What's everyones thoughts on mobile photography?

[AlphaArt]

I have tended to go with high end phones with ok cameras and have taken some good memories. Currently using Galaxy S20+ and I find it handy when no slr is available or for wide angle when using SLR with zoom.

 

[Uncle Kevriano]

For the last 2 years I've used my Huawei for all of my landscape shots, as I don't concentrate on that as a subject. To be honest, it's damned good at it.

 

[Osval]

In my opinion, mobile photography is great and made our passion reach the masses. It's the same as DSLR/Mirrorless? Damn, no, but in some aspects it's superior. Sooner or later, our cameras will have to adapt computational photography. It's not acceptable that a basic phone can have much more processing power that our cameras.

Regarding quality, sometimes I have to see the exif data to check if it was taken by my phone or with my DSLR (I'm talking about my old 18MP Canon, still not enough photos with my Sony to compare).

 

[gracie]

I am just now getting started using a camera vs. a phone for photography. I love my phone and think the pics I get with my Pixel phones are fairly decent.

 

[FowlersFreeTime]

I am just now getting started using a camera vs. a phone for photography. I love my phone and think the pics I get with my Pixel phones are fairly decent.

One thing is for sure, it takes a whole lot less effort to create a collage (like your two examples) on your phone, rather than take photos on the camera and futz around in photoshop to export similar results.

I've told you my mom is pretty ace at the phone photography, we compare shots ALL THE TIME. I keep losing the game because she's got more natural talent than I, and she isn't shy to push her cellphone in people's faces and take shots at family events (whereas I am more reserved and people tend to shy away from a big lens).
My eternal retort is "Yes, but mine (Sony Pictures) will print better" however I have yet to print one of my photos on studio quality paper or ink. So if the medium judged is digital, like social media, smartphone photography is a force to be reckoned with.

 

[gracie]

I just spent the last hour downloading phone pics to add. Hoping someday my camera shots will come close or be better

 

[gracie]

There are so many I'd love to share....but this is just a sampling of the kinds of things that catch my eye

 

[Clix Pix]

Some really nice shots here! Definitely you need to grab yourself a macro lens for use with your A6000 and I'll bet you will be really tickled at what you can do with it! Also, yes, something in the mid-range/short tele and a telephoto lens as well..... Start with one thing at a time, though! Get one new lens, spend some time working with it and then eventually when you want to move to a different kind of shooting pick up another lens or a zoom lens which covers a fair amount of range from sort-of-wide to long (such as 200 or 300mm).

Actually..... This may seem a bit off-the-wall but think about it. Rather than buying a new lens right now, what about trying a Sony RX10 IV, which is an amazing all-in-one fixed-lens so-called "super-zoom" camera that goes from 24mm - 600mm (35mm equiv on a 1" sensor).....? It would give you a lot of what you want: versatility in shooting various subjects and scenes and has a lot more to offer in the way of controls than your smartphone does. It works surprisingly well for doing closeups outdoors but I will say that for some macro work indoors or under poor lighting it really doesn't quite do what I want, which is why I have other cameras with other lenses to handle that.

You definitely have a good eye for composition and finding interesting subjects. You deserve and really need to move beyond just a smartphone for your photography!

 

[gracie]

Some really nice shots here! Definitely you need to grab yourself a macro lens for use with your A6000 and I'll bet you will be really tickled at what you can do with it! Also, yes, something in the mid-range/short tele and a telephoto lens as well..... Start with one thing at a time, though! Get one new lens, spend some time working with it and then eventually when you want to move to a different kind of shooting pick up another lens or a zoom lens which covers a fair amount of range from sort-of-wide to long (such as 200 or 300mm).

Actually..... This may seem a bit off-the-wall but think about it. Rather than buying a new lens right now, what about trying a Sony RX10 IV, which is an amazing all-in-one fixed-lens so-called "super-zoom" camera that goes from 24mm - 600mm (35mm equiv on a 1" sensor).....? It would give you a lot of what you want: versatility in shooting various subjects and scenes and has a lot more to offer in the way of controls than your smartphone does. It works surprisingly well for doing closeups outdoors but I will say that for some macro work indoors or under poor lighting it really doesn't quite do what I want, which is why I have other cameras with other lenses to handle that.

