DSLR Vs iPhone Camera, Do I Need One over The Other?

I don’t know if I should get a DSLR camera/Mirrorless camera despite having an iPhone 14 pro max. I have transferred my photo/video into my computer but I want the high quality to stay. I don’t know if that’s because of my phone or because I need a different camera.

How do I transfer video into my PC with that same quality as I see on my phone? This is because when I transfer the video, the quality changes. Is it because of phone setting? I’ve put on 4K etc.

Does RAW/JPEG differ a lot and should I be taking photo in RAW?

The good thing about smartphone is that it’s compact and portable. This outweighs the need to carry bulky DSLR.

When I transfer my photo into my computer, I see files that I cannot view (I assume it’s the ones I deleted on my phone previously ) hence I delete them on my computer . After transferring I delete the photos, does this mean that it will be erase from my phone or will it be there (similar files that I can see previously), hidden files etc?

Comments

                      • @7ekn00: Obviously your error, not Apple’s, if you think you needed iTunes to transfer photos back in 2014.

                        Anyway, if you’re still plugging it in, you’re doing it wrong.

                        BTW, why is your phone only USB3? That’s 14 year old tech right there! 3.1, 3.2 and 4 have been around for a few years now? Just seems like another gotcha to me.

                      • @7ekn00: What phone do you have that does 4k60 @300Mbps?

                        I’m not sure about this walled garden you’re talking about. Apple, generally yeah, stick to their own. But you can get OneDrive and Google drive on the iPhone.

                        Onedrive gives me 1tb which I think is decent enough. If I were to fill that up with 4K videos from a phone, I would say I’m using the wrong medium.

                        Regardless of transfer speed and which one is better, I actually have auto upload and download set up to my computer. Therefore, if I ever do need a video from my phone, chances are, it is already on my computer! No plugging anything in and waiting.

                        So maybe, using a cable (or card reader) would be beneficial if you recorded something and needed it immediately on a computer, but again, if you are doing it often, you’re using the wrong mediums.

                        P.S yes the iPhone 6 sucked.

    • On the iPhone: go to settings, photos, scroll down to “Transfer to Mac or PC” - choose Keep Originals
      Plug into PC
      When phone asks - choose Allow Access
      Open Windows Explorer
      Double click iPhone
      Double click Internal Storage, then double click DCIM, then find your photo, copy and paste to destination.

      @7ekn00
      My guess is you are pretty clueless regarding media files, etc might be time to learn how to transfer original files with and without usb cables.

      • My guess is you are pretty clueless regarding media files

        LOL whatever, I refuse to use Apple crappy walled garden, so no idea on the current set of constantly changing "limitations" that are specifically there to drain more $$ from their users ;)

  • +2

    Keeping in mind your phone screen is like what - 6 inches - and your monitor 23 or more - are you looking at the photos/videos on your monitor at the same size (6 inches)?

    Everything will look better quality if you keep it small - but once you blow it up you'll start seeing the imperfections.

    If you're only ever going to look at things on your phone/social media then you don't need a separate camera

    • -1

      The last sentence is the most accurate in this thread.

      Unless you are printing bigger than 6*4, no one outside photographers care if the freckle on your knob is clear or not. People are looking at the photo and it’s content.

      The message gets across just fine with an iPhone.

  • +1

    I have a cannon 5D DSLR but was talking to a professional photographer and it sounds like mirrorless cameras are the future, don't assume that an DSLR is better than mirrorless.

    At the end of the day it comes down to physical specs (light passing through a lense onto a sensor) an iphone will always be a compromise. An iphone is good for convenience and is good enough for posting on social media, family memories etc. but if you want to take things to the next level, make it a hobby or do things semi-professionally an iphone won't cut it.

    You never see a pro taking wedding photos, landscape photos, headshots etc with a iphone. but they probably still own a phone and will use it for general photos that don't require it.

    • cannon 5D DSLR

      is it the original mark 1 from 2005 ?

    • -1

      Mate, it was either Canon Nikon that announced late last year that they would cease making DSLRs completely.

      They're a dead end. Real pity, but that's how it is.

      • The on sensor focus system, combined with a good evf really is a killer combo. RIP dslr

        • I've yet to come across an EVF that I like :(

          I can work with OVF and the screens on the back of cameras, but not EVF. Last time I looked was with the latest Sony series in store.

    • Doesn't mirrorless just mean the body can be built more compact? How would it have any impact on the quality of the image?

    • The mirror doesn't even do anything, it just sits there and shows you what's in the lens. When you press the shutter button the mirror flaps out of the way and may as well not even be there. For all intents and purposes a DSLR and mirrorless camera is exactly the same, except the mirrorless uses a tiny screen in the viewfinder instead of a mirror, and the mirrorless is smaller because it doesn't need to accomodate the mirror and quieter because you don't have to hear that mirror slapping out of the way when pressing the shutter. I get the impression a lot of people think the mirror is somehow involved in taking photos yourself. It's only for preparing photos, and it's 2023 so tiny screens are just as good as a mirror. Only disadvantage is you can't look through the viewfinder when the camera is turned off because there's nothing to power the little screen.

