Finally, a video that shows the truth. I get tired of seeing videos that show hardly any difference between their 5,000-dollar camera and a smartphone comparison. I have never seen this to be even close to true in my wildlife photography that I enjoy doing. Thanks for keeping it honest.
I also find it annoying when folks compare the $5000 camera to their smartphone. As a fellow wildlife photographer, I find it amusing you'd pick the one branch of photography that a smartphone is arguably the absolute worst at. You're not wrong, but it feels like such an unfair advantage (and arguably price bracket specialization) compared to say, portraiture, where a smartphone could even stand a chance. Also, funnily enough, wildlife photography is the one topic I've never heard someone go, "why not just use a smartphone?" about. Something about the massive lens, the nature always being super far away, people seem to intuitively figure out that you HAVE to use dedicated gear for that hobby. Before you think I'm arguing with you, just know I completely agree with you, a smartphone will get absolutely destroyed in a wildlife shootout even when using 10 year old camera gear (source: I shoot with an ancient 7D mark II). Similarly for other tasks if the camera is in the right hands.
It's for the views guys. Most people have smartphones and love taking pictures with their smartphones. So the comparison understandably draws more views
@@f.iph7291 Its not that they take pics on there mobile phones but more like watching and consuming the content on these devices. You will never be able to replicate the experience watching a beautiful blue hour image on a mobile phone...never.
@@funknick for your suggested portrait contest, I will use my ancient Nikon D800e with my 28mm Sigma art, my 35mm Sigma art, my 50mm Sigma art, my 85mm Sigma art, my Nikon 180mm, my 135mm Sigma art, my 135mm Nikon DC, my old radioactive adapted lenses and a Helios for swirly bokeh, with multiple off camera flashes with modifiers for butterfly and Rembrandt lighting, possibly hero lighting, whatever strikes my fancy. I will also use my Infrared converted camera for that anime look. I may toss in my Canon 1-N HS with a roll of Lomo purple, just for fun. So now, how do you think your cell phone will fare in this contest? I do admit that a lot comes from the eye of the photographer, but Julia Trotti with her camera system will out-do Julia Trotti with a cellphone
During the holiday break, a friend visited us and said I was "showing off" by using my DSLR instead of a simple iPhone. When I sent her the edited photos, she immediately understood the difference a camera (and editing) make.
You failed to mention a big one in this comparison; low light! I was shooting an event recently for a client in a poorly lit ballroom and did a little comparison with my 5D Mark 3 vs iPhone 14 Pro Max and the digital noise and general poor image quality in low ambient light make phone cameras unusable in those situations.
Apples to Orange. No Comparison but I personally have got some amazing slow shutter images on my mobile phone with the help some AI and shared wit the family and friends while sitting on the Ferris wheel 😎😎
Totally agree. Smartphones can do a good job when there is plenty of light, but the combination of small sensors and inadeqaute lenses just can't be fixed through computation (yet).
@@TTmeowaminefor landscape images, you can use a phone in complete darkness, ive set my phone to take a 4 minute exposure image in complete darkness and you can make everything out. Not so much for quick images at a dark event or something.
I'm a camera lover, but I agree. I just took some phone photos of my backyard at night with cloud cover, clear sky, and moonlight. Maybe I could fiddle with my camera to accomplish that, but my phone was one click. Other than that, I prefer cameras especially in daylight for the viewfinder.
My Galaxy S23 Ultra is definitely better than my Canon T5i in virtually every metric that matters, even low light performance is better which is crazy since the Canon is the one with the larger sensor. The only advantage my Canon has is swappable lenses, but then again there are adapters that allow you to mount full frame camera lenses onto your phone whenever you want to turbo charge its capabilities to get real optical depth of field and not AI fakery. Smartphones are definitely much better than what they used to be, they are catching up quickly. With that said modern mirrorless cameras are definitely a cut above the best smartphones, but those same smartphones are definitely better than some DLSR cameras from a decade ago. Just like how smartphones have made point and shoot cameras mostly irrelevant, in the not so distant future they will also make micro 4/3 cameras irrelevant once they start incorporating those sensors. In fact some Chinese brands will begin shipping phones with micro 4/3 cameras in 2025, with other more well known brands following in 2026 and 2027.
@seaworth3382 That's fine, but I have both and can confirm it. I didn't believe it either but when I record video I have to increase the ISO level to 800 and lower shutter speed to 30 using a f1.8 50mm lens just to match the exposure on my phone which is set to ISO 160 and shutter speed at 60. Faced with those resilts there's just nothing to say other than my phone just has better low light performance than my T5i. Also I upgrade my phone every 3 to 4 years so it's an expense I would incur regardless if I buy a camera or not so factoring in the cost of the phone versus the cost of the camera is a moot point. The way I see it modern flagship phones are good enough to use for many applications, even making content for RUclips (especially if you record in Log or Cinema DNG and use an adapter to install full frame camera lenses). Of course for professional work it's better to use a dedicated camera due to the inherent advantages of having a device specifically built for photography or videography, but phones can perform much better than a lot of people expect. Any budget APS-C or Micro 4/3s camera from like 2015 or older will have a hard time beating a modern flagship phone. I mean starting next year Chinese brands like Xiaomi and Oppo will be making phones with micro 4/3 sensors, and other brands will no doubt follow suit thus getting even closer to the capabilities of modern mirrorless cameras.
@kms08711 I use manual settings on all my cameras (including on phones). You would have realized this if you actually read my comments lol. It's ok, believe what you want to believe, I on the otherhand KNOW without a doubt that I'm right considering I've done the tests myself. I don't have to convince you, you can go ahead and think 10 to 15 year old DLSR cameras are miles better than 2023/2024 flagship smartphones. If you think an entry level DLSR camera like a T5i from 2013 is better than a Galaxy S23 Ultra or iPhone 15 Pro than you obviously don't have experience with any of those devices.
I think cost is a huge factor too. Flagship smartphones are expensive, and if you replace them every 3 years due to wear and tear it's like throwing away your camera and starting all over again. If photography is a hobby you can pay a lot less for a middle tier smartphone and a middle tier camera that can last 10 years and beat the pants off the best smartphones for image quality.
Yeah, I responded with this exact point to some guy with a YT channel last week talking about how buying lenses for cameras adds up to some great expense or something, but I had to remind him that you get to keep all your lenses and just switch out your body in a couple years, while you have to throw the entire phone away and every new phone is gonna cost you about $800-$1200 every time, so you save a lot more money actually buying the camera with the interchangeable lenses.
Once, I was taking pictures of my family. I had my R5 on a nice tripod, remote control for the camera, etc… people not only were trying to step out of the view, but they were starting to form a line to take their pictures, too.. That was so touching.
I completely agree that a dedicated camera is going to take better photos than a smartphone. The physics and technology is more than superior to a tiny smartphone sensor block. As a hobbyist photographer, I get to see how averse average folks are to learning how a camera works. I'm not surrounded by other photographers as much as I am the "average tourist" as Chelsea says. These folks will say things like, "how do you even remember all those dials and buttons?" or "I know it might take a better photo, but is it even worth the time and effort?" When I hear these comments on the regular, I get the impression that for most people, they really don't care enough about the quality of their photos for a camera to ever be worth it. For a lot of people, the diminishing returns of investing in a camera, learning the settings, and remembering to take it with you on a trip is so high, they would rather not even bother. I still appreciate this video for it's solid explanations though. This is a perfect vid to send to anyone who asks that annoying question, "why do you even own a camera? It's 2024, we all have smart phones."
@@theronwolf3296 I'm in complete agreement with you on that. Back in the day, folks just did without or dealt with the lower quality imaging they could afford. Pace of technology has generally improved things though. Now we're at a point of "good-ish" smartphone photos and for those interested, some steps up if they have the cash to afford it.
I'm pro camera for even slightly serious photography needs. In my experience, I've come to recognise that many people are photo-aesthetically blind. I've shown similar comparison photos to people, and they just can't perceive a difference. When I point out the details of the differences, they might realise and acknowledge, but only momentarily, then they go back to their default mode of not being bothered by the poorer results from phones. Love your channel, and happy new year.
If common folks are unable to distinguish between the two, then that is a testament to how far have we come. Average Joe doe not care about sunny 16 or rule of 3rd.
You can't blame people for not noticing especially when the world is consuming media on a small 6" screen. The same can be said for audio. Everyone is using junk these days I don't know why record companies even bother using studio equipment. You got your Bluetooth, Beats, Airpods etc... And Spotify.. Compression, low Fi, etc
This is gonna be very hard to believe for those who didn't live it but back in the mid-late 90s during the advent of DVD, many couldn't tell the difference with VHS.