You definitely have a good eye for composition and finding interesting subjects. You deserve and really need to move beyond just a smartphone for your photography!

Aww! Thank you for saying such kind things! I appreciate that. Thank you for the suggestions.

So, I don't have much cash but want to shoot macro, would you recommend getting a new lense or try the RX10 IV to get the most bang for my buck right now?

 

[Clix Pix]

Oh, that's an easy one! Get a new macro lens and play with it on your A6000, see what you can do.....

It's hard when funds are limited, that's for sure! The Sony 50mm macro lens is significantly less expensive than the 90mm macro lens, but off the top of my head I don't know the prices of either. I can say that the 90mm lens is really much more worth the money than the 50mm. More versatile, too. It is one of Sony's best lenses, really. It all but lives on my A7R IV most of the time.

However, if you would rather put the money into being able to shoot with a vast range of focal lengths without needing to change lenses, the RX10 IV wins the day. It is around $1700.00 if I recall correctly, give or take a little -- but for that you are getting the whole shebang, fixed zoom lens plus really surprisingly good camera body which is comfortable to hold and handle. No lens changing required to go from 24mm to 600mm (35mm equivalent). The body feels much like a small DSLR with all the usual controls and such. It is not a pocketable device by any means. For that, Sony offers the much smaller, more compact RX100 series.

 

[pointreyes]

The oldest camera I use, and it is my main video camera and all-in-one wonder for family vacations is the RX10iv. It is a stacked sensor camera with the A9 algorithms for the AF. It can even shoot stills at 24 fps. There are really only three big features I wish it had: 1) Z battery, 2) dual card slots, and 3) unlimited video recording. Camera feels great in my hands to use.

 

[gracie]

The oldest camera I use, and it is my main video camera and all-in-one wonder for family vacations is the RX10iv. It is a stacked sensor camera with the A9 algorithms for the AF. It can even shoot stills at 24 fps. There are really only three big features I wish it had: 1) Z battery, 2) dual card slots, and 3) unlimited video recording. Camera feels great in my hands to use.

I guess that's 2 votes for the RX10 IV!

 

[Jeff A]

I just spent the last hour downloading phone pics to add. Hoping someday my camera shots will come close or be better

Gracie, you have an incredibly good eye for photography. You definatly need to exploit your abilities with some good glass.

 

[gracie]

Gracie, you have an incredibly good eye for photography. You definatley need to exploit your abilities with same good glass.

Thank you so much!

 

[MrFotoFool]

I am an old timer who only begrudgingly got a smart phone a few years ago when my work necessitated it and my trusty land line finally died. I do not use my phone for photos. When I want snapshots, I use a Fuji pocket camera in the same way most people would use their phone. I can't see myself ever using my phone for photos (I barely even know how), unless it's an emergency that needs to be recorded (for insurance or whatever). I realize I am in a very small minority in this regard.

 

[Clix Pix]

I use my iPhone for quick snaps when I see something while I'm out-and-about, or sometimes at home I'll get an idea and want to try it out, and quickly fire off a few shots with the iPhone before deciding whether or not the idea is worth getting the real gear out. I actually use my iPhone more for photos and enjoying music than I do for phone calls and texts!

On the topic of the RX10 IV: the Zeiss lens on that camera is truly amazing, very, very high quality, which really astonished me when I started using the camera. I had initially purchased it in preparation for a trip to a beach area and did not want to take a camera with interchangeable lenses. I also needed a long focal length, too, for some of the shooting I knew I'd be doing. I had not heard of the RX10 IV until I started doing my research on it, reading reviews and seeing example photos. I went to my local Best Buy and bought one, quickly getting it set up and doing a few getting-to-see-how-this-thing-works shots prior to packing for the trip which was coming up in a couple of days.

