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.
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.
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 TH-cam (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.
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'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 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.
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… 🤔
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 :)
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!
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 ❤
My phone doesn't support hdr and it looks like an unprocessed log profile xd, but I think it's the fault of the TH-cam app because it could have at least been converted to sdr.
@@leoruhland5885TH-cam should automatic show you a sdr version. Perhaps the app thinks your phone supprt hdr. Can you choose something else, where you change quality?
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
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
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.
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?
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.
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.
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!
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.
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. .
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!
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 !!!!
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.
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?
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...
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.
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.
I love your channel. I have a used Canon EOS Rebel LS3 with a EFS 18-55mm set to auto only for my YT talking head videos. What would be the next camera/ lens for me? 1,500 range TH-cam, talking head with blurry background. Thanks, Myles
Using a professional camera makes things a lot harder to use on social media which is a big draw back. Importing to your computer and then sending it back over to your phone sucks, unless it’s your job to get juicy pictures. Therefore the convenience of the smart phone outweighs everything else, in most situations. Is there an easier way to manage files back and forth between camera and phone?
That's like a 4-step process (snap, send, edit, send) Definitely works but it's a pain. I actually figured out you can plug the SD card straight into your phone. Good for Instagram stories or carousel posts while you're on the go @@ThatAverageMTBer
Thanks for your videos, I enjoy them and learn a lot. But one question when you do such direct comparisons: what format do you use for the iPhone photos - post-processed raw, jpeg, heif? Surely the format would change the outcome (of course depending on zoom levels).
Hello, please can you mention which camera and lens you used for filming your indoor scenes? I was watching on a QD OLED tv and the colors looks excellent especially in your indoor scenes.
Just out of curiosity, what are the results from a latest version smartphone when you shoot in ProRAW? Wondering if the phone still tries to "enhance" the picture.
My friend recently got a samsung galaxy A54 and even when shooting RAW in lightroom, the images where processed with a lot of noise reduction and some sharpening. It felt like a slap in the face
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.
the 135mm sony f1.8 g master lens cant be replicated on a cell phone. the nice thing too is that since more and more people are mostly using cell phones it makes those with decidated cameras stand out a bit more
Yes indeed. Every time I go to Universal Orlando and at every photo opportunity a "101" phones pop up. Most times I feel like I am the only one with a Bonafide camera, other than park staff.
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.
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.
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!
When you compared it I noticed that you shot with the normal camera app. Where the iPhone exceeds is with apps and shooting raw heck you can even use off camera flash with a iPhone.
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.
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.
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.
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.❤
Your videos have a very nice true HDR (wide dynamic range, not compressed to SDR) effect on my iPhone. What is your workflow for editing? Every time I try, I end up with radically different exposure than expected.
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.
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.
A great comparison video. I don't agree with all the points on image quality, BUT as a phot., who uses all three systems (phone,dslr, and film) the camera is always the way to go. Especially with any form of critical photography. And a camera is definately easier to hold. I find my horseman 6x7 120 film press camera easier to operate in the feild than my smart phone, even without a tripod. BECAUSE it was designed as a camera. not something to put in your pocket.
I never understood the portability argument. I carry my Canon 1DX Classic with me everywhere I go using a shoulder strap, hell even just going to the grocery store in case I see something interesting on the way there. It's not heavy at all as the strap offloads the weight, nor does it get in the way. Plus I can use it as an improvised arm rest! :D
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.
After using pro cameras for more than 15 years I completely disagree. For most of the time you don't need anything more than a smartphone, even for work.
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.
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.
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.
@@simonrockstream Ben Afflek said he could have filmed “Good Will Hunting” on a IPhone. He was saying the iPhone camera was as good as cameras they paid 50K for just a few years ago. Best camera is the one you have with you and I always have my phone.
Bit of topic but a question given the dust issues good idea to leave lenses at full telephoto when Not in use lessen the suck motion s ?reasons for or against or at the length you use the most have not had dust issues but also using rain covers over long zoom s for dust protection .spoilt lenses lol
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.
Only a small fraction of the population used to take photos with real cameras, with the rest having albums full of really terrible photos from Brownie cameras. So I-phone cameras are better than that. I don't see how anyone who knows anything about photography could see their phone as a substitute for an actual camera though. Even just taking a few snapshots with it when that is all I have is frustrating to me.
Very true. First job, I sold cameras in the late '60s and the preponderance of fixed focus Brownies and Instamatics was extreme. We sold dozens of cheap cameras for each (even modest) adjustable camera. Despite their limitations, phone cameras are much better than the box cameras of those days.
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
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.
