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Why 'Real' Cameras are So Much Better than your Smartphone
by Keenan Hursh
So, you’ve mastered the art of capturing images with your smartphone and are considering moving up to the next level. Or perhaps you already have a more advanced camera and want to know exactly what sets it apart. Whatever the reason may be, this is a comparison that is becoming more and more common. smartphones have become more advanced than ever before, and many people are left wondering if they even need a ‘real’ camera at all.
Of course, every photographer is unique and has different needs for their photography. Perhaps you’re someone who just wants to quickly snap a few photos to capture a moment every now and then. Or maybe you want to spend more time in a location truly trying to capture the essence of a place with greater creative control. Or maybe you’re somewhere in the middle. Whatever the case may be, I believe it’s worthwhile to compare the options currently available.
In today’s article, we’re going to look at several of the key differences between ‘real’ cameras and the cameras found on your typical, modern-day smartphone. Let’s get into it.
Of course, every photographer is unique and has different needs for their photography. Perhaps you’re someone who just wants to quickly snap a few photos to capture a moment every now and then. Or maybe you want to spend more time in a location truly trying to capture the essence of a place with greater creative control. Or maybe you’re somewhere in the middle. Whatever the case may be, I believe it’s worthwhile to compare the options currently available.
In today’s article, we’re going to look at several of the key differences between ‘real’ cameras and the cameras found on your typical, modern-day smartphone. Let’s get into it.
Smartphone Cameras are Actually Quite Capable
I’d like to start out by saying that modern-day smartphones are actually quite impressive, and I constantly find myself pleasantly surprised with the many images I’m able to capture on my iPhone 13 Pro.
Modern smartphone cameras have undergone remarkable advancements over the last decade with new features and capabilities constantly being added and upgraded. They're equipped with sophisticated software, often have multiple lenses, and include AI-driven features that enable users to capture impressive photos and videos effortlessly. For everyday snapshots and social media sharing, smartphone cameras are undoubtedly sufficient, and their compact size, portability, and user-friendly interfaces make them accessible to the masses.
If you’re more of a casual photographer who simply wants to capture nice images of your experiences and the world around you, a smartphone will likely get the job done. But if you want much more creative control and want to increase your capabilities and opportunities then something else altogether may be required.
I’d like to start out by saying that modern-day smartphones are actually quite impressive, and I constantly find myself pleasantly surprised with the many images I’m able to capture on my iPhone 13 Pro.
Modern smartphone cameras have undergone remarkable advancements over the last decade with new features and capabilities constantly being added and upgraded. They're equipped with sophisticated software, often have multiple lenses, and include AI-driven features that enable users to capture impressive photos and videos effortlessly. For everyday snapshots and social media sharing, smartphone cameras are undoubtedly sufficient, and their compact size, portability, and user-friendly interfaces make them accessible to the masses.
If you’re more of a casual photographer who simply wants to capture nice images of your experiences and the world around you, a smartphone will likely get the job done. But if you want much more creative control and want to increase your capabilities and opportunities then something else altogether may be required.
What is a ‘Real’ Camera Anyways?
So, what exactly do I mean when I refer to a ‘real’ camera? Well, for the sake of this article, this is a generic term that I’ll be using to describe modern mirrorless and DLSR cameras that have interchangeable lenses and manual controls. These cameras are specialized tools that are solely designed for photography and provide the user with so much more than a camera phone ever could.
Let’s break things down and take a look at several of the key reasons these ‘real’ cameras are superior to the little computer you carry around in your pocket.
So, what exactly do I mean when I refer to a ‘real’ camera? Well, for the sake of this article, this is a generic term that I’ll be using to describe modern mirrorless and DLSR cameras that have interchangeable lenses and manual controls. These cameras are specialized tools that are solely designed for photography and provide the user with so much more than a camera phone ever could.
Let’s break things down and take a look at several of the key reasons these ‘real’ cameras are superior to the little computer you carry around in your pocket.