After the trip, I was really pleased with the camera and the results I was seeing. I started carrying it with me when going out on walks around the small lake where I live and was delighted at the versatility of that 24mm-600mm (35mm Equiv) range. A 1" sensor, by the way, although small, is still larger than the 1/2 inch sensor on most P&S cameras. Croppability is good up to a point, but one does need to be mindful that the resolution just isn't quite the same as, say, an APS-C or full-frame camera can provide. I've found a way around that by using Topaz's Gigapixel, which can extrapolate pixels and add more resolution. Works like a charm on some images , such as those where the subject was just a little too far away, even with 600mm, to get good detail on feathers or fur.

 

[Clix Pix]

OK, so I got curious and went to the B&H website to get prices for the two macro lenses and the RX10 IV:


Sony FE 50mm f/2.8 macro lens -- $548.00

Sony FE 90mm f/2.8 macro G OSS lens -- $1,098.00

Sony Cybershot DSC-RX10 IV Digital Camera -- $1698.00


In case you are wondering, the FE in the names of the first two lenses indicates that they are full-frame E-mount lenses. They will work on a Sony APS-C camera, too. Of course there are other third-party macro lenses which offer a Sony E-mount version, too, and many are fairly inexpensive. I tend to stick with the brand of camera body rather than buying third-party, the one exception being that I do have a couple of Voigtlander macro lenses, too.

 

[gracie]

You are just a wealth of info! Thank you so much! You answered my question about using different brand lenses...I was wondering if it was the safest bet to stick with the same lens as camera body. And now I know.

 

[gracie]

I am an old timer who only begrudgingly got a smart phone a few years ago when my work necessitated it and my trusty land line finally died. I do not use my phone for photos. When I want snapshots, I use a Fuji pocket camera in the same way most people would use their phone. I can't see myself ever using my phone for photos (I barely even know how), unless it's an emergency that needs to be recorded (for insurance or whatever). I realize I am in a very small minority in this regard.

I used to use point & shoot cameras and thought they were fantastic until I got my first smartphone. I fell in love with the capabilities of the Pixel phones. The Pixel 2 had an optional lens kit you could purchase. I bought the kit and that's when I became smitten with macro photography. There's a lot my phone can do and I almost always have it with me, unlike my camera. But now I think I'm ready to expand my horizons...and here I am, reading everyone's helpful suggestions.

 

[Clix Pix]

You are just a wealth of info! Thank you so much! You answered my question about using different brand lenses...I was wondering if it was the safest bet to stick with the same lens as camera body. And now I know.

My philosophy is that the camera manufacturer designs a camera body and designs a lens which will work smoothly with it. Kind of like Apple designs its computers, iPhones and iPads and also designs the software used in them. There is a certain synchronicity there. Getting back to cameras, an example of synchronicity in Sony's lineup is that one can use their 1.4x TC and 2x TC with some of their bodies and lenses (notably the long primes and the 100-400mm and 200-600mm zooms). Another manufacturer's lens, even if it is the same or similar length and range, cannot use the Sony TCs.

Third-party lenses are created by "reverse engineering," which is why some work better than others, with or without adapters. That said, the quality of third-party lenses has improved significantly over the past several years. Pricing on third-party lenses is usually less than the original manufacturer's, which makes sense. Some people buy third-party lenses and are quite happy with them, while others like me prefer to stick with the camera manufacturer (in this case, Sony).

 

[pointreyes]

I'm not sure if Tamron is reverse engineering the Sony E-mount.
Sony's AF algorithm is available to 3rd party manufacturers and Sony happens to have an investment in Tamron.

 

[Mike Renny]

It's quite incredible the images that smartphones can capture these days. This shot was taken at Durdle Door at sunset with the iPhone 13 Pro Max and edited on the fly using Adobe lightroom mobile.

 

[evacguy]

HI everyone, I'm new to the group having only just joined a few days ago. I'm also new to photography, just started about 9 months ago. I have a Sony A7iv and Sony GM 70-200mm f2.8 OSS II. I also use my Iphone 14 Pro which I think takes some great photographs. I really like Gracie's Iphone images, I think they are great examples of what can be done with a phone camera.