I never used my phone as a primary camera until I got my iPhone 15 Pro Max. I just spent a week in London and a week in Dublin over the holidays where it was frequently raining. Although I had my FujiXT5 with me, I never unpacked it because of the rain and limited public transit over the holidays. Places where I would have used it, Kew Gardens, Greenwich, Trinity College, etc., were all closed. So we wandered the streets and I used my ProMax with an Insta360 Flow gimbal to get great video, especially in pubs! But when I go to shoot wildlife, birds in flight, landscapes, dance, and most anything else, I wouldn't use anything other than my XT5 or D750. The newest phones have great cameras that give you superior snapshots. And, you can be pretty creative with them. But for me, the best photo use of my Pro Max is for video using my gimbal. Both fit nicely in my pockets. Different cameras for different uses, and the best one is still the one you have with you :)
I don't think people who take photos with smartphones are that interested in image quality or control over that image. It's more about convenience, capturing a moment that can be instantly shared. Their snaps are usually viewed in a small phone screen and accumulate in the storage card by the thousands never to be seen again. All my photos are taken on Nikon DSLR's that are over 10 years old and with AFd lenses which are older still. I share them via e-mail and encourage the recipients to view them on their computers or large monitors. I may need a massage after carrying 2 kilos of camera and lens all day but the results justify it.
I've started my digital photography journey with the Pixel 4a, and I was impressed at that time, but the moment I got the X-T30 I was done with smartphone photography. Just having a proper lens with adjustable aperture was enough for me to see how limiting a smartphone camera is. And let's not forget the telephoto and zoom lenses. Also, digital cameras and lenses do not age at the same rate as smartphones would, that also applies to the used market value.
Same for me. 4 years ago I bought my Huawei P30 Pro, "convinced" by the marketing said it is a perfect device for photography, the best phone you can get, perfect in low light, could replace a dslr. At that time I never tried a digital camera. 4 month after, when I started to learn a little bout photography and to take shots with my first dslr (a nikon d5300), I almost forgot having phone with me. Yes, my phone can produce quite good photos in some particular conditions, but nothing compare with a camera, even with a mid one. I would never go back to phone for photography, and definitely I would never buy an expensive phone (some price with a camera) who promises to replace a camera 😄
The XT30 is a very powerful but unassuming camera, which I think has no peer. It is almost as capable as the XT4s and 5s although not as focussed, and it's as capable as bigger full-frame models but comes in at half the size and weight. All these essentially puts a photographic juggernaut in your pocket. I bring mine around to almost every gathering. The 18-55 and 27mm are more than sufficient in those settings and I supplement my shots with an equally compact Meike flash, which does wonders to exposures.
Yes, the only advantage of the smart phone is having it with you all the time. If I'm planning to take pictures , I always bring the Canon D80 which is antique by today's standards but still excellent result.
An iPhone 15 Pro with a cage/ grip, external light/ flash would be very competitive for image quality. You could even add microphones, lens attachments, and filters too. The flash comparison was a bit disingenuous because the flash was not built into the camera like the iPhone was. To be fair they should have use an off camera flash with the iPhone too, or the built in one with the camera if it even had one… The iPhone 15 Pro series is definitely a game changer and a serious blow to the traditional camera industry, this video was not very sincere to its true capabilities… BTW, the LUMIX GH5II compares extremely well to the Canon EOS 80D for image quality, and is significantly more robust when it comes to video capability. Of course many would say they like Canon’s colour science, but realistically, if you capture images in RAW, one could apply any preferred colour science they so desire… Personally, to this day, I find the Canon EOS 80D as an excellent criteria for professional image quality and versatility when it comes to cameras… 🤔
thank you for keeping it real! i'm new to photography and a i got a sony 61000a with an extra 55-210mm lens. i've been super impressed with its "out of the box" settings. i know it will blow my iphone 13 pro out of the water even more, once i switch to raw and get more familiar with manual settings.
Thank you very much for this video. It moved me quite a bit. Been using SLR 40 years. I was just reminded just how big a difference a real camera makes. You can't beat psysics with ai which you clearly demonstrated. I was stunned by the big difference in quality. For me the biggest plus are ergonomics. I hate the fumbling with a smartphone and how long it takes to change just a basic setting ❤
The two tips at the end: gift to future self and family + print them... I love this. I worry about digital rot. When we are gone and social media platforms change/come and go what threads of memories will remain if there's nothing physical to pass down? Print!
For the last year, I was too lazy to bring my camera. My iPhone 13 Pro is so much more convenient. And the photos look great on the iPhone screen. But when I came home and watched them on a big screen, I was disappointed. The photos were okay, but even in great light they did not really pop. For the last few weeks I have started to use my Fuji X-T3 again. The photos look much better on a big screen, at least after I have edited them in Lightroom. But I don't see any reason buying a new camera, they are total overkill for amateurs like me.
Thank you Chelsea and Tony! You guys were my inspiration and guides into photography. I've been debating splurging on a camera for a long time, finally pulled the trigger today after revisiting your channel. I've always loved photography but never really set aside time/opportunities to develop this hobby more. Looking forward to taking amazing new pics on my summer vacay with my new camera XD
All true, when I travel, I always take with me, in addition to my s23 ultra, an older small M43 body with two tiny high-quality primes and a smaller telephoto zoom, for the reasons you stated. Having both phone and camera, really covers all my needs
My phone doesn't support hdr and it looks like an unprocessed log profile xd, but I think it's the fault of the RUclips app because it could have at least been converted to sdr.
@@leoruhland5885RUclips should automatic show you a sdr version. Perhaps the app thinks your phone supprt hdr. Can you choose something else, where you change quality?
I got baited into using just the iPhone in 2020. I sold my Fuji X-T20 and 35mm f1.4 because of the youtubers saying iPhone RAW is more than enough. I regret that decision so much. I'm glad have a camera again. I enjoy photography again!
I am autistic and being able look through the window, to be able to shut off the outside allowing me to focus my attention on what is in front of me through the view finder, makes a proper camera my no.1 go to friendly assistant, when I’m out amongst the public. .
once i was used to shoot with my phone , But after using my Sony a6400 with SIGMA lenses - Oh man i prefer shooting in RAW and edit it by myself and getting a Great results ! so i always shooting with my sony camera !!!!
Ergonomics. I'm 49. 15 to 20 years ago when smartphones were starting to hit the market I wasn't really interested because they just didn't feel good in the hand. A flat metal or plastic rectangle? Have the designers ever seen a human hand? I even predicted they wouldn't go very far because they completely lacked any concessions to ergonomics. We all know how wrong I was about that -- but all these years later I still feel about the same about them. I don't enjoy using smartphones (for anything, really). My DSLR and mirrorless cameras just feel great in the hand and controls fall right to fingers and thumbs. I feel the same way about steering wheels / manual shifters / physical controls in my vehicles, my gaming mouse, and my gamepads. I have a Kindle Fire tablet for casual web browsing around the house -- and I have a cartoon alien-looking blue kids' carrying case for it that includes three handles and a bunch of ergonomic bumps and ridges.
Yeah I find holding a phone to take photos is slightly slippery and awkward. Pressing the correct buttons can be fiddly. And, even though my proper camera is worth more money than my phone, my proper camera is insured whereas it would be SUCH a hassle if my phone was snatched.
The most recent discovery I had was when I took some photos of my daughter in front of a big Christmas star. The unnatural hair around her head as she was backlighted by the star. Also, even with my super zoom camera that has smaller sensor than my smartphone I notice difference in terms of sharpness because of the better glass that wears. I agree of course about zooming. The bockeh effect on the other hand is something I don't find annoying on smartphones. I also believe that in video they are in a very good level. Finally I agree that the articulate screen is important.
Best video you've ever done. I have been collecting old compact digicams for the past 18 months. Some are 20 years old. I don't care if they're not as sharp as a cellphone. I enjoy the experience so much more and at the end of the day most people will be viewing them on a 6 inch screen anyway.
Very good presentation! Most if not all photography pros and hobbyists know the technical advantages of using a good camera (not necessarily expensive) over a mobile phone. Mobile phone camera technology has been improving annually and if you print an image from the camera or phone, many users cannot see the technical differences from a few feet away. I think the real reason cameras offer more advantages is the photographer's effort, time, and knowhow selecting an ideal composition and using the proper cameral features to emphasize "the story" that image is displaying. Phones for the most part capture moments in time, where good camera technique can capture moments in life.