Lens Versatility
Arguably one of the most compelling reasons to opt for a 'real' camera is the ability to change lenses. Of course, many modern smartphones come with multiple lenses these days which is a great upgrade but even if you have 3+ lenses to choose from you’re still at a disadvantage.
The main difference here is the flexibility you have in focal lengths and the difference between optical and digital zoom. Optical zoom is when you change your focal length using the optics of a lens and there is no loss in image quality or resolution. Digital zoom is when you digitally zoom in on an image or zoom in on part of your sensor with no change to the lens optics. This results in lower resolution and an overall loss in quality as you're not utilizing the entire sensor. You're pretty much cropping your image with digital zoom.
Many modern smartphones allow you to choose between a couple of options in focal length. My iPhone 13 Pro has 1x, .5x, and 3x lenses that each offer different focal lengths. If I select one of these options and don’t zoom in or out the image is still 100% optical and you won’t lose any resolution or image quality. But as soon as I start zooming in or out and select any focal length between the preselected options this is now digital zoom and I’m losing resolution and quality.
With a zoom lens that you can connect to your ‘real’ camera, you can optically zoom between every point in the range specified on your lens. No matter what focal length you select you will not lose any image resolution as the image is being projected onto your entire camera sensor. And even if you’re shooting with prime lenses, you have way more options available to you than whatever you may have on your smartphone.
The ability to choose from a massive range of specialized lenses opens up a universe of creative possibilities all while preserving image quality and allowing for precise composition control. Photographers can seamlessly switch between ultra-wide angles, standard zooms, and telephoto lenses to capture the perfect shot.
Arguably one of the most compelling reasons to opt for a 'real' camera is the ability to change lenses. Of course, many modern smartphones come with multiple lenses these days which is a great upgrade but even if you have 3+ lenses to choose from you’re still at a disadvantage.
The main difference here is the flexibility you have in focal lengths and the difference between optical and digital zoom. Optical zoom is when you change your focal length using the optics of a lens and there is no loss in image quality or resolution. Digital zoom is when you digitally zoom in on an image or zoom in on part of your sensor with no change to the lens optics. This results in lower resolution and an overall loss in quality as you're not utilizing the entire sensor. You're pretty much cropping your image with digital zoom.
Many modern smartphones allow you to choose between a couple of options in focal length. My iPhone 13 Pro has 1x, .5x, and 3x lenses that each offer different focal lengths. If I select one of these options and don’t zoom in or out the image is still 100% optical and you won’t lose any resolution or image quality. But as soon as I start zooming in or out and select any focal length between the preselected options this is now digital zoom and I’m losing resolution and quality.
With a zoom lens that you can connect to your ‘real’ camera, you can optically zoom between every point in the range specified on your lens. No matter what focal length you select you will not lose any image resolution as the image is being projected onto your entire camera sensor. And even if you’re shooting with prime lenses, you have way more options available to you than whatever you may have on your smartphone.
The ability to choose from a massive range of specialized lenses opens up a universe of creative possibilities all while preserving image quality and allowing for precise composition control. Photographers can seamlessly switch between ultra-wide angles, standard zooms, and telephoto lenses to capture the perfect shot.
Manual Controls
Another key difference between your phone and a ‘real’ camera is the amount of manual control the user has. Sure, you can shoot a handheld long exposure on some smartphones, or you can set a timer for the phone to snap a photo after 5 or 10 seconds. Smartphones actually offer a decent amount of control for what they are but this pales in comparison to what a ‘real’ camera is capable of controlling.
Modern mirrorless and DSLR cameras provide photographers with complete manual control over essential settings, including shutter speed, aperture, ISO, and more. This level of control empowers photographers to express their creativity fully and capture images in challenging lighting conditions, a feat that smartphones often struggle with. Adjusting these parameters offers precise control over motion blur, depth of field, and exposure.