So my question is, is it acceptable to post images in the various Forums (or is it Fora?) taken with phone cameras or kit other than Sony Alpha? Or is this something frowned upon. I couldn't find anything in the guidelines, so I'm not sure. I guess its OK to post images in this forum taken with other kit as others already have, so here goes! All my images presented here were taken with the Iphone 14 Pro and post-processed in Lightroom.

• iPhone 14 Pro
• iPhone 14 Pro back triple camera 6.86mm f/1.78
• 6.9 mm
• ƒ/1.8
• 1/23000 sec
• ISO 64

• iPhone 14 Pro
• iPhone 14 Pro back triple camera 6.86mm f/1.78
• 6.9 mm
• ƒ/1.8
• 1/60 sec
• ISO 400

• iPhone 14 Pro
• iPhone 14 Pro back triple camera 2.22mm f/2.2
• 2.2 mm
• ƒ/2.2
• 1/220 sec
• ISO 40

• iPhone 14 Pro
• iPhone 14 Pro back triple camera 2.22mm f/2.2
• 2.2 mm
• ƒ/2.2
• 1/115 sec
• ISO 40

• iPhone 14 Pro
• iPhone 14 Pro back triple camera 9mm f/2.8
• 9.0 mm
• ƒ/2.8
• 1/950 sec
• ISO 32

• iPhone 14 Pro
• iPhone 14 Pro back triple camera 6.86mm f/1.78
• 6.9 mm
• ƒ/1.8
• 1/350 sec
• ISO 80

• iPhone 14 Pro
• iPhone 14 Pro back triple camera 6.86mm f/1.78
• 6.9 mm
• ƒ/1.8
• 1/1500 sec
• ISO 64

• iPhone 14 Pro
• iPhone 14 Pro back triple camera 6.86mm f/1.78
• 6.9 mm
• ƒ/1.8
• 1/9 sec
• ISO 3200

• iPhone 14 Pro
• iPhone 14 Pro back triple camera 2.22mm f/2.2
• 2.2 mm
• ƒ/2.2
• 1/100 sec
• ISO 160

 

[evacguy]

Several images of the Cutty Sark in Greenwich, the first two include the silhouette of the statue of Sir Walter Raleigh. The statue actually stands in the grounds of the Old Royal Naval College and is not part of the Cutty Sark exhibit. The pictures were taken using the Iphone 14 Pro and post processed in Lightroom. I think the Iphone 14 Pro has a great camera onboard.

• iPhone 14 Pro
• iPhone 14 Pro back triple camera 6.86mm f/1.78
• 6.9 mm
• ƒ/1.8
• 1/180 sec
• ISO 50

• iPhone 14 Pro
• iPhone 14 Pro back triple camera 6.86mm f/1.78
• 6.9 mm
• ƒ/1.8
• 1/180 sec
• ISO 50

• iPhone 14 Pro
• iPhone 14 Pro back triple camera 2.22mm f/2.2
• 2.2 mm
• ƒ/2.2
• 1/100 sec
• ISO 80

 

[Unframed Dave]

Sony also do a 30mm apsc macro, which is pretty good and makes a reasonable walkabout lens. I picked mine up secondhand for less than £200. It's not the 90, but there's a lot of spare change your way.

I recently took these with it:

Workshop at Sutton Hoo

These were from a workshop at Sutton Hoo led by Phil Morley https://phil-morley.co.uk/work This was a Christmas present from the kids and we had little idea about the theme other than it was close up photography. I decided to go light and simple, well the decision was made for me when the...

www.alphashooters.com

 

[evacguy]

Sony also do a 30mm apsc macro, which is pretty good and makes a reasonable walkabout lens. I picked mine up secondhand for less than £200. It's not the 90, but there's a lot of spare change your way.

I recently took these with it:

Workshop at Sutton Hoo

These were from a workshop at Sutton Hoo led by Phil Morley https://phil-morley.co.uk/work This was a Christmas present from the kids and we had little idea about the theme other than it was close up photography. I decided to go light and simple, well the decision was made for me when the...

www.alphashooters.com

Hi Dave, they are great images. I'm loving the 70-200mm f2.8 OSS II so much that I never take it off my A7iv. I also have a Sony G 50mm f2.5, but haven't used it since I got the 70-200mm. I guess I should get it out and use it more often, especially for shots like the ones of the Cutty Sark. I couldn't get the images I wanted with @70mm so pulled out the Iphone 14 Pro. I guess the 50m would have worked on these shots?