Excellent video. My family says, "Just use your phone" !! I'll show them this video and pics from both my phone and camera. I'm sure I will convince them now !!
I have an old FZ40 bridge camera that’s puts out similar quality to a smart phone, but the ergonomics are great. Also like the 15 pro max example, I can shoot 600mm on that old dinosaur which blows the 5x on the pro max out of the water that needs to digitally crop in to 24x to get a similar zoom. And it has a built in flash. It can do roughly half the points you mentioned in this video and there are a bunch of these old bridge cameras out there for under $100 that can give you more creative options than just your smartphone.
Those who believe that their mobiles can take better pictures as good as a DSLR should know the difference of the size of the sensors and the importance of using focus triangle to get really amazing and printable photos to retain the quality of the frame.Thank you for this video ,who underrate DSLR with their expensive mobiles which can only take some record shots.❤
I'm someone who has largely stopped using an ILC - I just use the iPhone. This is for a variety of reasons. First, it so happens that the type of images I like to take (landscape, travel, flowers) lend themselves to smartphone cameras; it would be different if I was specialising in wildlife/action/BiF or portraiture. Secondly, for several years I was using both (I've had a series of Canons for decades, starting with the EOS 650 in the late 80s), and increasingly I found that I liked the smartphone images better than the ILC images. They were more spontaneous and often better-composed. And thirdly, I'm in my 70s, and I just don't want to be carrying a camera bag around with me. Even with a body and one lens, that's still bulky, awkward and a bit heavy; and if I'm not carrying multiple lenses in order to use the most suitable one, shot by shot, what the point in carrying an ILC?
Since 2009 I use a Canon 5d mark II, and at the same time, I have recently been taking photos with a Samsung Galaxy s23 ultra smartphone. Every time I take only my smartphone with me on a trip, I regret it. My 14-year-old SLR camera is worse only in low light conditions, but if I connect a flash, the advantage of the smartphone immediately disappears in favor of creative work with the SLR camera. The only thing missing in my Canon is a modern focusing system.
I've never owned a cell phone in my life (+50 years). Don't want one, don't need one. Shot on Nikon for years, then recently transitioned to the Fuji XH2s (yes, it's a crop sensor, but nobody who views my photos really cares about sensor size at the end of the day). It creates wonderful images and video.
Thanks for the KEH shout out good to know, however, I don't think much was done to truly explain and convince me to travel more comfortably without having to worry about a separate functional device. The quality is different but not that different, and I think most people seeing pictures are not looking for art work (photography) but rather a good taken photo for entertainment purposes. But if I were a professional photography, I would not use a smart phone, due to many of the points referenced in this video such as being more focus on the subject, the functionality, the extra lenses, etc.... it's just too much to carry around on a vacation. I have a Sony DSLR, and would use it if I knew I was going to be out taking shots all day as my primary purpose for the day.
The right tool for the right job. The beauty of a dedicated camera is you have much more control, and potentially superior performance. The beauty of a phone cam is that it's in your pocket and can usually take a credible photo without requiring any time or attention. Even dedicated photographers take many casual shots of their kids (or cats) which are meant purely to capture a moment, no one is expecting high art. Spontaneity has it's own value which should not be ignored. To my mind, the far and away biggest shortcoming of phone cams is not pixel peeping resolution or sophisticated color management....but the lack of a decent (really) long telephoto.. that's probably not going to change any time soon. (I do a lot of wildlife shots with my P1000 fully maxed out)
You're right, but still I wouldn't carry a camera and lenses on my long motorcycle trips. For me the outcome doesn't justify the effort. Phone is plenty good enough!
I bought a Sony FX30 a few months ago and I still have an iPhone XS. I don’t see the point of upgrading your phone for the camera when you can just buy a good camera with larger sensors and lenses.
So my partner wants a smaller camera that she can carry easily for mostly nature photography and landscapes that will shoot some macro-ish photos too. I was thinking about either the new iPhone or a bridge camera. She isn’t going to want to spend a ton of time processing images. Thoughts or suggestions on makes and models?
Thanks, this is great video. OEMs of smartphones screaming 48mp and 200mp in their flagships made me think if I should let go of my Sony A7c. But during a recent event, when I used my Sony A7C, photos are crisp, detail and natural compared to any of the photos from pixels and iPhones. Pixels are the closest in rendering skin color but every photo from iPhone has orange filter and looked bad. Conclusion: Am not going to think about letting go of my Sony A7c ever again 😊
I agree with all you have said, but as an occasional photographer I find one of the biggest advantages of a real camera is just the ability to use the view finder. People often see I have a real camera and ask me to take a picture of them with a smart phone. I feel really spastic and have difficulty framing a shot and keeping the phone steady while holding it out in front of me. It is just natural with a real camera using the view finder. While my camera has a screen that folds out and can be really useful if taking a shot over my head or when I don’t want to lie in the mud, my preference is always the view finder if at all practical.
This is a classic video to seprate the smartphone from the classic camera in image and creativity for vision. Thank you for your great efforts to explain to the public.
People uses smartphone for photography is becoz of convenience and cost of the real camera that they can't afford. I think u should have compare smartphone with a pocket cameras like sony rx100vi, ricoh griii and conon g5xii instead of prof mirroless which have different purpose and userbase. Anyway if they made a smartphone with a single camera having a mft sensor, glass optics and variable aperture(f1.7-11) with a 28mm eque FOV it definitely can give tough competition to ricoh gr and fuji x100.
Thats why I come to to your channel! Great real comparison! Unlike the million other channels click-baiting or spreading false information that iPhone is ready to replace pro cameras for good! And i am saying this owing both of them
I've recently began to wake up from the smart phone picture matrix. I've been traveling more and take more pictures. I've began to notices the little details missing or the lack of useable zoom. I am finally going to graduate to a real camera.
I have an iphone dslrs and mirrorless cameras and I would say if an iPhone or android is all you have at the moment don’t skip capturing moments but cameras are still needed. I am not a professional photographer but I bet if you show up at a commercial shoot with a cell phone I am sure they would be concerned!
Different strokes for different folks. I have been an avid camera guy for 60 years and used my Fuji x100f on two recent recent trips to Brazil and later the Cape Verde Islands. I was very surprised at the quality of images taken by my family members with their cell phones compared to those taken with my x100f. Could I make mine better with post-processing? Yes. But did their images do the job of capturing the fun we were having and what we were seeing? Also yes. Which convinced me to buy a pixel 8 Pro to use for my future travel images as it will do the job. Now. I still have a Canon 80d that I will use for the circumstances that you described in this video where a "real camera" can do things better. But for the snapshots and memories while traveling, I expect my cell phone will be good enough and actually pretty good.
Always love your content. After watching this video it reminded me why I got my camera in the first place and what I love about Photography. Thanks for the video and have a awesome Happy New Year!
I find that my Canon 7D camera, paired with either the EF 50 1.8 or EF 70-200 4.0L lens, produces better photos compared to my iPhone 15 Pro. While I use my phone for quick on-the-go pictures, I rely on my camera for important events.
Problem with dslrs and raw is that you don’t only have to buy the camera but also a good computer to edit the raw files on. With a smartphone, you have raw capability and the possibility to edit it the same device. A computer good enough for raw editing will cost at least 1000 dollars.
My Nikon ZF with a 4omm f1.2 or my Fujifilm XH2 and XT5 with the 100-400mm or 75mm f1.2 gives me a photo gasem and that is something that no smartphone can deliver.
Tony: for most people, if they're going to buy used cheap camera and lenses, I think they probably DON'T own an iPhone. They probably own a budget phone, like a Samgung Galaxy A series phone, not the best iPhone with the best camera in the world, which is also the most expensive phone in the world. So for most people, comparing a real *budget* camera to a *budget* phone, the differences in photo quality between phone and camera would be MUCH more noticeable. I think it's worth making another short video with that in mind, because it would be EVEN MORE illuminating for most people. Especially all over the world where iPhone 15's are a serious luxury item which most people watching this video would not be able to afford. Thanks guys! Cheers!