I'll never use smartphone video in any production. The biggest issue (and this applies to all the flagships including Samsung and Apple and I'll even include Google because it's well known for photos and video) is smartphones have variable frame rates. You set it to 23.976 and the video will bounce around that. It looks horrible especially when you're trying to integrate smartphone video into a high quality video. You get it to record 59.94 and it bounces around that value. I've even seen 59.94 set video drop down to 45 fps when the phone started to get hot in order to prevent overheating.
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.
Did you guys try to compared the mobile phones vs the camera on auto mode? My phone is making those HDR pictures and stack them automatically, so in a nice bright day I have the sky nicely blue and the person is in focus. I would like to see a video where someone is testing few brands how are they doing in Auto, A, S or P mode compared to a flagship phone?
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
This is why when I just replaced my IPhone 6s I just got a regular 14, not the latest or a pro model. I just don’t see myself ever using a phone for anything other than casual snapshots or record shots to view on my screen as well as some video. And they are great for that.
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.
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.
what you did not mention was the sensor size, smart phone is very small compared to a full frame, even aps C sensor is better. also the lens is important, for dslr or mirrorless, lens are coated, and in different ways to eleminate flare etc and more. cell phone photos for some cases like social media are ok, the best is using a real camera and a lens. thanks.
2:50 Talking about notifications, that transition to point 2 looked like I was getting a call lol. It's my fault, really, I have set my phone to be all Black/Purple so it looked similar.
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.
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.
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 TH-cam (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.
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'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 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.
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.
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 !!!
Isn't the 18-150 a aps-c lens? Why use that lens with the RP?
😂😂😂😂😅😅
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 :)
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.
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 ❤
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 TH-cam app because it could have at least been converted to sdr.
@@leoruhland5885TH-cam should automatic show you a sdr version. Perhaps the app thinks your phone supprt hdr. Can you choose something else, where you change quality?
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
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
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.
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?
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
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.
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!
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.
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. .
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!
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 !!!!
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.
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?
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.
Great comparison and obvious outcome; many thanks for your amazing content throughout 2023 and hope you both have a great New Year ............
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.
3:40 Definitely true and very handy indeed
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...
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.
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.
I love your channel. I have a used Canon EOS Rebel LS3 with a EFS 18-55mm set to auto only for my YT talking head videos. What would be the next camera/ lens for me? 1,500 range TH-cam, talking head with blurry background.
Thanks, Myles
Totally Agree, but Why are you using an RF-S lens on an EOS RP? Why not an R50?
Using a professional camera makes things a lot harder to use on social media which is a big draw back.
Importing to your computer and then sending it back over to your phone sucks, unless it’s your job to get juicy pictures.
Therefore the convenience of the smart phone outweighs everything else, in most situations.
Is there an easier way to manage files back and forth between camera and phone?
I edit photos on my mac and I just airdrop them over to my iphone once I'm done
That's like a 4-step process (snap, send, edit, send)
Definitely works but it's a pain.
I actually figured out you can plug the SD card straight into your phone. Good for Instagram stories or carousel posts while you're on the go @@ThatAverageMTBer
Thanks for your videos, I enjoy them and learn a lot. But one question when you do such direct comparisons: what format do you use for the iPhone photos - post-processed raw, jpeg, heif? Surely the format would change the outcome (of course depending on zoom levels).
Thanks for asking about this, as I was planning to ask about it myself.
Thanks for this. It was informative and helpful. Happy
New Year's guys.
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.
Hello, please can you mention which camera and lens you used for filming your indoor scenes? I was watching on a QD OLED tv and the colors looks excellent especially in your indoor scenes.
Sony a7S III sdp.io/a7s3
Just out of curiosity, what are the results from a latest version smartphone when you shoot in ProRAW? Wondering if the phone still tries to "enhance" the picture.
My friend recently got a samsung galaxy A54 and even when shooting RAW in lightroom, the images where processed with a lot of noise reduction and some sharpening. It felt like a slap in the face
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.
the 135mm sony f1.8 g master lens cant be replicated on a cell phone. the nice thing too is that since more and more people are mostly using cell phones it makes those with decidated cameras stand out a bit more
Yes indeed. Every time I go to Universal Orlando and at every photo opportunity a "101" phones pop up. Most times I feel like I am the only one with a Bonafide camera, other than park staff.
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.
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.
Watching Chelsea be bored to tears in the background brings back some good memories
haha
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!
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.
When you compared it I noticed that you shot with the normal camera app. Where the iPhone exceeds is with apps and shooting raw heck you can even use off camera flash with a iPhone.
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.
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.
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.