Let’s say you want to capture a 25-second exposure of the Milky Way galaxy or perhaps a 1/2000th-second exposure of a hummingbird in flight. Unfortunately, a smartphone isn’t going to cut it. Or maybe you want to capture an extremely shallow depth of field in a macro shot of a small insect. Once again, you’re going to need a ‘real’ camera to accomplish this.
Another key difference between your phone and a ‘real’ camera is the amount of manual control the user has. Sure, you can shoot a handheld long exposure on some smartphones, or you can set a timer for the phone to snap a photo after 5 or 10 seconds. Smartphones actually offer a decent amount of control for what they are but this pales in comparison to what a ‘real’ camera is capable of controlling.
Modern mirrorless and DSLR cameras provide photographers with complete manual control over essential settings, including shutter speed, aperture, ISO, and more. This level of control empowers photographers to express their creativity fully and capture images in challenging lighting conditions, a feat that smartphones often struggle with. Adjusting these parameters offers precise control over motion blur, depth of field, and exposure.
Let’s say you want to capture a 25-second exposure of the Milky Way galaxy or perhaps a 1/2000th-second exposure of a hummingbird in flight. Unfortunately, a smartphone isn’t going to cut it. Or maybe you want to capture an extremely shallow depth of field in a macro shot of a small insect. Once again, you’re going to need a ‘real’ camera to accomplish this.
Image Resolution and Quality
Another key difference is the overall image resolution and quality. All modern digital cameras including your smartphone use digital sensors that absorb light and convert this into a digital image made up of pixels. Modern smartphones actually have relatively impressive sensors, and they are quite capable for how small they are. But modern mirrorless and DSLR cameras far surpass any smartphone in this realm, especially full-frame cameras.
‘Real’ cameras have sensors that are much larger than those found in smartphones and these sensors often consist of more megapixels which results in a higher resolution image. Not only do these larger sensors have more pixels they also are more sensitive to light, can capture higher dynamic ranges, often produce better colors, and capture more information overall. Larger and higher resolution sensors are also far superior when it comes to editing and post-processing your images as there is more information to work with.
Smartphone sensors are getting better and better every year, and they’re actually pretty decent, but the sensors found in modern DSLRs and mirrorless cameras especially are far superior.
Another key difference is the overall image resolution and quality. All modern digital cameras including your smartphone use digital sensors that absorb light and convert this into a digital image made up of pixels. Modern smartphones actually have relatively impressive sensors, and they are quite capable for how small they are. But modern mirrorless and DSLR cameras far surpass any smartphone in this realm, especially full-frame cameras.
‘Real’ cameras have sensors that are much larger than those found in smartphones and these sensors often consist of more megapixels which results in a higher resolution image. Not only do these larger sensors have more pixels they also are more sensitive to light, can capture higher dynamic ranges, often produce better colors, and capture more information overall. Larger and higher resolution sensors are also far superior when it comes to editing and post-processing your images as there is more information to work with.
Smartphone sensors are getting better and better every year, and they’re actually pretty decent, but the sensors found in modern DSLRs and mirrorless cameras especially are far superior.
Viewing Experience
Another comparison that is often overlooked is the viewing experience or how you see what your camera is seeing.
Of course, modern smartphones have high-resolution LCD screens that look great but when you’re capturing photos on your phone you don’t have much flexibility.
With modern mirrorless cameras you not only have a high-resolution LCD screen (about the size of a phone screen) that tilts and rotates but you also have incredibly useful electronic viewfinders or EVFs.
The ability to tilt and rotate your camera's screen is invaluable because no matter where your camera is pointing the screen can be adjusted to directly face you. Let’s say you want your camera to be close to the ground pointed up towards the sky for a dramatic angle, all you need to do is tilt your LCD screen and you can easily see what you’re doing. With a smartphone, you just have to hope you’re getting a good composition and overall image as you can’t really see your screen at such an extreme angle.
And with ‘real’ cameras you always have the option to look through the viewfinder as well. Mirrorless cameras feature an electronic viewfinder that is actually a tiny screen that will portray exactly what an image will look like before you even take it. If it’s a bright sunny day and you can’t clearly see how bright your image will be or if you simply want to view your composition without any distractions an EVF is a very useful feature indeed.
