Posted: 05/05/2023 from Picture Correct.

While most smartphone users are familiar with the basic features of their camera, there are lesser-known features and capabilities that can greatly enhance the photography experience. Some of these features may be device-specific or available through third-party apps, but photographers should be aware of the following:
advanced smartphone photography

Photo captured by Omar Prestwich

1. RAW image capture: Many smartphones allow users to capture images in RAW format, which provides more control over post-processing.

2. Manual mode: Some smartphones have a manual mode that allows users to adjust settings like shutter speed, ISO, and focus, providing greater creative control.

3. Focus peaking: This feature highlights in-focus areas of the image, making it easier to determine the depth of field and ensure a sharp focus.

4. Long exposure: Some smartphones support long exposure photography, allowing users to capture light trails, star trails, or smooth water effects.

5. Bracketing: With bracketing, the camera takes multiple images at different exposure levels, allowing photographers to merge them for HDR photos or choose the best exposure later.

6. ProRAW: Exclusive to some iPhone models, ProRAW combines the benefits of RAW format and computational photography for greater flexibility in post-processing.

7. Night mode: This feature enables better low-light photography by taking multiple images and combining them to reduce noise and enhance detail.

8. Burst mode: By holding down the shutter button, users can take a rapid succession of images, making it easier to capture action or fast-moving subjects.

9. Time-lapse: Many smartphones have a built-in time-lapse feature, allowing users to create stunning videos by capturing images at specific intervals.

10. External lenses: To expand their smartphone’s capabilities, photographers can use external lenses, such as wide-angle, telephoto, or macro lenses, which can be attached to the phone’s camera.

Remember that not all smartphones may have these features, and updates or new models may introduce even more capabilities. To get the most out of your smartphone camera, it’s essential to explore and experiment with the available settings and features.

Maybe under some conditions but I know for a fact that my 17 month old iPhone doesn’t hold a candle to my Nikon D800, which is what, 10 years old? I took the following photos from my back door last winter, one with the D800 and 80-200 lens and heavily cropped. The other with the iPhone. Both subjects actually started out about the same size. Zoom in on the iPhone image and you can’t tell where the possum ends and the hawk begins. iPhone cameras as good as DSLR? Not in my experience. I will admit the the iPhone does an amazingly good job in low light conditions, as long as I don’t want to enlarge the image displayed.