I was flipping back and forth on number 6, but four of each meant that it could only be one thing. 3 and 4 were a bit tougher since they look like older cameras. The easiest giveaway for the real cameras is the bokeh effect from the larger sensors so they can more easily capture depth of field. The phone cameras made everything pretty crisp looking.
The fact that you have access to all that older tech is mind boggling. Great video Tom! And yes - 1990 was only 10 years ago, although my body disagrees. I feel video proves that if someone is thinking about starting a TH-cam channel, they don’t really need to invest in a “camera” per se - they can have great image quality using their phone..
Especially with modern phones, so much comes down to lighting and framing more than anything. There are certain qualities that a phone can't replicate and they aren't great for some things (like ultra long form recording), but for most of us, it's more than enough to get started and grow with. And yeah, as someone who regularly injures himself simply by existing, my body is also confused about the time jump.
As someone who got iPhone 13 Pro Max (in part) for filming, i do want to point to a significant drawback: when filming, you no longer have a phone. For example, my smart lights are controlled via app, so adjusting them and while looking at footage is not a thing. Same for looking something else up in the phone while filming - a photo, a note. The phone can do anything, but one thing at a time. A few more notes. Continuity filming with mac has been a blessing (even though it outputs a very different shot). Most specialised phone monopods can't handle a big heavy phone (i'd recommend getting the non-max size). And, surprisingly, the options for wireless phone mics are awful.
That's a great point! The lack of an adjustable screen is frustrating too. Even in the video, trying to get low angle shots with phones was really tough to check framing/focus/etc. And I too am surprised there aren't more mic options for phones. I think Rode was trying to go that direction with the Wireless ME, which works great, but it's not quite as simple as I'd like.
As a Geologist, at 21:10 the layered iPhone stratigraphic profile did it for me, and how you even described it in the same way we talk about rocks! It is a thing of tremendous history represented in a tidy little unit. Also, great video!
I do event and sports shooting. There are so many people shooting events with iPads and phones now because it's good enough. Especially with an external microphone kit.
I only had my 3GS for a year before upgrading. I was planning to wait, but as soon as I saw the 4 in person with the awesome build quality and amazing “Retina” display, there was no going back 😁
Nice to see you got the FireWire output on the XL1 working for you! I was one who also carried my camera-less phone, plus my Canon Powershot everywhere I went, and often asked myself if lugging out my Sony Digital8 was worth it. Nostalgia…
The Razor! 🤓 you weren’t cool/ legit unless you had that phone back in the day!!! I shot my first social media commercials with iPhones 10xr in 4k on a gimbal for the quick setup compared to balancing my sony zv e10 with my sigma lenses for 10+ minutes and customers didn’t even know I used my phone. Video pros may notice, but 99% of people out there never know as long as they see crisp, clear, and most importantly…. Using creative angles and lighting.
I had this clunky LG flip phone prior to that. It only had Snake on it and each text message was .25 cents 😁 The RAZR was like jumping into a time machine to the future! I've slipped phone footage into videos many times where no one has said anything, and on more than one past occasion I used a couple of phone shots in projects that were screened in theaters and on bigger screens, and again, no one noticed.🤷🏻♂️
If the iPhone 15 pro goes to 8K this year and they further improve on the cinematic mode it would be interesting to put it up against the FX3 then! At some point we will get to a point where there is no improvement available... Image quality does have a ceiling and I think we are very fast approaching it...especially on mirrorless cameras so when they plateau phones WILL inevitably catch up. The question its whether they can MATCH them.... This video has proven that phones are capable....VERY capable!
They are SUPER capable! Color and clarity are pretty well matched between phones and cameras, but cameras still have a lot of versatility with lens options and longer recording time/reliability. I really wish more (or any?) phone makers allowed for MicroSD cards to use for photos and videos.
@@tombuck 99% of the videos on my channel ( including todays ) are filmed on IPhone 14 pro max. I do have the odd one ( last one a couple of days ago maybe ) which was filmed on my Sony A7iv with the 23mm 1.4GM and I actually prefer the look of the phone 😂😂😂
My first camera phone was a 2002 Siemens S55 with a *clip on camera module* - taking really crusty, vintage looking digital photos, warm and fuzzy and almost analogue looking. And then a couple of years later the Siemens S65, with a 1.3 megapixel camera, a 32MB memory card slot, that could record VIDEO, in glorious 176x144 pixels, such a game changer -My first video published on my YT-account/channel here is taken with the Siemens S65, from 2007, vacuuming up some christmas tree needles on a red carpet, several others like «Sound of Mu» sign and «Removing popcorn from hair with a vacuum» is also made with the Siemens S65, it was a revolution … and SO crappy, but the memories are there, captured for me and my friends to enjoy in years to come - so yeah, quality isn’t everything, but content is :)
@@tombuck Worst/best part is, I think I have the S65 here somewhere in my workshop … and maybe even the S55 … gonna have to have a dig around tomorrow morning (it’s 11pm here in Norway now) and see if I can find it, and make a video about it in a couple of weeks time :D The S65 got several custom firmware hacks in it’s lifetime, to improve the image sharpening and color science, since Siemens made it worse with a firmware update at some point, there was a whole community online trying to figure out how to take the best possible pictures with it :)
I love your videos and the way you do and say things Tom. I really need to be myself more in my videos just like you. Thanks again! Quick question. I currently use an audio technica at 2035 for music reaction videos. I’ve considered changing to a shire sm7b. What’s your thoughts? Or maybe I just go shotgun mic instead.