Surprised to see a Canon here. Very good topic. Other thoughts: There's a reason we still buy pictures from the wedding photographer, even though they didnt use a cellphone. As your kids grow up you're trying to capture their achievements in sports, dance, etc. In other words, it's oftentimes something involving movement. You can take passable video with a phone but you cant frame it as a picture. You can take pictures of them standing there on the sidelines with your phone, but when the action starts your cellphone is lost. And actually, since this can be surprisingly difficult sometimes, you may actually need to enlist someone elses help, or rent some equipment once in a while. Theres a reason people neve rent cellphones to take a sports picture .. or any other for that matter. As time goes on, you have better control and ownership of the photos you made in your camera. They're not trapped a chain of group texts, degrading each time, the get retexted. Google doesn't show them to you a year later wondering if you still want them. Yes, Chelsea and Tony are pretty skilled at pulling pictures off a phone and into a computer to compare it with the camera. ... are you? ... is your mom? If you're semi lucky and transfer images from phone to phone, I'll bet you're keeping cellphone birthday images on your phone from 5 years ago. ... inside a big, bottomless stew pot of pictures. When was the last time you looked at that picture? Are you paying Google a monthly fee yet to hang on to those images for you? Ever tried to print an 8x10 of a family line up from a cell phone photo? ... and so on.
Traveled with two young kids and was going to just to bring iPhone as the actual camera was heavy, but thank to my husband he encouraged me to bring the camera so that I could take a lot of beautiful photos while he was looking after the kids. iPhone can never compare to camera.
Someone who used DLSR for years and pixel peeps. The arguments sounded more like why horses are objectively better than cars: Eco-Friendly Engines, Built-in Fitness Program, No Need for GPS, Ultimate All-Terrain, Historical Charm, Perception of Wealth AND no Speed Tickets
At bodybuilding shows for stage shots the iPhone takes good enough photos. However I have come to the realisation the backstage photos suck and I need a dedicated camera with even a built in flash so once again I am breaking out my old Canon G1X and playing around with slow sync shutter and flash exposure compensation with the built in flash for improved quality.
I have s20fe and I bought an xe 2 which is more than 10 years old. Also I had olympus om10m2. Trust me, quality gap is astonishing even with stock kit lenses and my shaky hands.
My old 1D X that came out in 2011 still beats any smartphone. All that computational photography is basically cheating. You could do most of that stuff with photos of a real camera too. You just need external software. And doing multiple exposures with different settings within a fraction of a second is a feature that could be added in a firmware update to any modern camera.
Smartphone or handphone or I phone they can only can only take standard photos, not zooming long distance photo. Even if they can the result is not good, blur result appear if you take a closer look. Camera is always better, result clearer and sharper ( depend on what type of camera & lens you use). No matter how camera is always a winner where taking photo is concern.
Yes boys & girls get a REAL camera, it's an experience you can lose yourself in when you go into the Zone. 📷I have a used Nikon D 500 & Nikkor FX 70-300 mm zoom from KEH, very happy with them. I also like the rating system KEH has to rate gear as I like my gear to visually appear new & unused and can select for that.
if possible try making a similar video explaining colour science of various cameras, (especialy brands comparison) like the type of colours (not raw files edited but actual processed output) from the camera like cannon nikon sony etc. Would like to see how and what your thoughts are on the same. thanks for sharing this one good luck for next ones.
They did this and it was a bit of a wash. In other words, the differences were a lot smaller than expected, and a small warm shift completely diluted any differences.
Oh, also, what's with the videos being in HDR now on youtube? Im having trouble loading the videos past anything over 1080pHDR amd the videos seem a lot darker now
That's weird! Nobody else has mentioned that they're dark. Maybe a different browser or a software update? Display settings? We're trying to figure out HDR for both stills and video so we can teach it.
@@TonyAndChelsea the darker part may be on my end but the HDR defitily takes way too much time to load up. Usually I watch videos in 2160p with no issues......could be the 60fps upload as well that may be cause my lag time here
Watching 2160p60 HDR right now. No problem with loading time or brightness. Many displays will change picture settings in HDR mode, which may cause them to look dimmer.
Take the meaningful iPhone photos in Apple Pro RAW at 48MP and you can do *a lot* with them (if the light is good enough). Are they going to touch full frame or medium format? No. But they'll be solid.
At work I very often have to take pictures of Serial numbers or have to document things. Even for that I prefer my Ricoh WG. It is smaller the a Phone so I can reach some parts better, it can take fall more easy, fits better in my hand and the macro function with macro lights I just perfect for documentations. Privat I have Nikon equipment. I collected over years. That gives me possibilities that with a smart phone you can't even dream off.
Another spot where a real camera is better than a phone camera is sunrise/sunset photos. I'm shooting sunrises often in NH and will use my phone as well and the Iphone 13 Max Pro just over saturates and lightens up more than it needs to. Sure you can AE lock and tone it down, but just more work.
In my pre New Year cleanup I found my old Panasonic Lumix LX5 I bought 14 years ago. Perfect small camera to take on my mountain bike or trail bike rides.
Chelsea, that was wonderful that you used your Dogs in your presentation of why we should use a Camera in place of going to our iPhone or Smart device. Thank you I have this discussion many times that people sort of call me wasteful by investing in my Camera gear. Oh! BTW you look fantastic on what ever you are doing it shows!! Great achievement for the New Year, Happy New Year to both of you, enjoy every You Tube posting...
For me there is another advantage. A smartphone tooks around one secoond until the photo is shooted (ii's so with my Samsung), where the camera takes the picture immediatly. Waiting for the picture can be very annoying with portrait photography even if you do it without professional intention.
Definitely check out our Canon R8 review - it's a pretty amazing deal. We have reviews for all 3 cameras but which is best depends on how you use your camera.
So true! I bought the iPhone 15 Pro Max exactly for the 5x zoom, which was supposed to be good. Trust me, it is not. I end up carrying my DSLR around for really good fotos.
Thank you so much - a phone is a tool and a camera is a tool. Deciding what tool I'm going to use is a big reminder that I have to know what I want before I can get it. Have a radiant New Year.
Yeah, you're preaching to the choir with me! I struggle taking pictures with my phone compared to my cameras. Especially when it comes to the controls.
thanks for making this sensei i recently bought the nikon z7 ii and now i can show this to my friends who keep telling me i should have get an iphone :X
You sold me on a regular camera, my 2meg flip phone just does not compare with a real camera. Though, Tony you must admit that with the model that you are using you could not get a bad photo unless you had forgotten to put a card in your camera. Keep up the great job of informing people how to improve on their photographs. I am an old retired photographer from the 60s and really enjoy watching the two of you, and yes I subscribed to you years ago.
This is a fair representation of why Cameras are important. Also, average people dont want to do anything in manual mode. I use the PRO mode in my Galaxy S20 + and the possibilities are more. but it still cant beat the real thing in a camera.
also when you start doing videography - in my case im using a Sony A7 - being able to plug in a mic and usb and power - and use your smartphone as a remote contol is a big plus+ 🤓
Finally, a video that shows the truth. I get tired of seeing videos that show hardly any difference between their 5,000-dollar camera and a smartphone comparison. I have never seen this to be even close to true in my wildlife photography that I enjoy doing. Thanks for keeping it honest.
I also find it annoying when folks compare the $5000 camera to their smartphone.
As a fellow wildlife photographer, I find it amusing you'd pick the one branch of photography that a smartphone is arguably the absolute worst at. You're not wrong, but it feels like such an unfair advantage (and arguably price bracket specialization) compared to say, portraiture, where a smartphone could even stand a chance.
Also, funnily enough, wildlife photography is the one topic I've never heard someone go, "why not just use a smartphone?" about. Something about the massive lens, the nature always being super far away, people seem to intuitively figure out that you HAVE to use dedicated gear for that hobby.
Before you think I'm arguing with you, just know I completely agree with you, a smartphone will get absolutely destroyed in a wildlife shootout even when using 10 year old camera gear (source: I shoot with an ancient 7D mark II). Similarly for other tasks if the camera is in the right hands.
It's for the views guys. Most people have smartphones and love taking pictures with their smartphones. So the comparison understandably draws more views
@@f.iph7291 Its not that they take pics on there mobile phones but more like watching and consuming the content on these devices. You will never be able to replicate the experience watching a beautiful blue hour image on a mobile phone...never.
@@funknick For portraits, the dedicated camera wins. For sports, the dedicate camera wins. For fashion, the dedicated camera wins.
@@funknick for your suggested portrait contest, I will use my ancient Nikon D800e with my 28mm Sigma art, my 35mm Sigma art, my 50mm Sigma art, my 85mm Sigma art, my Nikon 180mm, my 135mm Sigma art, my 135mm Nikon DC, my old radioactive adapted lenses and a Helios for swirly bokeh, with multiple off camera flashes with modifiers for butterfly and Rembrandt lighting, possibly hero lighting, whatever strikes my fancy. I will also use my Infrared converted camera for that anime look. I may toss in my Canon 1-N HS with a roll of Lomo purple, just for fun. So now, how do you think your cell phone will fare in this contest? I do admit that a lot comes from the eye of the photographer, but Julia Trotti with her camera system will out-do Julia Trotti with a cellphone
During the holiday break, a friend visited us and said I was "showing off" by using my DSLR instead of a simple iPhone. When I sent her the edited photos, she immediately understood the difference a camera (and editing) make.