 

[Unframed Dave]

Hi Dave, they are great images. I'm loving the 70-200mm f2.8 OSS II so much that I never take it off my A7iv. I also have a Sony G 50mm f2.5, but haven't used it since I got the 70-200mm. I guess I should get it out and use it more often, especially for shots like the ones of the Cutty Sark. I couldn't get the images I wanted with @70mm so pulled out the Iphone 14 Pro. I guess the 50m would have worked on these shots?

Hard to say, as it depends on how far you could get back from the ship and in doing so, how much clutter would get in the way of the shot.

Yesterday, I was walking with my 35 and 10 - 16 on two a6600 bodies. They offered all the scope I needed and the 70 - 210 stayed at the hotel, how was I to know there'd be a raven on a lamp post eating from a shiny packet of crisps?

Zooms are often given the cold shoulder on here in favour of their much more charismatic prime cousins. There's a lot of logic for this train of thought, but there are times when you simply cannot be forced to stand in the right place as demanded by a prime, in the middle of Japan's traffic for example. Another example is street photography where people sometimes object to having a 50 stuffed in their face, but won't notice a medium telephoto from a distance. My own personal view is that the unobserved candid is often preferable to a posed shot.

So, in short, there is no answer to the question, often the lens you need is back at home or still in the shop, our lot is one of compromise and eternal regret. We strive perfection yet lack the shoulders to carry the tools. We admire the work of others and see imperfections in our own.

The knack is to be more zen like, enjoy your hobby and keep your memories. Share your victories and derive pleasure in what you achieve.

Digital has opened up photography for so many people and for others, it's narrowed their field of view. You do you!

What I intended to be a straightforward answer toom me down a fairly philosophical path, could be the jet lag, it's 2 in the morning here after all, or perhaps I'm right, others will be along to let you know...

Goodnight.

 

[evacguy]

I had my A7iv + 70-200mm f2.8 but I just couldn't get all of St.Pauls and the reflection in the shot. I think I'd need a 35mm lens to get this lot in! Luckily, I had my Iphone14 Pro with me. I did some post in Lightroom, but I think the Iphone14 Pro did a pretty good job.

• iPhone 14 Pro
• iPhone 14 Pro back triple camera 6.86mm f/1.78
• 6.9 mm
• ƒ/1.8
• 1/1000 sec
• ISO 80

• iPhone 14 Pro
• iPhone 14 Pro back triple camera 6.86mm f/1.78
• 6.9 mm
• ƒ/1.8
• 1/1000 sec
• ISO 80

 

[evacguy]

A couple of shots from two days in London, both taken with the Iphone14 Pro and postprocessed in Lightroom. The first is the Shard from London Bridge Station, Platform 1. The sky really did look like that, I was going to get my A7iv out, but my train just pulled in (bottom of the frame), so I used the best camera I had! Second image is from the back of a London Black Cab, one of my favourite buildings came into view so once again, I used the best camera I had at the time. Unfortunately, in both cases, I didn't have a chance to put the camera in RAW mode, so both are jpegs.

• iPhone 14 Pro
• iPhone 14 Pro back triple camera 6.86mm f/1.78
• 6.9 mm
• ƒ/1.8
• 1/2200 sec
• ISO 80

• iPhone 14 Pro
• iPhone 14 Pro back triple camera 2.22mm f/2.2
• 2.2 mm
• ƒ/2.2
• 1/100 sec
• ISO 50

 

[evacguy]

Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance - Old Royal Naval College Greenwich.
Iphone14 Pro + Lightroom.

• iPhone 14 Pro
• iPhone 14 Pro back triple camera 6.86mm f/1.78
• 6.9 mm
• ƒ/1.8
• 1/60 sec
• ISO 250