Thanks for the kind words! Being on camera is definitely weird, but over time it does become easier. I haven't used the 2035 myself, but there would definitely be a big change going from a large diaphragm condenser to the SM7B, which will need a lot more gain and probably a bit of EQ to really "pop." I guess it comes down to what you're not liking about the 2035? If it's just the overall sound profile on your voice, then trying out a new mic could be a great idea. Same goes if it's picking up too much room noise- then switching to a dynamic like the SM7B could help with that. But you might also be able to dial things in a bit with EQ if you haven't tried some compression and parametric equalizers yet. 👍
Interesting perspective as ever Tom. Was this lens flair tribute day though?! It's crazy how all tech has evolved. Don't forget early sd cards were sizes like 32 MB in year 2000. Your stack of phones, or maybe even one of them, probably competes with NASA mainframe (ie. on ground) computers up until some frighteningly recent year. Processing power, memory, storage. It's madness. I use cheap android phones: my current Redmi is a 2021 model, 6GB memory, 128GB storage plus an sdcard, 108Mpixel main, plus 3 others, 16Mp Selfie. Utter madness and I bought it a year ago discounted to £149 - right now it's back to £240, still 1/4 of an iPhone.
13:45 "and now we have just..." exactly. I'm hanging on to my XS Max until it dies, or maybe until Touch ID returns. Holding out hope that, at some point, they'll make a thicker battery that'll make the camera mountain not required anymore. Won't even dream for the headphone jack they ought to bring back at the same time.
I really loved my XR and had no plans to upgrade. The 14 Pro was a Christmas gift last year, which was super awesome. And then afterwards everyone told me that they couldn't actually hear me on calls with the XR for quite a while 😁
I recently sold my Canon XF400 because my iPhone was outperforming a $2500 dedicated video camera. The iPhone has had tone mapping built in for a few generations now. It really prevents highlights from clipping. I can immediately recognize someone using a “pro” camera by the washed out highlights in their video. I can’t believe high end cameras don’t include this feature.
I used to use a Canon 7D to record video -Guy Works Down the Chip Shoppe Swears He’s Elvis was probably the last of those. I used a Samsung clone of the Flip camera to shoot on the road until three years ago. I’ve been using my iPhone SE (2020) since, even at home. I went through the Samsung first gen Galaxy S and the S3 before I got an iPhone 6s Plus, an 8, and finally the SE -essentially an iPhone 8 with an iPhone 11 processor.
I spent so much time drooling over the 7D when it came out! I never got one, but did have a T2i that was a ton of fun (although I was still always jealous of 7D owners 😁 )
@@tombuck I got it for $900 off eBay or Craigslist, from a local guy. It seemed like the best still camera you could get without making the massive jump to the price of a full frame 5D. It was originally for my wife to shoot dance performances. I was using it off-label for video on the side.
shooting a speaker with an Sony FX3 recently the audience started to react and I grabbed my iPhone 14 Pro and got great b-roll of the audience reaction and it intercut well. Phones are great b cameras for one-man band documentary or ENG work.
I absolutely love this video! I have been saying this for a while that what we have in our pocket is an amazing piece of technology for those who love photo/video-graphy. Well done all the way around, especially the puns.
This really was a phylosophical video, so well done Tom! The convenience of a phone in our pockets is becoming a standard, Brolls can be taken with quality that couldn't be imaginable a year or two ago. I also prefer the tactile feel of a camera, so even if I always have my phone with me, in many situations I'll use my Fuji X70 to snap photos. The video though… that's much better on (any) smartphone…
Phones have definitely been life savers in so many situations! I think since about the time I got my XR there really has been a sense of relief because, even if I'd rather have a dedicated camera, I know I can capture something unexpectedly if needed.
It just reminds me of living in Japan in the mid-2000s. During that time, Japan seemed ahead of its time with cellphones. I assume it was the culture of taking pictures and selfies. Their cell phones were taking decent pictures compared to the low-quality pictures American phones were taking. Panasonic was making cellphones with smaller camera sensors. I left when smartphones were just coming into mainstream consumption.