She always does that.
she and I must have met more than once
You failed to mention a big one in this comparison; low light! I was shooting an event recently for a client in a poorly lit ballroom and did a little comparison with my 5D Mark 3 vs iPhone 14 Pro Max and the digital noise and general poor image quality in low ambient light make phone cameras unusable in those situations.
Apples to Orange. No Comparison but I personally have got some amazing slow shutter images on my mobile phone with the help some AI and shared wit the family and friends while sitting on the Ferris wheel 😎😎
Totally agree. Smartphones can do a good job when there is plenty of light, but the combination of small sensors and inadeqaute lenses just can't be fixed through computation (yet).
Agree!
@@TTmeowaminefor landscape images, you can use a phone in complete darkness, ive set my phone to take a 4 minute exposure image in complete darkness and you can make everything out. Not so much for quick images at a dark event or something.
I'm a camera lover, but I agree. I just took some phone photos of my backyard at night with cloud cover, clear sky, and moonlight. Maybe I could fiddle with my camera to accomplish that, but my phone was one click. Other than that, I prefer cameras especially in daylight for the viewfinder.
Even old Cameras are better in my opinion. Larger sensors, and just overall more control over the image
In my opinion is more about having actual quality raw files, therefore the best flexibility and especially no baked in sharpening etc
My Galaxy S23 Ultra is definitely better than my Canon T5i in virtually every metric that matters, even low light performance is better which is crazy since the Canon is the one with the larger sensor. The only advantage my Canon has is swappable lenses, but then again there are adapters that allow you to mount full frame camera lenses onto your phone whenever you want to turbo charge its capabilities to get real optical depth of field and not AI fakery. Smartphones are definitely much better than what they used to be, they are catching up quickly. With that said modern mirrorless cameras are definitely a cut above the best smartphones, but those same smartphones are definitely better than some DLSR cameras from a decade ago.
Just like how smartphones have made point and shoot cameras mostly irrelevant, in the not so distant future they will also make micro 4/3 cameras irrelevant once they start incorporating those sensors. In fact some Chinese brands will begin shipping phones with micro 4/3 cameras in 2025, with other more well known brands following in 2026 and 2027.
@seaworth3382 That's fine, but I have both and can confirm it. I didn't believe it either but when I record video I have to increase the ISO level to 800 and lower shutter speed to 30 using a f1.8 50mm lens just to match the exposure on my phone which is set to ISO 160 and shutter speed at 60. Faced with those resilts there's just nothing to say other than my phone just has better low light performance than my T5i.
Also I upgrade my phone every 3 to 4 years so it's an expense I would incur regardless if I buy a camera or not so factoring in the cost of the phone versus the cost of the camera is a moot point. The way I see it modern flagship phones are good enough to use for many applications, even making content for RUclips (especially if you record in Log or Cinema DNG and use an adapter to install full frame camera lenses).
Of course for professional work it's better to use a dedicated camera due to the inherent advantages of having a device specifically built for photography or videography, but phones can perform much better than a lot of people expect. Any budget APS-C or Micro 4/3s camera from like 2015 or older will have a hard time beating a modern flagship phone. I mean starting next year Chinese brands like Xiaomi and Oppo will be making phones with micro 4/3 sensors, and other brands will no doubt follow suit thus getting even closer to the capabilities of modern mirrorless cameras.
@@03chrisvI'm sorry to say but you probably use your camera on P setting 😂😂😂😂😂 no offense they are not even close
@kms08711 I use manual settings on all my cameras (including on phones). You would have realized this if you actually read my comments lol. It's ok, believe what you want to believe, I on the otherhand KNOW without a doubt that I'm right considering I've done the tests myself. I don't have to convince you, you can go ahead and think 10 to 15 year old DLSR cameras are miles better than 2023/2024 flagship smartphones. If you think an entry level DLSR camera like a T5i from 2013 is better than a Galaxy S23 Ultra or iPhone 15 Pro than you obviously don't have experience with any of those devices.
I think cost is a huge factor too. Flagship smartphones are expensive, and if you replace them every 3 years due to wear and tear it's like throwing away your camera and starting all over again. If photography is a hobby you can pay a lot less for a middle tier smartphone and a middle tier camera that can last 10 years and beat the pants off the best smartphones for image quality.
Yeah, I responded with this exact point to some guy with a YT channel last week talking about how buying lenses for cameras adds up to some great expense or something, but I had to remind him that you get to keep all your lenses and just switch out your body in a couple years, while you have to throw the entire phone away and every new phone is gonna cost you about $800-$1200 every time, so you save a lot more money actually buying the camera with the interchangeable lenses.
Once, I was taking pictures of my family. I had my R5 on a nice tripod, remote control for the camera, etc… people not only were trying to step out of the view, but they were starting to form a line to take their pictures, too.. That was so touching.
I completely agree that a dedicated camera is going to take better photos than a smartphone. The physics and technology is more than superior to a tiny smartphone sensor block.
As a hobbyist photographer, I get to see how averse average folks are to learning how a camera works. I'm not surrounded by other photographers as much as I am the "average tourist" as Chelsea says. These folks will say things like, "how do you even remember all those dials and buttons?" or "I know it might take a better photo, but is it even worth the time and effort?"
When I hear these comments on the regular, I get the impression that for most people, they really don't care enough about the quality of their photos for a camera to ever be worth it. For a lot of people, the diminishing returns of investing in a camera, learning the settings, and remembering to take it with you on a trip is so high, they would rather not even bother.
I still appreciate this video for it's solid explanations though. This is a perfect vid to send to anyone who asks that annoying question, "why do you even own a camera? It's 2024, we all have smart phones."
In the old days these people would be using fixed focus box cameras. There was never a golden age where everyone carried a 'good' camera.
@@theronwolf3296 I'm in complete agreement with you on that. Back in the day, folks just did without or dealt with the lower quality imaging they could afford.
Pace of technology has generally improved things though. Now we're at a point of "good-ish" smartphone photos and for those interested, some steps up if they have the cash to afford it.
I'm pro camera for even slightly serious photography needs.
In my experience, I've come to recognise that many people are photo-aesthetically blind. I've shown similar comparison photos to people, and they just can't perceive a difference. When I point out the details of the differences, they might realise and acknowledge, but only momentarily, then they go back to their default mode of not being bothered by the poorer results from phones.
Love your channel, and happy new year.
This is unfortunately so true. I've seen it and it hurts lol
If common folks are unable to distinguish between the two, then that is a testament to how far have we come. Average Joe doe not care about sunny 16 or rule of 3rd.
You can't blame people for not noticing especially when the world is consuming media on a small 6" screen.
The same can be said for audio. Everyone is using junk these days I don't know why record companies even bother using studio equipment. You got your Bluetooth, Beats, Airpods etc... And Spotify.. Compression, low Fi, etc
People may not be able to see the difference and that is alright. The other huge difference that matters is workflow and handling.
This is gonna be very hard to believe for those who didn't live it but back in the mid-late 90s during the advent of DVD, many couldn't tell the difference with VHS.
I never used my phone as a primary camera until I got my iPhone 15 Pro Max. I just spent a week in London and a week in Dublin over the holidays where it was frequently raining. Although I had my FujiXT5 with me, I never unpacked it because of the rain and limited public transit over the holidays. Places where I would have used it, Kew Gardens, Greenwich, Trinity College, etc., were all closed. So we wandered the streets and I used my ProMax with an Insta360 Flow gimbal to get great video, especially in pubs! But when I go to shoot wildlife, birds in flight, landscapes, dance, and most anything else, I wouldn't use anything other than my XT5 or D750. The newest phones have great cameras that give you superior snapshots. And, you can be pretty creative with them. But for me, the best photo use of my Pro Max is for video using my gimbal. Both fit nicely in my pockets. Different cameras for different uses, and the best one is still the one you have with you :)
I don't think people who take photos with smartphones are that interested in image quality or control over that image. It's more about convenience, capturing a moment that can be instantly shared. Their snaps are usually viewed in a small phone screen and accumulate in the storage card by the thousands never to be seen again. All my photos are taken on Nikon DSLR's that are over 10 years old and with AFd lenses which are older still. I share them via e-mail and encourage the recipients to view them on their computers or large monitors. I may need a massage after carrying 2 kilos of camera and lens all day but the results justify it.
