Professional Cameras vs iPhones: Which Camera Is Best?
As a professional photographer, I get asked all the time about iPhone camera capabilities. Phone cameras these days are advertised to be just as good as the high-quality ones available. While I love how many improvements phone cameras have made, there is nothing quite like a professional camera.
Today, let's dive into a topic that so many of us have wondered about —the battle between trusty professional cameras and the mighty iPhone. Sure, iPhones have come a long way, but let's discuss why, in certain scenarios, my professional cameras still steal the spotlight.
The Complexity of Light
As everyone knows, lighting makes or breaks a photo. As a professional photographer, I shoot all kinds of space in order to bring a client’s dream to life. No matter the task at hand, whether it be residential, commercial, or even restaurant photography, I need to be prepared for all types of unstable lighting. Below, you can see the exact same shoot and lighting at the historic Lafayette Hotel using an iPhone and professional camera. I’ll be upfront and say my favorite: it’s absolutely the second shot with my trusty Canon tilt shift 24mm f3.5.
Professional Camera Shot
iPhone Shot
More often than not, the nuances of a shoot challenge the limits of trusty iPhones. With professional cameras, I’m able to toy the balance between light and shadow, which highlights the mood and details of a shoot the way both myself and the client dream it to look like.
Manipulating Light With Professional Camera Settings
As a professional photographer, I understand that true artistry lies not just in capturing the existing light but in bending it to my creative will. By harnessing the potential of professional camera settings, I can introduce artificial lighting, control exposure, and finesse shadows, ensuring that the final image reflects not just the scene's reality, but an enhanced version that creates a unique perspective. It's not about working with what's given; it's about sculpting the light to tell a story, capturing moments in a way that creates an art of visual storytelling.
More than that, artificial lighting works hand-in-hand with professional cameras. When I go on a shoot that requires more than the natural light available, all the cameras in my arsenal work perfectly with additional lighting tools.
The More Pixels, The Better
Ever zoomed into an iPhone photo and encountered a bit of grain or a loss of clarity? My professional cameras capture every small detail, preserving the authenticity of the space, which is all due to the increased pixel count available. Professional cameras are so good these days, I’m able to combine thousands and thousands of little squares to perfectly showcase the in-person perspective through a captured moment. Once again, I’ve included the same shot from a project with the Rare Society, and I have to say iPhone photography does not do this stunning dining room justice!
Professional Camera Shot
iPhone Shot
iPhones have filters, sure, but my professional photos work seamlessly with editing software to take the final shot to the next level. I’m able to fine-tune exposure, color balance, and sharpness in a really natural way due to the increased pixel count. With a greater amount of pixels to work with, I’m able to create a perfect balance between altering a photo enough to highlight the features, but not so much that it looks artificial.
A Gorgeous Final Product
None of this is to discourage you from experimenting with the possibilities of iPhone photography. This is one of the best places to start! If you are looking to take your professionalism and overall picture quality to the next level, I cannot recommend investing in a professional camera enough. To see exactly what I bring in my bag on a shoot day, click here.
Looking to invest in a professional camera, but are unsure of what would be best for your needs and style. Let’s brainstorm together! Set up a 1-on-1 consulting meeting with me to discuss everything you need when it comes to equipment.