I totally agree with your perspective. My opinion is that if you aren't going full frame, just learn on the iPhone. When you need something more professional, get a full frame camera. iPhone 15 Pro lineup really made another jump with Apple Log. That plus usb-c for external recording, external audio, monitoring and other accessories mean that you really can use both. There is also more of a philosophical perspective, I just saw the short film by Marc Webb called "Little Garlic" which was shot on the iPhone, and even though I knew it was shot on iPhone, i didn't ever get pulled out of the story because of it. So while the iPhone may not be the best camera, it may be a sufficient camera to tell your story. Would that short have been better on an Arri? Sure, but if they had sacrificed costume, or acting, or lighting, would it have been better? Probably not. Given a certain budget, you have to get everything to a sufficient level, not a perfect level. I think many shorts could use their budget better on color grading, audio, and set design, rather than getting the best video quality.
In the late 90s, I sold pro-gear at a Minneapolis camera store. I used to sell the Kodak DCS460 in Nikon and Canon versions for $24,999. I wonder if those still exist. As the first pro digital body, I would love to see how that holds up.
Like everything else in technology, things are cheaper today for the same quality years ago. Just look at the comparison of the iPhone 3GS and that Cannon camera.
I've been pleasantly surprised by my iPhone 13Pro as an add on camera for use with Ecamm Live and Facetime. No joke, it has as good of quality as the PTZ cameras I spent $1500 on two years ago. Good video and explanations.
I fully agree with the amazing quality of current phone cameras. My biggest problem has been the price of storage upgrades on iPhones. I’m not really comfortable shooting with less than 512GB of storage. That costs less than $30 for my lumix GH4. 512 on an iPhone sets me back $300, and I still need to buy external storage. No way I can afford that.
Tom, really nice comparison. This video took a lot of work and time to produce. Thanks for your efforts. It’s a fine line between collecting old stuff and hoarding. Lol.
I had a blue Razr, I loved that phone. And yes a lot of times and for most folks a smartphone pic is good enough. Now for the stuff I do shooting accident scenes for municipal contracts and sometimes insurance companies I go with DSLR of course. "Phone-ee" there it is! 😅 ba dum tsss!!!
I've had every iPhone (I recently sold several of the early one (who knew they would be valuable)) I think the 6 was the one that made me think, ok Cameras are in trouble! The 14Pro with a DJI Mic and the Zacuto - Smart Z-Finder is what I took recently on a trip. Now you can't use the standard APP but since I'm retired I'm down to 1 drone (MniPro 3) and 1 real camera (A7 iv) that I only used twice. The stuff being filmed on an iPhone today by people who know what they're doing is amazing. Don't you wish the Sony camera worked like an iPhone APP does?
I really wish camera manufacturers made apps that were much less clunky! Sony does make the Xperia phone, which is super camera-centric and works really well. I'd love for them to put that U/I into a dedicated camera.
Safe to say that the phones are costing a lot more today than that Razor did back when it was out. They even redid the Razor and the price on that was a lot more as well. Simply to say, we spend a lot on these phones so they should have some better quality all around, camera included
That’s true. I think my RAZR was $300? I know it was subsidized through the carrier though, so I’m not sure what the retail price is. New phones are definitely way more expensive though. I usually like to buy a phone outright and then use it as long as possible. I wish they were cheaper, but spending money on something that’s used and relied on everyday for years on end is something I’m more ok with than other things.
Every once in awhile a revolutionary product comes along that changes everything… A widescreen iPod with touch controls, a revolutionary mobile phone, a breakthrough internet communications device. An iPod, a phone and an internet communicator. An iPod, a phone and an internet communicator. Are you getting it… these are not three separate devices, this is one device and we are calling it iPhone. It's funny, to me, that they didn't really promote the camera when the first iPhone launched but now the R&D that goes into improving the cameras and the photo/video output has nearly (I said nearly) turned these into great pocket cameras with a phone and an internet communicator built in..
Haha, I remember watching that keynote and realizing what he was saying when he kept repeating those lines 😁 But yeah it's true, the camera wasn't a major feature in the beginning of smartphones, but now it seems like it's the biggest thing updated with each release.
Even some of the smartphone cameras can record in a much "Really" better than some of the cameras like the one of them that I have for my TH-cam, Sony Xperia XA1. (Keep in mind that I have three main youtube cameras, 2 Sony cameras and a 1 compact Canon camera) Although it can only record a video in 1080p at 30fps, But it has a "HDR video" feature that it makes everything much more vivid than the standard video and the steadyshot of this thing, It's not the best but it did a pretty good job at it and it's much better than my Sony Camcorder that I have. Yeah, I can't even imagine if there's a smartphone that it can record in 8K. 😅
That Xperia takes some incredible video! A friend of mine has one and it really seems like Sony put the camera functionality at the forefront with all of the dedicated controls and manual adjustments and stuff.