Yes. Phone pics are pretty much just ephemeral images created to be deleted and forgotten.
I've started my digital photography journey with the Pixel 4a, and I was impressed at that time, but the moment I got the X-T30 I was done with smartphone photography. Just having a proper lens with adjustable aperture was enough for me to see how limiting a smartphone camera is. And let's not forget the telephoto and zoom lenses. Also, digital cameras and lenses do not age at the same rate as smartphones would, that also applies to the used market value.
Same for me. 4 years ago I bought my Huawei P30 Pro, "convinced" by the marketing said it is a perfect device for photography, the best phone you can get, perfect in low light, could replace a dslr. At that time I never tried a digital camera. 4 month after, when I started to learn a little bout photography and to take shots with my first dslr (a nikon d5300), I almost forgot having phone with me. Yes, my phone can produce quite good photos in some particular conditions, but nothing compare with a camera, even with a mid one. I would never go back to phone for photography, and definitely I would never buy an expensive phone (some price with a camera) who promises to replace a camera 😄
Yup, I'd like a Fuji xt30ii & a pancake Lens.
The XT30 is a very powerful but unassuming camera, which I think has no peer. It is almost as capable as the XT4s and 5s although not as focussed, and it's as capable as bigger full-frame models but comes in at half the size and weight. All these essentially puts a photographic juggernaut in your pocket.
I bring mine around to almost every gathering. The 18-55 and 27mm are more than sufficient in those settings and I supplement my shots with an equally compact Meike flash, which does wonders to exposures.
iPhone camera is not a real camera? I guess I have thousands of real pictures and videos from my fake iPhone camera.
Yes, the only advantage of the smart phone is having it with you all the time. If I'm planning to take pictures , I always bring the Canon D80 which is antique by today's standards but still excellent result.
An iPhone 15 Pro with a cage/ grip, external light/ flash would be very competitive for image quality. You could even add microphones, lens attachments, and filters too.
The flash comparison was a bit disingenuous because the flash was not built into the camera like the iPhone was. To be fair they should have use an off camera flash with the iPhone too, or the built in one with the camera if it even had one…
The iPhone 15 Pro series is definitely a game changer and a serious blow to the traditional camera industry, this video was not very sincere to its true capabilities…
BTW, the LUMIX GH5II compares extremely well to the Canon EOS 80D for image quality, and is significantly more robust when it comes to video capability. Of course many would say they like Canon’s colour science, but realistically, if you capture images in RAW, one could apply any preferred colour science they so desire…
Personally, to this day, I find the Canon EOS 80D as an excellent criteria for professional image quality and versatility when it comes to cameras…
🤔
Still a great camera !!!
thank you for keeping it real! i'm new to photography and a i got a sony 61000a with an extra 55-210mm lens. i've been super impressed with its "out of the box" settings. i know it will blow my iphone 13 pro out of the water even more, once i switch to raw and get more familiar with manual settings.
Thank you very much for this video. It moved me quite a bit. Been using SLR 40 years. I was just reminded just how big a difference a real camera makes. You can't beat psysics with ai which you clearly demonstrated. I was stunned by the big difference in quality. For me the biggest plus are ergonomics. I hate the fumbling with a smartphone and how long it takes to change just a basic setting ❤
The two tips at the end: gift to future self and family + print them... I love this. I worry about digital rot. When we are gone and social media platforms change/come and go what threads of memories will remain if there's nothing physical to pass down? Print!
I agree, keeping photos as digital files can be incredibly risky. Photos could lost, damaged, etc.
Very true... I tell all my friends and family to get prints done... it is so cheap.
For the last year, I was too lazy to bring my camera. My iPhone 13 Pro is so much more convenient. And the photos look great on the iPhone screen. But when I came home and watched them on a big screen, I was disappointed. The photos were okay, but even in great light they did not really pop. For the last few weeks I have started to use my Fuji X-T3 again. The photos look much better on a big screen, at least after I have edited them in Lightroom. But I don't see any reason buying a new camera, they are total overkill for amateurs like me.
XT-3 is a beast buddy
Thank you Chelsea and Tony! You guys were my inspiration and guides into photography. I've been debating splurging on a camera for a long time, finally pulled the trigger today after revisiting your channel. I've always loved photography but never really set aside time/opportunities to develop this hobby more. Looking forward to taking amazing new pics on my summer vacay with my new camera XD
Isn't the 18-150 a aps-c lens? Why use that lens with the RP?
😂😂😂😂😅😅
All true, when I travel, I always take with me, in addition to my s23 ultra, an older small M43 body with two tiny high-quality primes and a smaller telephoto zoom, for the reasons you stated. Having both phone and camera, really covers all my needs
Just love that you did this video in hdr. Looks so good!
My phone doesn't support hdr and it looks like an unprocessed log profile xd, but I think it's the fault of the RUclips app because it could have at least been converted to sdr.
@@leoruhland5885RUclips should automatic show you a sdr version. Perhaps the app thinks your phone supprt hdr. Can you choose something else, where you change quality?
I got baited into using just the iPhone in 2020. I sold my Fuji X-T20 and 35mm f1.4 because of the youtubers saying iPhone RAW is more than enough. I regret that decision so much. I'm glad have a camera again. I enjoy photography again!
I am autistic and being able look through the window, to be able to shut off the outside allowing me to focus my attention on what is in front of me through the view finder, makes a proper camera my no.1 go to friendly assistant, when I’m out amongst the public. .
once i was used to shoot with my phone , But after using my Sony a6400 with SIGMA lenses - Oh man i prefer shooting in RAW and edit it by myself and getting a Great results ! so i always shooting with my sony camera !!!!
Ergonomics. I'm 49. 15 to 20 years ago when smartphones were starting to hit the market I wasn't really interested because they just didn't feel good in the hand. A flat metal or plastic rectangle? Have the designers ever seen a human hand? I even predicted they wouldn't go very far because they completely lacked any concessions to ergonomics. We all know how wrong I was about that -- but all these years later I still feel about the same about them. I don't enjoy using smartphones (for anything, really). My DSLR and mirrorless cameras just feel great in the hand and controls fall right to fingers and thumbs.
I feel the same way about steering wheels / manual shifters / physical controls in my vehicles, my gaming mouse, and my gamepads. I have a Kindle Fire tablet for casual web browsing around the house -- and I have a cartoon alien-looking blue kids' carrying case for it that includes three handles and a bunch of ergonomic bumps and ridges.
Yeah I find holding a phone to take photos is slightly slippery and awkward. Pressing the correct buttons can be fiddly.
And, even though my proper camera is worth more money than my phone, my proper camera is insured whereas it would be SUCH a hassle if my phone was snatched.
The most recent discovery I had was when I took some photos of my daughter in front of a big Christmas star. The unnatural hair around her head as she was backlighted by the star. Also, even with my super zoom camera that has smaller sensor than my smartphone I notice difference in terms of sharpness because of the better glass that wears. I agree of course about zooming. The bockeh effect on the other hand is something I don't find annoying on smartphones. I also believe that in video they are in a very good level. Finally I agree that the articulate screen is important.
A friends wife took some stunning photos of us all with her Samsung Galaxy S23. Without doubt as good as the best pictures I've ever seen.
Best video you've ever done. I have been collecting old compact digicams for the past 18 months. Some are 20 years old. I don't care if they're not as sharp as a cellphone. I enjoy the experience so much more and at the end of the day most people will be viewing them on a 6 inch screen anyway.
Very good presentation! Most if not all photography pros and hobbyists know the technical advantages of using a good camera (not necessarily expensive) over a mobile phone. Mobile phone camera technology has been improving annually and if you print an image from the camera or phone, many users cannot see the technical differences from a few feet away. I think the real reason cameras offer more advantages is the photographer's effort, time, and knowhow selecting an ideal composition and using the proper cameral features to emphasize "the story" that image is displaying. Phones for the most part capture moments in time, where good camera technique can capture moments in life.
Well said. Enough of the selfies.
Excellent video. My family says, "Just use your phone" !! I'll show them this video and pics from both my phone and camera. I'm sure I will convince them now !!
