅

[@tedcc5494]

I think Samsung wanted to cut costs so not many new hardware upgrade features being made available

[@stx7389]

Is all they di lately, please boycott

[@TomasRamoska]

@tedcc5494 At least we got 50Mpx super wide angle. They probably left 3x Zoom for next year to upgrade. All smartphone updates are a bit boring. If they give everything soon will be nothing to update. Hopefully next year we will see 50Mpx 3x Zoom camera also.

[@matthewwinter5592]

You can have Raw capture as a selection on the camera mode, not just in'more' you just drag and drop it from the menu

[@GustavoAmaya-zp2vx]

Although it was somewhat predictable, Samsung's LOG video is disappointing. If they weren't going to get rid of that horrible over-sharpening, why did they enable it? There's no point in recording in LOG if it's still present. For now, record in motioncam pro, mcpro24fps and pro video mode 8k, and hope that when the APV Codec is enabled they finally get rid of that horrible over-sharpening.

[@Don_Trump]

18:48 We can notice that at 8k there is no detail at all in the shadows)))) If you're always looking for detail in the light areas then look at the dark🤣

[@tender.branson]

Starting at $1,300 where, in Delaware?

[@patfisher22]

Thank you much for the review. Will stay with s23u for some time.

[@Phoun]

Been waiting for this!!!!

[@nikoklic9082]

Hy guys new here, I can't decide whitch one to chose betwen s25 ultra or iphone 16 pro for photography. I am android user so it would be a little hard switching to apple but if the camera is better I will deffenetly get it. Thanks🙂

[@DarrelJhone]

can we see how does it performs at night?(astrophotography)

[@derb888]

S-LUT made me stay until the end. 🤣 Kidding aside this is a great review. I love how they made this. Camera works, the narration, superb! 👏🏻

[@framestoriess]

great video,great explanation

[@radlrambo4994]

I disagree with the statement that all of the smartphone manufacturers plateau regarding hardware capabilities (wrt cameras). The likes of Vivo, Oppo etc with their big telephoto sensors and 1" main cameras (twice the sensor area) have made huge improvements that I would like to see from a smartphone that is officially available " in the free world".

[@bastian.michel]

So true.... Sad that we dont see many Chinese phones officialy in the west anymore. I use a Oppo X7 Ultra, but it has it quirks.

[@techtt6213]

Plus the statement is a bad take anyway. There's much more potential with software. A two year old phone with better software will perform better than this S25 Ultra

[@DavekayBSC]

Xiaomi's upcoming 15 Ultra will absolutely humiliate Samsung's lazy AI-infested rehash of last year's phone, but it's not Sam-Apple! So no review. Sam-Apple is all that exists!

[@radlrambo4994]

@@DavekayBSC I am not exactly a fan of xiaomi phones and I really like the S24Ultra as a phone/computing platform (and DeX) but I will definitely look at the xioami for the camera!

[@patfisher22]

​@@radlrambo4994dex is gone or going away.

[@egibyanmusic]

If i were Samsung id put 50 megapixel sensor on 3x and a 20 or 32 on 10x. That would've guaranteed the entire zoom range crispiness, great portraits, dynamic range, and would've made those phones superior to any other flagship (google, iphone)

[@lightlegion_]

Wow, keep up the great work!

[@LacsonSibs]

Thank you very much for this video.

[@stephenartnermusic]

10:05 Chris, I'm pretty sure this is already possible: Once you've opened the "more" tray, tap and hold the Expert Raw icon, and it should allow you to move it directly down into the main bar. [EDIT: Actually I found out that Expert Raw is the only "more" mode this doesn't work with. Unfortunate!]

[@LindonSlaght]

Can confirm my 5 year old LG phone has this feature.. not sure about the Samsung though

[@DMTD187]

Expert Raw is the only mode you can't do this with... it's a stand alone separate app. I just have a home screen shortcut for it if I know what I'm shooting needs something extra or I need to edit in post

[@stephenartnermusic]

@@DMTD187 Thanks, I stand corrected. I assumed it would be the same as Pro Video, which I always have pinned to the bottom.