@@tombuck Yeah, Speaking of my Xperia. The photos are sort of good, It's 23 megapixels and they are really sharp and crisp. (Although it's not the best but it's really okay) And what I really like is the front camera that it has an autofocus, Which I didn't notice that while I was recording a video (especially with the front cam) It really surprised me a lot when I discovered that, Because I only known that the front camera has a fix focus lens. The front cam of this thing's even got the "HDR selfie feature" too, But not for the video! 😅 Edit : It even got a shutter button like what on the compact cameras would have.
Bokeh of Roses was an alright joke. Now if I have to be honest, the red camera and the Sony have a better depth field with more Bokeh, but the sharpness in the foreground is not even in the same league as the iPhones, either the 10R or the Pro. Those phones are definitely sharper and show more detail compared to the real cameras.
I think that must be what phones go for: ultra sharpness. Which makes sense, since that's probably what a lot of people want and will maybe help the largest number of people take decent photos in all kinds of different conditions?
Argh, love your videos but you've triggered a pet peeve of mine haha: th-cam.com/users/shortsLhmJvsjknCo -- it would've been a more interesting comparison to see a person or something larger than a little microphone, then the differences become very apparent. You can also get the FX3 quality from the ZV-E1 which is a lot more affordable. Phones cannot give that true depth of field control as it simply requires a larger iris opening (technically the ratio to the focal length), but maybe they can fake it with AI in the future. Resolution, yes, it's incredible we have like 900fps 4k on phones now. Separately, interesting use of the anamorphic lens, I think the rim light is a tad strong but definitely stands out!
As a one-person crew trying to manage 11-ish cameras that all record slightly differently, it was a bit tough to find a consistent example for a test shot. I would've loved to use a person, but it just wasn't possible this time.
@@tombuck a statue? a tree? :) - just something a bit more "typical subject sized" to show that on a phone, everything is flat and in focus and on Full Frame you can create the separation and control the depth of field. But great video still, thank you!
@@tombuck also once you start shooting in lower light on an iPhone , the video becomes very noisy and unusable on a larger screen. The computational photography to hide the smaller sensor doesn’t apply to videos.
@@tombuck I love your videos, but this isn't titled "Differences between dedicated cameras and smartphones through the years" or "How imaging tech has evolved in the last X years" or something even playful and less dry about tinkering with old cameras or similar. No, this title has a question, said question is well known to incite heated responses (luckily you have cultivated a nice fan base so there will be few of those), the term "real" cameras doesn't help that issue and in the end answering said question isn't the object of the video. Hence, clickbait. The video is pretty fun though, as usual.
BRO i dont know if apple sponsored this video but the Galaxy S23 utltra noye 20 ultra 8k performs and looks better than your red and iphones put together ...dont be bias when leading the sheeple
I was pretty clear in saying there are likely Android phones with better quality, but the phones I have are representative of different time periods. We’re looking at overall development, not necessarily the absolute best.
I was flipping back and forth on number 6, but four of each meant that it could only be one thing. 3 and 4 were a bit tougher since they look like older cameras. The easiest giveaway for the real cameras is the bokeh effect from the larger sensors so they can more easily capture depth of field. The phone cameras made everything pretty crisp looking.
I love this- thanks for explaining the finer points of how you figured it out!
The fact that you have access to all that older tech is mind boggling. Great video Tom! And yes - 1990 was only 10 years ago, although my body disagrees.
I feel video proves that if someone is thinking about starting a TH-cam channel, they don’t really need to invest in a “camera” per se - they can have great image quality using their phone..
Especially with modern phones, so much comes down to lighting and framing more than anything. There are certain qualities that a phone can't replicate and they aren't great for some things (like ultra long form recording), but for most of us, it's more than enough to get started and grow with.
And yeah, as someone who regularly injures himself simply by existing, my body is also confused about the time jump.
As someone who got iPhone 13 Pro Max (in part) for filming, i do want to point to a significant drawback: when filming, you no longer have a phone. For example, my smart lights are controlled via app, so adjusting them and while looking at footage is not a thing. Same for looking something else up in the phone while filming - a photo, a note. The phone can do anything, but one thing at a time.
A few more notes. Continuity filming with mac has been a blessing (even though it outputs a very different shot). Most specialised phone monopods can't handle a big heavy phone (i'd recommend getting the non-max size). And, surprisingly, the options for wireless phone mics are awful.
That's a great point! The lack of an adjustable screen is frustrating too. Even in the video, trying to get low angle shots with phones was really tough to check framing/focus/etc.
And I too am surprised there aren't more mic options for phones. I think Rode was trying to go that direction with the Wireless ME, which works great, but it's not quite as simple as I'd like.
Buy a second phone!
Just hey a second cheap phone. Androids are so so cheap!
As a Geologist, at 21:10 the layered iPhone stratigraphic profile did it for me, and how you even described it in the same way we talk about rocks! It is a thing of tremendous history represented in a tidy little unit. Also, great video!