I have an old FZ40 bridge camera that’s puts out similar quality to a smart phone, but the ergonomics are great. Also like the 15 pro max example, I can shoot 600mm on that old dinosaur which blows the 5x on the pro max out of the water that needs to digitally crop in to 24x to get a similar zoom. And it has a built in flash. It can do roughly half the points you mentioned in this video and there are a bunch of these old bridge cameras out there for under $100 that can give you more creative options than just your smartphone.
Those who believe that their mobiles can take better pictures as good as a DSLR should know the difference of the size of the sensors and the importance of using focus triangle to get really amazing and printable photos to retain the quality of the frame.Thank you for this video ,who underrate DSLR with their expensive mobiles which can only take some record shots.❤
Watching Chelsea be bored to tears in the background brings back some good memories
haha
I'm someone who has largely stopped using an ILC - I just use the iPhone. This is for a variety of reasons. First, it so happens that the type of images I like to take (landscape, travel, flowers) lend themselves to smartphone cameras; it would be different if I was specialising in wildlife/action/BiF or portraiture. Secondly, for several years I was using both (I've had a series of Canons for decades, starting with the EOS 650 in the late 80s), and increasingly I found that I liked the smartphone images better than the ILC images. They were more spontaneous and often better-composed. And thirdly, I'm in my 70s, and I just don't want to be carrying a camera bag around with me. Even with a body and one lens, that's still bulky, awkward and a bit heavy; and if I'm not carrying multiple lenses in order to use the most suitable one, shot by shot, what the point in carrying an ILC?
I have an ongoing joke with my friends. I'm bringing 2 cameras: My Canon R6 and the good camera, my Galaxy S23 Ultra.
Since 2009 I use a Canon 5d mark II, and at the same time, I have recently been taking photos with a Samsung Galaxy s23 ultra smartphone. Every time I take only my smartphone with me on a trip, I regret it. My 14-year-old SLR camera is worse only in low light conditions, but if I connect a flash, the advantage of the smartphone immediately disappears in favor of creative work with the SLR camera. The only thing missing in my Canon is a modern focusing system.
""…a present to your future self."
Best sell ever, and it's the truth.
I've never owned a cell phone in my life (+50 years). Don't want one, don't need one. Shot on Nikon for years, then recently transitioned to the Fuji XH2s (yes, it's a crop sensor, but nobody who views my photos really cares about sensor size at the end of the day). It creates wonderful images and video.
Thanks for the KEH shout out good to know, however, I don't think much was done to truly explain and convince me to travel more comfortably without having to worry about a separate functional device. The quality is different but not that different, and I think most people seeing pictures are not looking for art work (photography) but rather a good taken photo for entertainment purposes. But if I were a professional photography, I would not use a smart phone, due to many of the points referenced in this video such as being more focus on the subject, the functionality, the extra lenses, etc.... it's just too much to carry around on a vacation. I have a Sony DSLR, and would use it if I knew I was going to be out taking shots all day as my primary purpose for the day.
The right tool for the right job. The beauty of a dedicated camera is you have much more control, and potentially superior performance.
The beauty of a phone cam is that it's in your pocket and can usually take a credible photo without requiring any time or attention.
Even dedicated photographers take many casual shots of their kids (or cats) which are meant purely to capture a moment, no one is expecting high art. Spontaneity has it's own value which should not be ignored.
To my mind, the far and away biggest shortcoming of phone cams is not pixel peeping resolution or sophisticated color management....but the lack of a decent (really) long telephoto.. that's probably not going to change any time soon. (I do a lot of wildlife shots with my P1000 fully maxed out)
You're right, but still I wouldn't carry a camera and lenses on my long motorcycle trips.
For me the outcome doesn't justify the effort.
Phone is plenty good enough!
I bought a Sony FX30 a few months ago and I still have an iPhone XS. I don’t see the point of upgrading your phone for the camera when you can just buy a good camera with larger sensors and lenses.
Oh yeah, try taking shots of fast moving kids in dimly lit places. I’ve gotten beautiful results from a Sony Alpha, where my iPhone is hopeless.
So my partner wants a smaller camera that she can carry easily for mostly nature photography and landscapes that will shoot some macro-ish photos too. I was thinking about either the new iPhone or a bridge camera. She isn’t going to want to spend a ton of time processing images. Thoughts or suggestions on makes and models?
Thanks, this is great video. OEMs of smartphones screaming 48mp and 200mp in their flagships made me think if I should let go of my Sony A7c. But during a recent event, when I used my Sony A7C, photos are crisp, detail and natural compared to any of the photos from pixels and iPhones. Pixels are the closest in rendering skin color but every photo from iPhone has orange filter and looked bad. Conclusion: Am not going to think about letting go of my Sony A7c ever again 😊
I agree with all you have said, but as an occasional photographer I find one of the biggest advantages of a real camera is just the ability to use the view finder. People often see I have a real camera and ask me to take a picture of them with a smart phone. I feel really spastic and have difficulty framing a shot and keeping the phone steady while holding it out in front of me. It is just natural with a real camera using the view finder. While my camera has a screen that folds out and can be really useful if taking a shot over my head or when I don’t want to lie in the mud, my preference is always the view finder if at all practical.
This is a classic video to seprate the smartphone from the classic camera in image and creativity for vision. Thank you for your great efforts to explain to the public.
People uses smartphone for photography is becoz of convenience and cost of the real camera that they can't afford. I think u should have compare smartphone with a pocket cameras like sony rx100vi, ricoh griii and conon g5xii instead of prof mirroless which have different purpose and userbase.
Anyway if they made a smartphone with a single camera having a mft sensor, glass optics and variable aperture(f1.7-11) with a 28mm eque FOV it definitely can give tough competition to ricoh gr and fuji x100.
My Sony RX100VA blows my Pixel 7 Pro out of the water. Not even close...
I started off thinking no kidding a camera takes better pictures but after watching the video I’m thinking well done.
Thats why I come to to your channel! Great real comparison! Unlike the million other channels click-baiting or spreading false information that iPhone is ready to replace pro cameras for good! And i am saying this owing both of them
I've recently began to wake up from the smart phone picture matrix. I've been traveling more and take more pictures. I've began to notices the little details missing or the lack of useable zoom. I am finally going to graduate to a real camera.
I would like to point the EVF asset on cameras as well. 100% immersive experience.
Great comparison and obvious outcome; many thanks for your amazing content throughout 2023 and hope you both have a great New Year ............
I have an iphone dslrs and mirrorless cameras and I would say if an iPhone or android is all you have at the moment don’t skip capturing moments but cameras are still needed. I am not a professional photographer but I bet if you show up at a commercial shoot with a cell phone I am sure they would be concerned!
Different strokes for different folks. I have been an avid camera guy for 60 years and used my Fuji x100f on two recent recent trips to Brazil and later the Cape Verde Islands. I was very surprised at the quality of images taken by my family members with their cell phones compared to those taken with my x100f. Could I make mine better with post-processing? Yes. But did their images do the job of capturing the fun we were having and what we were seeing? Also yes. Which convinced me to buy a pixel 8 Pro to use for my future travel images as it will do the job. Now. I still have a Canon 80d that I will use for the circumstances that you described in this video where a "real camera" can do things better. But for the snapshots and memories while traveling, I expect my cell phone will be good enough and actually pretty good.
Always love your content. After watching this video it reminded me why I got my camera in the first place and what I love about Photography. Thanks for the video and have a awesome Happy New Year!
I have a Panasonic gf2 that I got real cheap and I bring it everywhere. IMO it still beats a smartphone and is just more fun to use
...of course! 😊
I find that my Canon 7D camera, paired with either the EF 50 1.8 or EF 70-200 4.0L lens, produces better photos compared to my iPhone 15 Pro. While I use my phone for quick on-the-go pictures, I rely on my camera for important events.
Problem with dslrs and raw is that you don’t only have to buy the camera but also a good computer to edit the raw files on. With a smartphone, you have raw capability and the possibility to edit it the same device.
A computer good enough for raw editing will cost at least 1000 dollars.
My Nikon ZF with a 4omm f1.2 or my Fujifilm XH2 and XT5 with the 100-400mm or 75mm f1.2 gives me a photo gasem and that is something that no smartphone can deliver.
Tony: for most people, if they're going to buy used cheap camera and lenses, I think they probably DON'T own an iPhone. They probably own a budget phone, like a Samgung Galaxy A series phone, not the best iPhone with the best camera in the world, which is also the most expensive phone in the world. So for most people, comparing a real *budget* camera to a *budget* phone, the differences in photo quality between phone and camera would be MUCH more noticeable. I think it's worth making another short video with that in mind, because it would be EVEN MORE illuminating for most people. Especially all over the world where iPhone 15's are a serious luxury item which most people watching this video would not be able to afford. Thanks guys! Cheers!