[@j_dogs_channel]

1 more week for mine! Can't wait! 🎉

[@bobustabo_fotosinsta3219]

Would like to see a Vivo x200 pro, Honor Magic 7, OnePlus 13 or Oppo find x7 pro!

[@YOOBEAR]

Losing the 10x zoom is why I still have the 23

[@m4nc1n1]

Gorilla Glass Victus is on the back, not the front. I traded in my S24 because of the new rounded edges. Also, I love that Samsung does not wait to send the Pre-orders. I got mine on Thursday, the 30th. Apple will not do that.

[@soltu01]

You guys are great, always trust your reviews

[@TechOdyssey]

Great meeting you at the event!

[@PetaPixel]

Likewise! Thanks for saying hi!

[@sulev111]

The prices are ridiculous. 1300$ for a friking phone.

[@AB-hi6ru]

ty

[@cosmicfxx]

But in setting ... AFS ... on off option

[@johnsoncityaerialphotograp7201]

I wish Sony would make another North America push.. if I could tolerate going back to Android I’d have a 1” sensor Sony phone.. I love that the Sonys phone interface is just like using our full frame Sonys….

[@SoCalFreelance]

Built in limitations so they can consistently market improvements? I feel like if Samsung got the right team together they could knock out an amazing phone with next generation features. Kind of like how the C8 Corvette team knocked it out of the park when they had free reign to do everything necessary to make a car without compromise.

[@mattiecreates]

As a fellow Albertan, I have been watching you two for many many years. You are both still my favorite Camera tech reviewers. Thanks for the great review. Also we are currently getting a lot of snow, if you can extend your stay there i recommend it lol

[@macemace3194]

Hi guys! Really enjoyed the FYI for the videography & photography of the SG 25 Ultra! Ur channel is a necessary subscription in my opinion if U take pics & vids regardless of your device! Moreover, because the sophistication of smart devices today requires the amateur to be 'exposed'; excuse the pun, to a hostile learning curve, & to some degree in order to produce a quality & acceptable outcome of same, it would would be difficult without your unbiased evaluations, recommendations & opinions to do so...at least well! It's an exercise in futility & stupidity to purchase devices at these price points and not produce the most outstanding motion & still outcomes which the device is capable of achieving. Thank you for pinpointing the capabilities & pitfalls of these devices & how the general user can circumvent or make them less of a deficit!🎥📸📹📺📽️

[@olivergoldvalente]

The "S-LUT" Log mode had me cracking up. Best joke of the video. Great job guys 😅

[@SonnyDarvish]

I would love to see a new Sony RX100 and would buy it in an instant if they bring it to life. The smartphones have so many software features, but the continuous optical zoom is still missing. I don't want upscaled 1x zoom (iphone) or 3x (samsung) when I'm at 4.9x.

[@mylifesbetter]

Nice TCSTV jacket! ❤😅

[@thomasm2161]

Samsung said alot of ppl didn't use that feature

[@markjob6354]

I have the regular Samsung S22, and I am greatly surprised with how good the built in 8K /24 p-ish video looks. I could care less about the AI tools ! These camera phones still have this baked in over sharpened image and small sensor look to them, however, so I won't be abandoning my ZCAM E2C, or my DJI OSMO Pocket 3 anytime soon. I strongly agree with the need to lock video phone speed at True 24.00p and true 23.976p without the variances we're seeing in video fps. I also want to see the use of even better quality optics put into these phones. Perhaps with the "ULTRA" series the option of possible interchangeable lenses for ENG work.

[@sumimasenpanda]

damn samsung phones are more expensive than a premium DSLR lens

[@radlrambo4994]

Seems like you didn't shop for a premium ILC Lens for quite a while - which the Term "DSLR" also suggests. DSLRs are dead, man! And the mirrorless lenses, especially the ones from Canon are so outrageously expensive I sometimes think they are made of gold.

[@iamakkkshay]

​@@radlrambo4994makes no sense buying those, Sigma/Tamron/Viltrox sub $1000 lenses does the job

[@donnawetter1513]

Actually the S25U has 0 raw potential. Since 2023, Samsung’s Pro Mode has been outputting DNG files that are already demosaiced and processed as JPG XL, which means there’s no unprocessed sensor data left to work with. As a result, there's no possibility to recover highlights or shadows-the flexibility of true RAW editing is completely lost. Meanwhile, third-party apps continue to capture genuine RAW data from the sensor, proving that the issue is with Samsung’s software.