Hey I love it! Haha
Anamorphic lenses are just so cool. SIRUI 35 and 50?
Agreed
Yep! And the 75 too. I really love them and how sharp they are.
(Sorry, I misread it- it’s the 50 and 75)
That blue flare on the anamorphic was looking nice!
19:53 I could totally see you doing vlogging content with B-Roll like this.
It IS incredibly fun!
Truly underrated video
Thank you! This is one of my personal favorites so that means a lot.
I do event and sports shooting. There are so many people shooting events with iPads and phones now because it's good enough. Especially with an external microphone kit.
If it works it works, and most people are more than happy with the results they can get from devices they already own, which is pretty cool!
Omg thank you for making this! I loved my 3GS but my favorite was the iPhone 4. I have it somewhere in this house.
I only had my 3GS for a year before upgrading. I was planning to wait, but as soon as I saw the 4 in person with the awesome build quality and amazing “Retina” display, there was no going back 😁
Nice to see you got the FireWire output on the XL1 working for you! I was one who also carried my camera-less phone, plus my Canon Powershot everywhere I went, and often asked myself if lugging out my Sony Digital8 was worth it. Nostalgia…
Yes! It's working great, and I can also use it with the Sony DVCam too. 👍
The Razor! 🤓 you weren’t cool/ legit unless you had that phone back in the day!!! I shot my first social media commercials with iPhones 10xr in 4k on a gimbal for the quick setup compared to balancing my sony zv e10 with my sigma lenses for 10+ minutes and customers didn’t even know I used my phone. Video pros may notice, but 99% of people out there never know as long as they see crisp, clear, and most importantly…. Using creative angles and lighting.
I had this clunky LG flip phone prior to that. It only had Snake on it and each text message was .25 cents 😁
The RAZR was like jumping into a time machine to the future!
I've slipped phone footage into videos many times where no one has said anything, and on more than one past occasion I used a couple of phone shots in projects that were screened in theaters and on bigger screens, and again, no one noticed.🤷🏻♂️
If the iPhone 15 pro goes to 8K this year and they further improve on the cinematic mode it would be interesting to put it up against the FX3 then! At some point we will get to a point where there is no improvement available... Image quality does have a ceiling and I think we are very fast approaching it...especially on mirrorless cameras so when they plateau phones WILL inevitably catch up. The question its whether they can MATCH them.... This video has proven that phones are capable....VERY capable!
They are SUPER capable! Color and clarity are pretty well matched between phones and cameras, but cameras still have a lot of versatility with lens options and longer recording time/reliability. I really wish more (or any?) phone makers allowed for MicroSD cards to use for photos and videos.
@@tombuck 99% of the videos on my channel ( including todays ) are filmed on IPhone 14 pro max. I do have the odd one ( last one a couple of days ago maybe ) which was filmed on my Sony A7iv with the 23mm 1.4GM and I actually prefer the look of the phone 😂😂😂
My first camera phone was a 2002 Siemens S55 with a *clip on camera module* - taking really crusty, vintage looking digital photos, warm and fuzzy and almost analogue looking. And then a couple of years later the Siemens S65, with a 1.3 megapixel camera, a 32MB memory card slot, that could record VIDEO, in glorious 176x144 pixels, such a game changer -My first video published on my YT-account/channel here is taken with the Siemens S65, from 2007, vacuuming up some christmas tree needles on a red carpet, several others like «Sound of Mu» sign and «Removing popcorn from hair with a vacuum» is also made with the Siemens S65, it was a revolution … and SO crappy, but the memories are there, captured for me and my friends to enjoy in years to come - so yeah, quality isn’t everything, but content is :)
Oh dang, I love this whole timeline story.
@@tombuck Worst/best part is, I think I have the S65 here somewhere in my workshop … and maybe even the S55 … gonna have to have a dig around tomorrow morning (it’s 11pm here in Norway now) and see if I can find it, and make a video about it in a couple of weeks time :D The S65 got several custom firmware hacks in it’s lifetime, to improve the image sharpening and color science, since Siemens made it worse with a firmware update at some point, there was a whole community online trying to figure out how to take the best possible pictures with it :)
I love your videos and the way you do and say things Tom. I really need to be myself more in my videos just like you. Thanks again! Quick question. I currently use an audio technica at 2035 for music reaction videos. I’ve considered changing to a shire sm7b. What’s your thoughts? Or maybe I just go shotgun mic instead.
Thanks for the kind words! Being on camera is definitely weird, but over time it does become easier.
I haven't used the 2035 myself, but there would definitely be a big change going from a large diaphragm condenser to the SM7B, which will need a lot more gain and probably a bit of EQ to really "pop." I guess it comes down to what you're not liking about the 2035? If it's just the overall sound profile on your voice, then trying out a new mic could be a great idea. Same goes if it's picking up too much room noise- then switching to a dynamic like the SM7B could help with that. But you might also be able to dial things in a bit with EQ if you haven't tried some compression and parametric equalizers yet. 👍
Thanks I like the mic but it’s not consistent with how far I have it from my mouth. Maybe dialing things in better would help. Thanks Tom.
