Camera vs Phone: Can You Really Take Great Nature Photos With Both?
Have you ever been so shocked by a landscape that you pull out your phone to take a photo and it just does not look the same? One of the most common questions I get asked and beginners ask when they first start to dive into photography is: “is it even worth it to have a camera” and, “My phone can take that image.”
Short answer: yes, your phone can take a photo that might be great for sharing out with your friends and family, but if you are truly wanting to pursue photography, having a camera that you have full control over is a must. It is all about the way you set up the shot and how your settings work together.
What Makes a Great Nature Photo?
Let's talk about what makes a great nature photo:
Light
Composition
Emotion
Story
Timing
Whatever your shooting on just has a way of elevating those fundamental elements to being a great landscape photographer.
PHONES:
I will not hate on using your phone for photos, I do this all the time. I think for myself it is important to have photos on all of my devices including phones, cameras, film, video, anything I can get to capture the moment I have it.
Pros of using a phone:
Always with you
Light and easy to carry
Will adjust to lighting for you
Awesome for hiking, small travel, and normal everyday moments.
Great for wide landscapes or panoramas (if you do not know how to make one in a camera)
SOCAIL MEDIA CONTENT!!!!
Cons of using a phone:
Little to no control of manual settings
Small sensors making low lighting harder to capture (have you ever had to wait for your phone to load in a dark room and then your image is still blurry, yea me too)
Not able to focus the depth of field
Digital zoom reduces image quality
Phone cameras are always getting better and better, but not being able to have full control over your tool makes it a little but harder to get the image that you are seeking out.
CAMERAS:
A camera opens a door to a whole new world of photography, and gives you 100% more creative control. This creative control can help you find your style, as a photographer.
Pros of using a camera:
FULL control over aperture, shutter speed, and ISO
Better performance in low light
Multiple different kinds of lenses (Long and wide)
More range and detail
More editing ability when shooting a high quality RAW File
Large prints and fine art work can be made
Cons of using a camera:
Heavier when moving
Requires more learning (But hey! I’m here to help)
More expensive up front (Sorta, I just went and got the new IPhone 17Pro max, this phone cost me about $1300, there are cameras you can get for this price, used cameras, beginner cameras. There are options.
Having a camera you can just learn your basics on is super important! The basics make you learn who you are as a photographer.
So what one is better?
Let's ask some questions to help us make that decision:
What do I want to photograph?
How much control do I want?
Do I enjoy learning technical skills?
Where will I use these photos?
Answering these questions can help you determine what approach you are wanting to take.
Colorado: Rocky Mountain National Park, Alberta Falls
Final Thoughts:
The most important thing to remember is the best camera is the one that speaks to you, and helps you bring your vision to life. Learning the 5 elements of a good nature photo will bring your image to life whether you're using a camera or phone. You do not need to wait for the “Perfect” camera to get started on capturing images. Learn with what you have and if you are wanting to step it up, then it might be time to start looking for a new camera!