[@mooingAlong]

0:10 Dude was having the time of his life 😆

[@justjustify85]

😂

[@FlorinBlaga]

For a Huawei P30 Pro user who wants to upgrade, what do you recommend between the Samsung S25 Ultra or the Iphone 16 Pro Max?

[@GamingGrid_pk]

S25 Ultra Hands down bro

[@emazens]

Is camera ur main point for a phone then neither , vivo x200 pro beats both phones u mentioned, and the vivo x200 ultra coming out soon ,

[@GamingGrid_pk]

@@emazens i agree vivo x200 pro is amazing

[@camwow13]

Its 0.02 inches thinner than the S24 or just over half a milimeter. Not that noticeable. The weight is better though. Half ounce is a half ounce.

[@andresalgadomarques]

Great video as always 👍

[@pktk1234]

Great... Your suggestions are also great... Removing the blue tooth functionality from the the lovely 'S pen' is one of the big mistake Samsung ever made... The artistically lovely 'S pen' and its functionality separates Samsung from other Manufactures... Samsung... Please correct this mistake...

[@kpehe100]

What about if Samsung makes that 200 mega pixels into the zoom camera as Vivo has been doing and then makes the 50 mega pixels as the 1x? Samsung is not utilizing that 200 mp properly

[@AvadaKedavraSpell69]

X200 pro vivo the best

[@BuffaloNguyen1703]

the AI image eraser needs an update to let users add more edits AFTER the initial ones, as sometimes you see something else pops out or the generated content did not get it right the first time.

[@sxepantFTW]

In honest and unsponsored review for photographers: Don't buy S25 ultra if you are a photographer 😂😂😂

[@JamesDarcey]

Lets be honest here chaps! In every smartphone review all the photo nerds in the room need to know is how buggy lightroom mobile is and how many of the camera companies apps actually work 😂

[@leventeszabo1451]

Its just does not make sense that there is no camera between 23 and 77mm. Maybe i am missing something.

[@radlrambo4994]

it wouldn't be so bad if the 77mm sensor would be larger. As is it is almost pointless, because cropping the main camera is almost as good

[@malvoseajupiter]

Guys you promised a6700 vs xs20 which never happened.

[@POVwithRC]

Such is life. You complain about how they act and look and sound since leaving DP and then show up demanding they conform their video subject queue to your whim?

[@malvoseajupiter]

​@POVwithRC they are like mkbhd of camera reviews even if I critique them cant hold myself from watching thier videos.

[@TTBTechResumes]

Go outside

[@malvoseajupiter]

@@TTBTechResumes it's cold

[@TTBTechResumes]

@@malvoseajupiter I'll warm you up 😈

[@hakonsommersetkippernes4387]

Amazing review. Wish you talked about the zoom lens abit more but still great in depth review

[@RiccardoGabarriniKazeatari]

Why are smartphones' raw files (even when edited by pros!) always so ugly? Recently I saw a video from TKNorth, same phone, same story (and I like his editing, a lot!). I beginning to think they can't point it out in these reviews, but smartphones' raw files are probably very hard to edit.

[@IIISentorIII]

Well, you need to bring down the ISO manually, and even the raw DNGs unfortunately have baked-in sharpening and other changes. Personally, I find the phone RAW files close to useless compared to my normal Nikon cameras, unfortunately.

[@Nick-4K]

Would be cool if they let you record log while selecting a lut. So you dont have to do post recording, but still get that loggy goodness. Haha

[@Its_an_Eze]

19:51 Best part! Samsung make it happen 😂

[@ulfw]

I miss the DPReview TV days. I am sorry to say having watched you two over so many years since the Camera Store days but it just feels like with Petapixel you're just doing this to get the clicks, the ads and aren't really as open and honest as you used to be. This phone is shite and you would have said so before. There's literally nothing new or better. I had to turn off half way into the video. Sorry, I know this sounds harsh. I just hope you'll find your mojo and happiness back rather than having to do these videos you clearly don't want to do.