When it comes to flexibility and overall user experience when viewing the image you’re about to take ‘real’ cameras far surpass the abilities of any smartphone.
Another comparison that is often overlooked is the viewing experience or how you see what your camera is seeing.
Of course, modern smartphones have high-resolution LCD screens that look great but when you’re capturing photos on your phone you don’t have much flexibility.
With modern mirrorless cameras you not only have a high-resolution LCD screen (about the size of a phone screen) that tilts and rotates but you also have incredibly useful electronic viewfinders or EVFs.
The ability to tilt and rotate your camera's screen is invaluable because no matter where your camera is pointing the screen can be adjusted to directly face you. Let’s say you want your camera to be close to the ground pointed up towards the sky for a dramatic angle, all you need to do is tilt your LCD screen and you can easily see what you’re doing. With a smartphone, you just have to hope you’re getting a good composition and overall image as you can’t really see your screen at such an extreme angle.
And with ‘real’ cameras you always have the option to look through the viewfinder as well. Mirrorless cameras feature an electronic viewfinder that is actually a tiny screen that will portray exactly what an image will look like before you even take it. If it’s a bright sunny day and you can’t clearly see how bright your image will be or if you simply want to view your composition without any distractions an EVF is a very useful feature indeed.
When it comes to flexibility and overall user experience when viewing the image you’re about to take ‘real’ cameras far surpass the abilities of any smartphone.
Handling and Ergonomics
People often compare things like image resolution and other more calculable factors when making these comparisons but one very important factor that often goes unmentioned is the differences in handling both smartphones and ‘real’ cameras.
One of the most notable advantages of 'real' cameras is their superior handling and ergonomic design. These cameras are purpose-built with dedicated grips, tactile buttons, and a substantial build that exudes confidence and comfort. You can easily grip and hold this device steady for longer periods of time, and you don’t have to worry about it slipping through your fingers.
And a huge complaint with smartphones is the lack of a real shutter button. You may not notice it but every time you press your touchscreen to capture an image, you’re slightly moving your phone and this can often result in a less sharp or even blurry image. Of course, some phones allow you to press a button on the side (such as the volume control button on an iPhone) and I do recommend doing this, but this simply doesn't compare to the perfectly placed shutter button on a ‘real’ camera.
The experience of holding and controlling a mirrorless or DSLR camera far surpasses the often cramped and unwieldy feel of a smartphone.
People often compare things like image resolution and other more calculable factors when making these comparisons but one very important factor that often goes unmentioned is the differences in handling both smartphones and ‘real’ cameras.
One of the most notable advantages of 'real' cameras is their superior handling and ergonomic design. These cameras are purpose-built with dedicated grips, tactile buttons, and a substantial build that exudes confidence and comfort. You can easily grip and hold this device steady for longer periods of time, and you don’t have to worry about it slipping through your fingers.
And a huge complaint with smartphones is the lack of a real shutter button. You may not notice it but every time you press your touchscreen to capture an image, you’re slightly moving your phone and this can often result in a less sharp or even blurry image. Of course, some phones allow you to press a button on the side (such as the volume control button on an iPhone) and I do recommend doing this, but this simply doesn't compare to the perfectly placed shutter button on a ‘real’ camera.
The experience of holding and controlling a mirrorless or DSLR camera far surpasses the often cramped and unwieldy feel of a smartphone.
Controlling Depth of Field
I mentioned the ability to manually control ‘real’ cameras earlier including the ability to control aperture and therefore depth of field. It’s worth bringing this up again as this is a crucial difference in my opinion.
Many smartphones can artificially change the depth of field of an image with features like “portrait mode” on an iPhone. This works well sometimes and can create pleasing images but at the end of the day this is simply a trick that your camera is using to blur backgrounds and it often doesn’t work well at all. I've captured so many portrait images on my iPhone where only parts of the background are blurred or there is a weird and jagged separation between the subject and the blurred background.