Interesting perspective as ever Tom. Was this lens flair tribute day though?! It's crazy how all tech has evolved. Don't forget early sd cards were sizes like 32 MB in year 2000. Your stack of phones, or maybe even one of them, probably competes with NASA mainframe (ie. on ground) computers up until some frighteningly recent year. Processing power, memory, storage. It's madness.
I use cheap android phones: my current Redmi is a 2021 model, 6GB memory, 128GB storage plus an sdcard, 108Mpixel main, plus 3 others, 16Mp Selfie. Utter madness and I bought it a year ago discounted to £149 - right now it's back to £240, still 1/4 of an iPhone.
Oh I’m sure the Apollo moon missions were run on less power than my oldest iPhone 🤯
13:45 "and now we have just..." exactly. I'm hanging on to my XS Max until it dies, or maybe until Touch ID returns. Holding out hope that, at some point, they'll make a thicker battery that'll make the camera mountain not required anymore. Won't even dream for the headphone jack they ought to bring back at the same time.
I really loved my XR and had no plans to upgrade. The 14 Pro was a Christmas gift last year, which was super awesome. And then afterwards everyone told me that they couldn't actually hear me on calls with the XR for quite a while 😁
I recently sold my Canon XF400 because my iPhone was outperforming a $2500 dedicated video camera. The iPhone has had tone mapping built in for a few generations now. It really prevents highlights from clipping. I can immediately recognize someone using a “pro” camera by the washed out highlights in their video.
I can’t believe high end cameras don’t include this feature.
I used to use a Canon 7D to record video -Guy Works Down the Chip Shoppe Swears He’s Elvis was probably the last of those. I used a Samsung clone of the Flip camera to shoot on the road until three years ago. I’ve been using my iPhone SE (2020) since, even at home. I went through the Samsung first gen Galaxy S and the S3 before I got an iPhone 6s Plus, an 8, and finally the SE -essentially an iPhone 8 with an iPhone 11 processor.
I spent so much time drooling over the 7D when it came out! I never got one, but did have a T2i that was a ton of fun (although I was still always jealous of 7D owners 😁 )
@@tombuck I got it for $900 off eBay or Craigslist, from a local guy. It seemed like the best still camera you could get without making the massive jump to the price of a full frame 5D. It was originally for my wife to shoot dance performances. I was using it off-label for video on the side.
shooting a speaker with an Sony FX3 recently the audience started to react and I grabbed my iPhone 14 Pro and got great b-roll of the audience reaction and it intercut well. Phones are great b cameras for one-man band documentary or ENG work.
Quick thinking! I love that.
I absolutely love this video! I have been saying this for a while that what we have in our pocket is an amazing piece of technology for those who love photo/video-graphy. Well done all the way around, especially the puns.
This really was a phylosophical video, so well done Tom! The convenience of a phone in our pockets is becoming a standard, Brolls can be taken with quality that couldn't be imaginable a year or two ago. I also prefer the tactile feel of a camera, so even if I always have my phone with me, in many situations I'll use my Fuji X70 to snap photos. The video though… that's much better on (any) smartphone…
Phones have definitely been life savers in so many situations! I think since about the time I got my XR there really has been a sense of relief because, even if I'd rather have a dedicated camera, I know I can capture something unexpectedly if needed.
It just reminds me of living in Japan in the mid-2000s. During that time, Japan seemed ahead of its time with cellphones. I assume it was the culture of taking pictures and selfies. Their cell phones were taking decent pictures compared to the low-quality pictures American phones were taking. Panasonic was making cellphones with smaller camera sensors. I left when smartphones were just coming into mainstream consumption.
I totally agree with your perspective. My opinion is that if you aren't going full frame, just learn on the iPhone. When you need something more professional, get a full frame camera. iPhone 15 Pro lineup really made another jump with Apple Log. That plus usb-c for external recording, external audio, monitoring and other accessories mean that you really can use both.
There is also more of a philosophical perspective, I just saw the short film by Marc Webb called "Little Garlic" which was shot on the iPhone, and even though I knew it was shot on iPhone, i didn't ever get pulled out of the story because of it. So while the iPhone may not be the best camera, it may be a sufficient camera to tell your story. Would that short have been better on an Arri? Sure, but if they had sacrificed costume, or acting, or lighting, would it have been better? Probably not. Given a certain budget, you have to get everything to a sufficient level, not a perfect level. I think many shorts could use their budget better on color grading, audio, and set design, rather than getting the best video quality.
In the late 90s, I sold pro-gear at a Minneapolis camera store. I used to sell the Kodak DCS460 in Nikon and Canon versions for $24,999. I wonder if those still exist. As the first pro digital body, I would love to see how that holds up.