Surprised to see a Canon here. Very good topic. Other thoughts:
There's a reason we still buy pictures from the wedding photographer, even though they didnt use a cellphone.
As your kids grow up you're trying to capture their achievements in sports, dance, etc. In other words, it's oftentimes something involving movement. You can take passable video with a phone but you cant frame it as a picture. You can take pictures of them standing there on the sidelines with your phone, but when the action starts your cellphone is lost. And actually, since this can be surprisingly difficult sometimes, you may actually need to enlist someone elses help, or rent some equipment once in a while. Theres a reason people neve rent cellphones to take a sports picture .. or any other for that matter.
As time goes on, you have better control and ownership of the photos you made in your camera. They're not trapped a chain of group texts, degrading each time, the get retexted. Google doesn't show them to you a year later wondering if you still want them. Yes, Chelsea and Tony are pretty skilled at pulling pictures off a phone and into a computer to compare it with the camera. ... are you? ... is your mom? If you're semi lucky and transfer images from phone to phone, I'll bet you're keeping cellphone birthday images on your phone from 5 years ago. ... inside a big, bottomless stew pot of pictures. When was the last time you looked at that picture? Are you paying Google a monthly fee yet to hang on to those images for you? Ever tried to print an 8x10 of a family line up from a cell phone photo?
... and so on.
Traveled with two young kids and was going to just to bring iPhone as the actual camera was heavy, but thank to my husband he encouraged me to bring the camera so that I could take a lot of beautiful photos while he was looking after the kids. iPhone can never compare to camera.
Someone who used DLSR for years and pixel peeps. The arguments sounded more like why horses are objectively better than cars: Eco-Friendly Engines, Built-in Fitness Program, No Need for GPS, Ultimate All-Terrain, Historical Charm, Perception of Wealth AND no Speed Tickets
At bodybuilding shows for stage shots the iPhone takes good enough photos. However I have come to the realisation the backstage photos suck and I need a dedicated camera with even a built in flash so once again I am breaking out my old Canon G1X and playing around with slow sync shutter and flash exposure compensation with the built in flash for improved quality.
3:40 Definitely true and very handy indeed
I have s20fe and I bought an xe 2 which is more than 10 years old. Also I had olympus om10m2. Trust me, quality gap is astonishing even with stock kit lenses and my shaky hands.
My old 1D X that came out in 2011 still beats any smartphone. All that computational photography is basically cheating. You could do most of that stuff with photos of a real camera too. You just need external software. And doing multiple exposures with different settings within a fraction of a second is a feature that could be added in a firmware update to any modern camera.
Smartphone or handphone or I phone they can only can only take standard photos, not zooming long distance photo. Even if they can the result is not good, blur result appear if you take a closer look.
Camera is always better, result clearer and sharper ( depend on what type of camera & lens you use). No matter how camera is always a winner where taking photo is concern.
Thanks for this. It was informative and helpful. Happy
New Year's guys.
Yes boys & girls get a REAL camera, it's an experience you can lose yourself in when you go into the Zone. 📷I have a used Nikon D 500 & Nikkor FX 70-300 mm zoom from KEH, very happy with them. I also like the rating system KEH has to rate gear as I like my gear to visually appear new & unused and can select for that.
Love the HDR video! I’ve been experimenting with the SOOC HLG video and stills with my Nikon Zf. I’d love to learn more about it.
if possible try making a similar video explaining colour science of various cameras, (especialy brands comparison) like the type of colours (not raw files edited but actual processed output) from the camera like cannon nikon sony etc. Would like to see how and what your thoughts are on the same. thanks for sharing this one good luck for next ones.
They did this and it was a bit of a wash. In other words, the differences were a lot smaller than expected, and a small warm shift completely diluted any differences.
Totally Agree, but Why are you using an RF-S lens on an EOS RP? Why not an R50?
Oh, also, what's with the videos being in HDR now on youtube? Im having trouble loading the videos past anything over 1080pHDR amd the videos seem a lot darker now
That's weird! Nobody else has mentioned that they're dark. Maybe a different browser or a software update? Display settings?
We're trying to figure out HDR for both stills and video so we can teach it.
@@TonyAndChelsea the darker part may be on my end but the HDR defitily takes way too much time to load up. Usually I watch videos in 2160p with no issues......could be the 60fps upload as well that may be cause my lag time here
Watching 2160p60 HDR right now. No problem with loading time or brightness. Many displays will change picture settings in HDR mode, which may cause them to look dimmer.
@@JimVajda82 ok thanks for the feedback. Then it may possibly be on my end.
Take the meaningful iPhone photos in Apple Pro RAW at 48MP and you can do *a lot* with them (if the light is good enough). Are they going to touch full frame or medium format? No. But they'll be solid.
Do Americans use any other phone than the iPhone? Why everyone compare iPhones with the real cameras.
Apple is an American company, and their products are generally more affordable for Americans than they are for the rest of the world.
That's my question too
Marketing
Thanks for this interestingvideo. So true!
Happy 2024, Tony and Chelsea. I will never stop using a real camera.
Check is in the mail, yours faithfully KEH
Any M4/3 body with prime lens will beat Smartphones anywhere, anytime. You don't even have to go for APS-C or Full Frame.
I need a viewfinder to properly frame a shot. I have a very hard time seeing a screen in sunlight and anti glare screens dont help enough.
At work I very often have to take pictures of Serial numbers or have to document things.
Even for that I prefer my Ricoh WG. It is smaller the a Phone so I can reach some parts better,
it can take fall more easy, fits better in my hand and the macro function with macro lights I just perfect for documentations.
Privat I have Nikon equipment. I collected over years. That gives me possibilities that with a smart phone you can't even dream off.
Another spot where a real camera is better than a phone camera is sunrise/sunset photos. I'm shooting sunrises often in NH and will use my phone as well and the Iphone 13 Max Pro just over saturates and lightens up more than it needs to. Sure you can AE lock and tone it down, but just more work.
In my pre New Year cleanup I found my old Panasonic Lumix LX5 I bought 14 years ago. Perfect small camera to take on my mountain bike or trail bike rides.
Chelsea, that was wonderful that you used your Dogs in your presentation of why we should use a Camera in place of going to our iPhone or Smart device. Thank you I have this discussion many times that people sort of call me wasteful by investing in my Camera gear. Oh! BTW you look fantastic on what ever you are doing it shows!! Great achievement for the New Year, Happy New Year to both of you, enjoy every You Tube posting...
For me there is another advantage. A smartphone tooks around one secoond until the photo is shooted (ii's so with my Samsung), where the camera takes the picture immediatly. Waiting for the picture can be very annoying with portrait photography even if you do it without professional intention.
Hello from Ukraine! Still have Canon 6d but think of going on one of several: Canon R8, Panasonic S5 or Sony a7IV
Definitely check out our Canon R8 review - it's a pretty amazing deal. We have reviews for all 3 cameras but which is best depends on how you use your camera.
So true! I bought the iPhone 15 Pro Max exactly for the 5x zoom, which was supposed to be good. Trust me, it is not. I end up carrying my DSLR around for really good fotos.
Hello, I'm from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and I love your channel. I'm a follower of all the excellent reviews you give. Thank you very much.
I rearly comment, but this was a great episode!
Thank you so much - a phone is a tool and a camera is a tool. Deciding what tool I'm going to use is a big reminder that I have to know what I want before I can get it. Have a radiant New Year.
Yeah, you're preaching to the choir with me! I struggle taking pictures with my phone compared to my cameras. Especially when it comes to the controls.
Your dogs are adorable! Oh, and so glad cameras are still relevant in 2024.
thanks for making this sensei i recently bought the nikon z7 ii and now i can show this to my friends who keep telling me i should have get an iphone :X
You sold me on a regular camera, my 2meg flip phone just does not compare with a real camera. Though, Tony you must admit that with the model that you are using you could not get a bad photo unless you had forgotten to put a card in your camera. Keep up the great job of informing people how to improve on their photographs. I am an old retired photographer from the 60s and really enjoy watching the two of you, and yes I subscribed to you years ago.
This is a fair representation of why Cameras are important. Also, average people dont want to do anything in manual mode. I use the PRO mode in my Galaxy S20 + and the possibilities are more. but it still cant beat the real thing in a camera.
also when you start doing videography - in my case im using a Sony A7 - being able to plug in a mic and usb and power - and use your smartphone as a remote contol is a big plus+ 🤓