[@bilalsalim3410]

Happen to live by that NPS, it's nice to see yall explore it❤️

[@makatron]

Making a strong case for buying the s24u with a functioning s-pen.

[@yash_kambli]

There's no replacement for displacement And there's no replacement for glass optics and bigger sensor Computational photography sucks. it's high time samsung should bring nx mini mount in their smartphones.

[@CoenradJMorgan]

Almost lost bladder control, Samsung S-Lut

[@phantomphan1974]

I wish the AI effect would work on non human subjects. Like vehicles and such....anyway.

[@mikaelnilsson5912]

One thing I like about the newer S Ultra line is that they let you shoot raw photos without the pixelbinning. This is not available on my s22 Ultra, it pixelbinns the raw files to 12mp

[@DoKaTSuY]

Can we get 200 mp raw?

[@radlrambo4994]

I have an S24 Ultra and it does not do RAW files at all. In the DNG container there is a JPG XL file only. Now way to get RAW, not in 50MP, not in 12MP. In 200MP the do not even give you the DNG at all - you have to live with the ugly oversharpened and oversaturated tonemapped HDR JPG that screams "smartphone" from 10 miles against the wind and looks horrible on anything larger than a smartphone screen. I doubt the S25 Ultra is any different. After all it has the same cameras except for the UW.

[@dragonstone6594]

You have a lot of noise in your audio.

[@tornike550]

Yeah removing s-pen features from new gen will keep me glued to my S23U until it breaks. WTF was Samsung thinking?

[@IIISentorIII]

Samsung sold around 34.66 million Galaxy S24 smartphones worldwide in the first year. Now you save five dollars on every unit sold. I use the remote feature frequently myself and love it...

[@bastian.michel]

I’d love to see the test charts in your basement-honestly, that should be a standard in all your smartphone reviews. Less talk about gimmicks - more image quality.

[@FrankMak]

Is the shutter lag or motion blur fixed?

[@MikeMarrah]

The variable frame rate and still over sharpened image really shoot that log profile in the foot. Here's to hoping that if the Blackmagic app update has log for the s25 that it fixes both of those things.

[@techtt6213]

There's much better than the blackmagic app

[@MikeMarrah]

@techtt6213 I prefer the Blackmagic menu systems since I've spent a lot of time with their cine cameras. I also trust their ability to process sensor data more than really any other 3rd party mobile app. Other apps might have even deeper settings and are able to give you a DNG raw output, but very few people in the industry understand sensors better than Blackmagic

[@ryolinee]

For S-Pen that supports Bluetooth for Samsung S25 Ultra Sold separately 3:45 😂

[@ishimuro]

Would like to see some Lightroom Editing in these Reviews for Photographers. Or even Samsung Dex? Whip out an USB Hub, attach to any Display and we are off to the Races for editing on the go? Maybe.

[@AllDay3004]

As optimistic as you are with the new AI features in the future, I just don't see it resulting into a good thing. Many of these companies are just using AI gimmicks to increase profit margins by not really upgrading the hardware. It's lazy and disrespectful the buyers IMO

[@seanbirtwistle649]

i hear it's been pretty warm in cali recently. hope LA pulls through

[@shirakawanaoya]

Not a whole lot of difference in this phone. With camera phones from China being so awesome, its hard to understand the lack of innovation from the big players. I don't agree that phones have plateaued when you compare what's going on overseas! If you don't want to disturb your bread and butter S line, why not give us a new line of camera phones? Also, audio sync issues are SO ANNOYING. I feel you Jordan.

[@richardbuttner1989]

The series has been continuously degrading since the S23 Ultra. Normally, I envy the new phones, but with Samsung, I feel lucky with my "old" phone. 😊 The 10x zoom on the 23 is so important.

[@sidha22]

I have been looking for a comparison between 4K 60P and 8K at 30P. Shot by S25 . Can you please let me know which one feels better quality or has more potential editing ? Thanks. Great video . Truly enjoyed it.

[@soltu01]

s25 ultra, what a phone

[@ryanmiskin]

Losing 10x zoom killed the ultra for me. Deleting bluetooth from the s-pen is the final nail in the coffin. I've been using a note/ultra since the 5 and I'm not buying another one at a premium price with key features removed.

