If you regularly visit this site, you’ve probably noticed that I haven’t posted anything for over a month. That’s because I’ve been out of the country travelling. First to Dubai, which was then followed by Japan. Both locations have been high on my photography bucket list for years, so I decided it was about time I visited.
Now that I’m back, I thought I would share some of my images from Dubai. These were captured using a Micro Four Thirds camera and an iPhone.
This first shot was taken with an Olympus EM5 Mark 3 and a Panasonic 45-150 lens at 61mm. The camera was mounted on a tripod for an exposure of 0.8 seconds at f/6.3 and ISO200. I also had the camera set to high-resolution mode, where it combines multiple images to produce a huge 80-megapixel RAW file.
This next image was shot using the Olympus EM5 and the same lens at 72mm. It was also taken with the camera in high-resolution mode. The exposure was also 0.8 seconds at f/6.3 and ISO200.
I was pleased with this camera’s performance. I had purchased it specifically as a travel camera and the image quality is excellent. But then something strange happened. I began using my iPhone more and my camera less.
My iPhone is a simple 2nd generation SE model with a single 12-megapixel camera and is about four years old. Despite this, I captured this shot handheld at 1/60 second and ISO640. It was a JPEG image taken with the standard Apple Camera app in auto. I then edited it using Google Snapseed on my iPad.
It’s tempting to think that this is a poor-quality image that wouldn’t print well, but nothing could be further from the truth. Running the image through Topaz Photo AI produced a great 27-inch photo at 300ppi. This was too big for my needs, so I reduced and printed it on A3+ paper. The print looks superb.
What I was finding is that it’s often easier to photograph with my iPhone than a camera.
This is another handheld iPhone photo captured inside the Museum of the Future. As with many other shots, the image quality is great and sufficient to make an A2 print. This was even in the most challenging of circumstances like with the following image.
This is a handheld shot with the iPhone from the rooftop bar of my hotel. It’s a 1/25 second exposure at ISO640.
When I started this blog around ten years ago, it was because I realised something important. People had begun taking better photographs with their phones than with big, expensive cameras. At the time, the phones weren’t quite good enough, but it was enough to make me swap my DSLR for a mirrorless camera. The small size and weight felt much easier to use which improved my photography.
Today, the phones in our pockets have improved still further and now often rival our cameras. No, they aren’t as flexible, but they do allow you to take great shots, often in situations where we can’t use a regular camera. It’s made me realise that I shouldn’t buy that next great lens but instead put the money towards a better phone.
I hope you like the photos and have a great weekend.
The Lightweight Photographer 
Great photos, Robin! I too sometimes use my phone for quick snapshots; but I usually love moderately long lenses, say in the 75-150 mm full frame equivalent range, and this is where the phone is lacking.
Yes, a long lens is something that’s missing from a phone. I have seen some reasonable quality shots taken with a clip-on lens but it’s an area where they can’t yet match a camera system.
Since I bought my iPhone 13Pro last year I haven’t used my Pentax K3-II and associated lenses. Every photo that’s been in my online magazine for the last 12 months has been taken with my phone.
As mentioned, it’s only when I need to focus in on something that lets it down.
More and more people are sharing stories like this with me. It’s great to hear but I hope it doesn’t kill the camera.
I am a maritime photographer and use the iPhone 15 Pro Max with its long (relatively, 120 equivalent ) lens, having sold my Fuji camera and lenses. I have had two images used as double page spreads, published in Warships IFR magazine this year. I could not agree more about the quality of the images produced by today’s iPhones.
The sounds great. I wasn’t aware that there was a long lens on the iPhone 15. I really need to study what’s on offer. Thank you.
I love the honesty and logic of your newsletter Robin. Having arrived at the same conclusion, I too use a basic iPhone (13mini) and handhold a Oly EM5 lll when walking in the mountains and hills both are brilliant. Perfectly good enough.
Thank you. I just like to share my thoughts about photography. I’m not wedded to a camera make or tool. I just like to take photos. I do have a soft spot for the Olympus EM5 series though. Great cameras.
Perhaps it isn’t an either-or choice as much as having an additional tool to make pictures. I will use both m43 and iPhone on photo trips to take advantage of the scenario in front of me. The social setting to get the image usually drives my choice.
I think you’ve hit the nail on the head. It’s about the right tool for the task at hand.
Interesting conclusion but consistent with a light photographer mindset.
True, but it’s less about the midset and more a desire to get a good shot. Sometimes it’s so much easier with a phone.
I don’t have an iPhone and haven’t been able to get anything I like with my cheap android. But I’m considering a move.
My iPhone 13 Pro Max takes wonderful pictures. However, it is missing two things I find absolute necessary for me – a viewfinder (I like to shut out distractions when I can) and an articulating screen (I am older and just can’t get into some of the positions needed to get the image I want). Also, I just like a camera!
Yes, I also prefer to use a camera but recently I’ve found quite a few times where I couldn’t and the iPhone has surprised me.
Well as to bending down, believe me I sympathise. However, if you own an Apple Watch that can be used as a camera remote, including a remote screen. This would enable you to take awkward shots. Though as to a viewfinder, surely somebody manufactures a clip on back that would act as a sort of viewfinder.