Oh man, I bet they could be on eBay for semi-reasonable prices. My $20K news camera was only $400 😁
Like everything else in technology, things are cheaper today for the same quality years ago. Just look at the comparison of the iPhone 3GS and that Cannon camera.
You are the only creator I watch long videos 😊
I really appreciate you taking the time for them 🙏
I've been pleasantly surprised by my iPhone 13Pro as an add on camera for use with Ecamm Live and Facetime. No joke, it has as good of quality as the PTZ cameras I spent $1500 on two years ago. Good video and explanations.
Great point! It really has been fun to add phones as sources for Ecamm.
I fully agree with the amazing quality of current phone cameras. My biggest problem has been the price of storage upgrades on iPhones. I’m not really comfortable shooting with less than 512GB of storage. That costs less than $30 for my lumix GH4. 512 on an iPhone sets me back $300, and I still need to buy external storage. No way I can afford that.
That's definitely a tricky side effect: better image quality eats up A LOT more space. I wish more phones embraces the use of memory cards.
Tom, really nice comparison. This video took a lot of work and time to produce. Thanks for your efforts. It’s a fine line between collecting old stuff and hoarding. Lol.
Thank god for TH-cam justifying keeping all the old stuff! 😁
Great video as always.
11:36
That is so relatable. 😭
Happens all the time 🫥
I had a blue Razr, I loved that phone. And yes a lot of times and for most folks a smartphone pic is good enough. Now for the stuff I do shooting accident scenes for municipal contracts and sometimes insurance companies I go with DSLR of course. "Phone-ee" there it is! 😅 ba dum tsss!!!
🌹🌹🌹👀
I loved my Cingular RAZR, but I was definitely jealous when the other cool colors like blue, pink, and black came out!
I've had every iPhone (I recently sold several of the early one (who knew they would be valuable)) I think the 6 was the one that made me think, ok Cameras are in trouble! The 14Pro with a DJI Mic and the Zacuto - Smart Z-Finder is what I took recently on a trip. Now you can't use the standard APP but since I'm retired I'm down to 1 drone (MniPro 3) and 1 real camera (A7 iv) that I only used twice. The stuff being filmed on an iPhone today by people who know what they're doing is amazing. Don't you wish the Sony camera worked like an iPhone APP does?
I really wish camera manufacturers made apps that were much less clunky! Sony does make the Xperia phone, which is super camera-centric and works really well. I'd love for them to put that U/I into a dedicated camera.
Safe to say that the phones are costing a lot more today than that Razor did back when it was out. They even redid the Razor and the price on that was a lot more as well. Simply to say, we spend a lot on these phones so they should have some better quality all around, camera included
That’s true. I think my RAZR was $300? I know it was subsidized through the carrier though, so I’m not sure what the retail price is.
New phones are definitely way more expensive though. I usually like to buy a phone outright and then use it as long as possible. I wish they were cheaper, but spending money on something that’s used and relied on everyday for years on end is something I’m more ok with than other things.
That's a good use practice. I use my phone in my video production so it doubles as an expensecome tax time! 😆😆@@tombuck
Every once in awhile a revolutionary product comes along that changes everything…
A widescreen iPod with touch controls, a revolutionary mobile phone, a breakthrough internet communications device. An iPod, a phone and an internet communicator.
An iPod, a phone and an internet communicator.
Are you getting it… these are not three separate devices, this is one device and we are calling it iPhone.
It's funny, to me, that they didn't really promote the camera when the first iPhone launched but now the R&D that goes into improving the cameras and the photo/video output has nearly (I said nearly) turned these into great pocket cameras with a phone and an internet communicator built in..
Haha, I remember watching that keynote and realizing what he was saying when he kept repeating those lines 😁
But yeah it's true, the camera wasn't a major feature in the beginning of smartphones, but now it seems like it's the biggest thing updated with each release.
My Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra has proven to be the grail of point & shoot gear photography and remote, tight-space filmmaking.
From what I've seen, that thing has an absolutely phenomenal camera!
You never disappoint. Great video.
I appreciate that!
100%!!!! I was far too invested in that game.
Haha, glad you enjoyed it! And A+++!
Even some of the smartphone cameras can record in a much "Really" better than some of the cameras like the one of them that I have for my TH-cam, Sony Xperia XA1. (Keep in mind that I have three main youtube cameras, 2 Sony cameras and a 1 compact Canon camera)
Although it can only record a video in 1080p at 30fps, But it has a "HDR video" feature that it makes everything much more vivid than the standard video and the steadyshot of this thing, It's not the best but it did a pretty good job at it and it's much better than my Sony Camcorder that I have.
Yeah, I can't even imagine if there's a smartphone that it can record in 8K. 😅
That Xperia takes some incredible video! A friend of mine has one and it really seems like Sony put the camera functionality at the forefront with all of the dedicated controls and manual adjustments and stuff.