[@saladmaster1392]

The 5x is so good tho. Ive done side by side with s23 and the 10x results overall are better on s24 (''ll be testing with s25 starting 2morr). U can use bluetooth from a samsung watch as shutter. Not ideal but there for shutter at least. Variable optics probably be the norm few years. Your points are very valid however. I think the weight and battery life verse 98% of people barely using spen let alone the bluetooth feature is ok tradeoff, i think they will bring it back cpl years and use it as a selling point again tho :P

[@RahilTheEntertainer]

For solo travellers, spen shutter button was a big difference. I myself am not upgrading from s24ultra to 25ultra only for this one single reason! And no I can't afford a samsung watch.

[@saladmaster1392]

@RahilTheEntertainer youre not missing much, so I feel ur making a good choice.

[@rodtavora]

1 minute of the video you already giving me ads. Screw this i am out. Not watching the rest.

[@jonathanraecrisanto5912]

SAMSUNG ENOUGH WITH THE SHARPENING!!!

[@wraithdreams]

Did you try to film with it using Filmic Pro or the Blackmagic Camera App? Will it still do the 24.01 like fps problems?

[@leonard_roy]

both will look just as bad as samsung log and framerate will still be variable. there is only motioncam to offer untouched video

[@MrXandrpok]

@PetaPixel why are all reviewers are calling this "snapshot style from the existing photo and then apply it to your own new photo" a new feature???? I am using it since galaxy S20, released 4 years ago!

[@rd4k04]

KZbinrs like you are part of the reason Samsung Google and Apple are getting away with not innovating. You don't shed light on the great innovations happening from other manufacturers like oppo xiaomi OnePlus vivo. If you were to fairly compare these phones more people would see what they're missing out on by just thinking three companies make phones.

[@risbill1]

When you select more try hitting the edit tab at the top. It should let you customize the camera modes. It does on my Motorola edge. I just ordered the S25 ultra. Fir me as a photographer I primarily just wanted a better camera then what my current phone has because it is absolutely terrible even for basic snapshots. I also like the s pen for editing.

[@techtt6213]

Nice shirt choice, gives me nostalgia to the camera store days

[@shbdhd]

Yes, you're right Chris that it's disappointing, so much so that removing the features of the S-Pen is why I won't be buying the Ultra and looking at other phones. It's good in a way cause I wasn't really paying attention to other phones and now I am. Maybe I save a dollar or two as well cause the Ultra is expensive.

[@phero6933]

Would be interesting for you guys to do an auto mode only test woth this and other flagships. As you said, the majority of people will only use auto mode, so it would be nice to see how this compares to the S24 Ultra, iphone 16 Pro, Vivo x200 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro, etc. I know this channel is focused on actual photography, so auto mode only may be boring for you, but it may be useful for the average consumer.

[@ericaceous1652]

There's plenty of other channels covering auto photography - a lot of work and not much value add for Petapixel methinks

[@ag1211x]

Can I know would any of these software updates NOT be coming to S23U? And if they do come, will the performance be worse because of the less powerful chips on S23U, or it will be the same performance but just uses more battery & slower response time?

[@uk9431]

S23 Ultra has better photo texture than S24 Ultra. and maybe better than S25 Ultra too.

[@masterme3175]

That "new" feature that lets you create presets or filters out of existing photos in your gallery has been around for quite a while on Samsung. I've personally been using it for over 2 years now. Great video!

[@alf_lim]

Same!

[@Jesusvanegas94]

yeah the differences now is that you have more control of how it affects the image, before we only had an "intensity" slider, but this should easily come to the older phones

[@masterme3175]

@@Jesusvanegas94 oh i see. Thanks man!

[@samer2wakim]

Correct me If I am wrong, I know you create presets or filters out of existing photos, what he didnt get right in the video is that the ability to create you own filter and changing the parameters espeicailly grains is totally new

[@elliegrace6410]

I have it on my Note 10+ haha

[@atorbtech]

You must try the Vivo x200 pro

[@Reorr]

Sam"e"sung, 1 step forward and 2 steps back....