With a ‘real’ camera you can manually control the aperture and optically control the depth of field in your image. If you want to either isolate a subject from the background or bring everything in frame into focus you can easily do this. Being able to manually control the depth of field is a huge advantage and looks way better than even the most advanced smartphone software.
I mentioned the ability to manually control ‘real’ cameras earlier including the ability to control aperture and therefore depth of field. It’s worth bringing this up again as this is a crucial difference in my opinion.
Many smartphones can artificially change the depth of field of an image with features like “portrait mode” on an iPhone. This works well sometimes and can create pleasing images but at the end of the day this is simply a trick that your camera is using to blur backgrounds and it often doesn’t work well at all. I've captured so many portrait images on my iPhone where only parts of the background are blurred or there is a weird and jagged separation between the subject and the blurred background.
With a ‘real’ camera you can manually control the aperture and optically control the depth of field in your image. If you want to either isolate a subject from the background or bring everything in frame into focus you can easily do this. Being able to manually control the depth of field is a huge advantage and looks way better than even the most advanced smartphone software.
Conclusion
While smartphone cameras have made remarkable progress in recent years and are more than suitable for the average user's needs, 'real' cameras remain the ultimate choice for passionate photographers. The ability to control every aspect of an image, combined with the versatility of interchangeable lenses and a better overall user experience makes 'real' cameras indispensable for those who seek to capture the world with unmatched creativity and precision.
I use my smartphone camera all the time and I’m constantly surprised at how often it captures a pretty decent or even nice image but if I have the time, want greater creative control, and want an ultimately superior image I will always choose my ‘real’ camera.
I hope this article has been informative and has helped paint some clarity on the key differences between smartphones and modern DSLR and mirrorless cameras.
Until next time!
While smartphone cameras have made remarkable progress in recent years and are more than suitable for the average user's needs, 'real' cameras remain the ultimate choice for passionate photographers. The ability to control every aspect of an image, combined with the versatility of interchangeable lenses and a better overall user experience makes 'real' cameras indispensable for those who seek to capture the world with unmatched creativity and precision.
I use my smartphone camera all the time and I’m constantly surprised at how often it captures a pretty decent or even nice image but if I have the time, want greater creative control, and want an ultimately superior image I will always choose my ‘real’ camera.
I hope this article has been informative and has helped paint some clarity on the key differences between smartphones and modern DSLR and mirrorless cameras.
Until next time!
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AUTHOR
Keenan Hursh is a Photographer, visual designer, and creative story teller based out of Bozeman, Montana. He draws inspiration from his frequent excursions into the natural world and always brings his camera along to capture whatever adventures he finds himself in. Keenan is passionate about documenting and sharing fleeting moments from the natural world and focuses primarily on wildlife, landscape, and adventure photography.
When it comes to gear, he primarily shoots digital with his Canon EOS R5 and EOS 6D mark ii but also has several 35mm film cameras that get out every now and then.
At a very young age, Keenan started bringing a camera along on his excursions and immediately fell in love with the art of photography. He started out with his parent’s cheap point and shoot and has continuously improved his craft and gear refining his shooting style and producing more compelling and intriguing images.
Growing up in the foothills of Boulder, Colorado, surrounded by mountains and wilderness, Keenan has developed a deep passion for many outdoor activities. When he’s not out on a shoot or using his camera, Keenan enjoys skiing, climbing, hiking, backpacking, cycling, whitewater rafting, and paragliding. If he’s outside, away from the distractions of society and civilization, he’s in his happy place.
Keenan studied Emergent Digital Practices at the University of Denver while minoring in Marketing and Entrepreneurship. Since earning his degree in 2019 he was worked with a wide range of clients, companies, and organizations throughout his career. Apart from photography he specializes in content creation, writing, brand development, and graphic design.
You can view Keenan’s portfolio on his website at www.keenanhurshmedia.com
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