@@tombuck Yeah, Speaking of my Xperia.
The photos are sort of good, It's 23 megapixels and they are really sharp and crisp. (Although it's not the best but it's really okay)
And what I really like is the front camera that it has an autofocus, Which I didn't notice that while I was recording a video (especially with the front cam)
It really surprised me a lot when I discovered that, Because I only known that the front camera has a fix focus lens.
The front cam of this thing's even got the "HDR selfie feature" too, But not for the video! 😅
Edit : It even got a shutter button like what on the compact cameras would have.
Yes! Got all phones correct, only missed number 4
I’ll still give you an A+ 👍
@@tombuck aww, thanks, I appreciate that a lot! 🥹
Would you mind making a review of all 3 models of the new focusrite 4th generation. Thanks
I haven’t used any of them yet, but I’ve been thinking of getting the new 2i2 👍
@1:53 nice lens flare
Utilizing that “Michael Bay” & “Abrams /Star Trek “ lens flare! So nice 😎
Bokeh of Flowers 😂 I about fell out of my chair...
💐
Bokeh of Roses was an alright joke. Now if I have to be honest, the red camera and the Sony have a better depth field with more Bokeh, but the sharpness in the foreground is not even in the same league as the iPhones, either the 10R or the Pro. Those phones are definitely sharper and show more detail compared to the real cameras.
I think that must be what phones go for: ultra sharpness. Which makes sense, since that's probably what a lot of people want and will maybe help the largest number of people take decent photos in all kinds of different conditions?
Hell yeah! Give me an "iphone 14 pro max" with an Sony FE mount!
Haha, I feel like we're not too far away from something like that.
To answer that title from an iPhone user: iPhone 11 Max Pro.
shutter speed is a dead giveaway in all examples, nice range of quality samples to make it harder otherwise
Argh, love your videos but you've triggered a pet peeve of mine haha: th-cam.com/users/shortsLhmJvsjknCo -- it would've been a more interesting comparison to see a person or something larger than a little microphone, then the differences become very apparent. You can also get the FX3 quality from the ZV-E1 which is a lot more affordable. Phones cannot give that true depth of field control as it simply requires a larger iris opening (technically the ratio to the focal length), but maybe they can fake it with AI in the future. Resolution, yes, it's incredible we have like 900fps 4k on phones now.
Separately, interesting use of the anamorphic lens, I think the rim light is a tad strong but definitely stands out!
As a one-person crew trying to manage 11-ish cameras that all record slightly differently, it was a bit tough to find a consistent example for a test shot. I would've loved to use a person, but it just wasn't possible this time.
@@tombuck a statue? a tree? :) - just something a bit more "typical subject sized" to show that on a phone, everything is flat and in focus and on Full Frame you can create the separation and control the depth of field. But great video still, thank you!
Thats a lot of CA from that sony 24gm...
I feel iPhone 4s had the best photo camera. New iPhones is over sharpen. I never liked taking photos with iPhone.
Also Why video from phones looks so crappy on the news? Video looks like it was filmed with a 80’s camera.
The over sharpening can really go over the top sometimes.
It’s just not fun shooting with a phone. Lack of flip screen means you’re restricted to very common angles.
It’s so tough! Dedicated cameras are definitely more fun.
@@tombuck also once you start shooting in lower light on an iPhone , the video becomes very noisy and unusable on a larger screen. The computational photography to hide the smaller sensor doesn’t apply to videos.
i appreciate the puns
why did you delete my comment ? I just asked you a question.. do you think I'm a bot ? I'm not
Lots of comments get blocked by spam filters, I didn't see a question 😬
20:49 chapter title: "So what's the point of all this?"
The point is to clickbait on the title.
In what way is this clickbait?
@@tombuck I love your videos, but this isn't titled "Differences between dedicated cameras and smartphones through the years" or "How imaging tech has evolved in the last X years" or something even playful and less dry about tinkering with old cameras or similar. No, this title has a question, said question is well known to incite heated responses (luckily you have cultivated a nice fan base so there will be few of those), the term "real" cameras doesn't help that issue and in the end answering said question isn't the object of the video. Hence, clickbait. The video is pretty fun though, as usual.
@@dasnackI think he just baited you into writing another comment. Just genius move. Hell, he baited me too here.
@@blackbugmedia I don't mind those, they don't take much time and I don't assume bad faith from a channel I like.
@@dasnack I agree, and I think your assessment stated above, with your own suggestions for the title, is fair.
BRO i dont know if apple sponsored this video but the Galaxy S23 utltra noye 20 ultra 8k performs and looks better than your red and iphones put together ...dont be bias when leading the sheeple
I was pretty clear in saying there are likely Android phones with better quality, but the phones I have are representative of different time periods. We’re looking at overall development, not necessarily the absolute best.