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.❤
Your videos have a very nice true HDR (wide dynamic range, not compressed to SDR) effect on my iPhone. What is your workflow for editing? Every time I try, I end up with radically different exposure than expected.
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.
Hello, very good, I want to know if I can buy on this page from Colombia and if the warranty covers me?
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.
Can you test the OnePlus Open? I've seen it take awesome photos and since it's foldable with 2 screens it's handy for many photo situations.
A great comparison video. I don't agree with all the points on image quality, BUT as a phot., who uses all three systems (phone,dslr, and film) the camera is always the way to go. Especially with any form of critical photography. And a camera is definately easier to hold. I find my horseman 6x7 120 film press camera easier to operate in the feild than my smart phone, even without a tripod. BECAUSE it was designed as a camera. not something to put in your pocket.
Tony and Chelsea, your stuff is so valuable. Thanks for this video.
Happy New year! Best wishes ❤🎉
I never understood the portability argument. I carry my Canon 1DX Classic with me everywhere I go using a shoulder strap, hell even just going to the grocery store in case I see something interesting on the way there. It's not heavy at all as the strap offloads the weight, nor does it get in the way. Plus I can use it as an improvised arm rest! :D
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.
After using pro cameras for more than 15 years I completely disagree. For most of the time you don't need anything more than a smartphone, even for work.
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.
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.
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.
I have an ongoing joke with my friends. I'm bringing 2 cameras: My Canon R6 and the good camera, my Galaxy S23 Ultra.
It’s wonderful to watch your content in HDR. Well done. Only very few has embraced HDR and BT2020 colours.
iPhone camera is not a real camera? I guess I have thousands of real pictures and videos from my fake iPhone camera.
Yes bro. An iPhone is a phone, not a camera.
@@simonrockstream Ben Afflek said he could have filmed “Good Will Hunting” on a IPhone. He was saying the iPhone camera was as good as cameras they paid 50K for just a few years ago. Best camera is the one you have with you and I always have my phone.
How about the difference in sensor size and enlargement issues?
I agree. Ergonomics, strong flash, easy optical zoom even in a small point and shoot.
Bit of topic but a question given the dust issues good idea to leave lenses at full telephoto when Not in use lessen the suck motion s ?reasons for or against or at the length you use the most have not had dust issues but also using rain covers over long zoom s for dust protection .spoilt lenses lol
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
what equipment did you use to shoot this 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.
Only a small fraction of the population used to take photos with real cameras, with the rest having albums full of really terrible photos from Brownie cameras. So I-phone cameras are better than that. I don't see how anyone who knows anything about photography could see their phone as a substitute for an actual camera though. Even just taking a few snapshots with it when that is all I have is frustrating to me.
Very true. First job, I sold cameras in the late '60s and the preponderance of fixed focus Brownies and Instamatics was extreme. We sold dozens of cheap cameras for each (even modest) adjustable camera.
Despite their limitations, phone cameras are much better than the box cameras of those days.
Excellent Video !!!!
Glad you guys are here ❤
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
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.
I'll never use smartphone video in any production. The biggest issue (and this applies to all the flagships including Samsung and Apple and I'll even include Google because it's well known for photos and video) is smartphones have variable frame rates. You set it to 23.976 and the video will bounce around that. It looks horrible especially when you're trying to integrate smartphone video into a high quality video. You get it to record 59.94 and it bounces around that value. I've even seen 59.94 set video drop down to 45 fps when the phone started to get hot in order to prevent overheating.
Good presentation, Thanks!
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...
Did you guys try to compared the mobile phones vs the camera on auto mode? My phone is making those HDR pictures and stack them automatically, so in a nice bright day I have the sky nicely blue and the person is in focus. I would like to see a video where someone is testing few brands how are they doing in Auto, A, S or P mode compared to a flagship phone?
Great video! 😊👍🏻
whats that website called again? You guys didn't mention it enough
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
This is why when I just replaced my IPhone 6s I just got a regular 14, not the latest or a pro model. I just don’t see myself ever using a phone for anything other than casual snapshots or record shots to view on my screen as well as some video. And they are great for that.
Im curious, why an RF-s 18-150 lens, on a FF canon RP?
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.
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.
what you did not mention was the sensor size, smart phone is very small compared to a full frame, even aps C sensor is better. also the lens is important, for dslr or mirrorless, lens are coated, and in different ways to eleminate flare etc and more. cell phone photos for some cases like social media are ok, the best is using a real camera and a lens. thanks.
2:50 Talking about notifications, that transition to point 2 looked like I was getting a call lol. It's my fault, really, I have set my phone to be all Black/Purple so it looked similar.
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.