  • +3

    The best camera is the one that you have on you at the time - will you be taking your DSLR everywhere you go?

  • Assuming OP is talking about travel photos, I'd go with only the mobile for the occasional photo of my travelling companions etc.
    My focus when I travel is on the experience of seeing it and being there. Sure, take a snap of a friend in front of the Eiffel Tower, but more importantly (to me) is to enjoy the view, the experience of being there, the myriad of languages being spoken in the crowd, the smells, everything.

    I do understand that some people travel specifically to capture images, even as their primary reason for that travel, but it doesn't sound as though OP is one of those.

  • okay so when on holidays this is what i do:

    dslr, waterproofcamera, 4x lenses, tripod, laptop

    at end of day, camera memory card to laptop; laptop transcodes videos and uploads to NAS at home and then clears card for the next day. NAS takes care of backup, inc offline backup, and cloud backup.
    easy!

  • i was once on the plane with my dslr and 300mm lens taking pics out the window; when a lady next to me with a small handbag was asked by the stewardess to put her bag away for take off - and said nothing to me :|

  • +2

    What an absurd bunch of questions.

    How do I transfer video into my PC with that same quality as I see on my phone? This is because when I transfer the video, the quality changes. Is it because of phone setting? I’ve put on 4K etc.

    First things first: you don't process video or photos on PCs. You need a macOS-based computer of course. /s

    Import video directly from your phone via USB cable using iMovie, daVinci Resolve etc. Then you won't see a reduction in video quality. Or maybe it's playback. Do you have a 4K UHD or DCI 4K colour collect monitor with at least 300ppi? Can't view 4K UHD on an FHD screen.

    Does RAW/JPEG differ a lot and should I be taking photo in RAW?

    You can easily Google or ChatGPT this. Lossy vs lossless format. Always shoot raw / neutral. Easier to process and correct later in Lightroom.

    The good thing about smartphone is that it’s compact and portable. This outweighs the need to carry bulky DSLR.

    You clearly need to research light and compact mirrorless from the likes of FujiFilm (e.g. GFX 50S II). But you need to make a decision whether you need a full-frame sensor or APS-C.

    When I transfer my photo into my computer, I see files that I cannot view (I assume it’s the ones I deleted on my phone previously ) hence I delete them on my computer . After transferring I delete the photos, does this mean that it will be erase from my phone or will it be there (similar files that I can see previously), hidden files etc?

    Probably in raw format and you don't have a ProRAW or CR2 viewer. Deleting photos from your phone usually means deleting photos from your phone.

    If you want to take better photos on your iPhone consider using ProShot. https://apps.apple.com/us/app/proshot/id924438909

    Sounds like you need to attend an advanced photography course prior to visiting Stone Hedge.

  • +3

    You need to learn a lot more about photography.

  • I have a quite old Canon EOS 500D DSLR. It still takes very good photos with either of the two zoom lenses I use. So perfect for enlargements or cropping though bulky.
    I also have a panasonic DC-TZ220 (24-360 zoom) which takes good photos too.
    I haven't seen any camera images as high-quality as even the Panasonic though the gap is closing.
    On a trip to see gorillas about 4 years ago, a Dutch TV-show cameraman was filming for a daytime program. He used a Canon like mine, and said the video was so good, he didn't need a large video camera except for really exacting work. He'd built his own shoulder mount.
    While I agree with the idea of different cameras for different purposes, the Panasonic is so compact I take it almost anywhere.
    There are quite a few 'ultra zoom' fairly compact cameras out now, with excellent features and 1" sensors for very good prices.

  • I have a Canon mirrorless set up that I bought and used for travel for a few years and it is pretty easy to use and takes brilliant photos. Have a range of lenses etc. But - sometimes a PITA to carry and care for.
    Bought a S22ultra and haven’t used the mirrorless since. The picture quality is almost as good - and fine for enlargements. Night shots better and - it’s Always With Me!!

    If you want to develop your skills as a photographer and do a lot of manipulation with RAW etc buy one of the mirrorless options. Not sure why you’d consider a DSLR nowadays unless you have a specific use. If you want high quality travel, life shots and capturing random amazing moments - buy a top end phone for your travel. Either way, have a plan to regularly back up photos rather than lose 1000 photos if you lose your device.

  • I was debating the same thing. I am more than likely to leave my a7 + 16-35 home for the upcoming trip.

    Or else I will only carry the tiny 35 f2.8.

    There is a noticeable difference in image quality when viewed on a pc between the 7 year old a7ii and1 year old galaxy s22. A7 is much better.

    But post processing on the phones have come a long way and viewed on smaller screens, the phone actually looks better. Bluer skies, greener trees more dynamic range etc… Or you spend hours in lightroom with the sony.

    Plus juggling 2 kids while walking through busy streets with pick pocketers… I'd just take the phone.

  • +5

    I can see the future post after the UK trip:

    My photos taken from my DSLR are very underwhelming. How can I make them better?

  • If you've never used a mirrorless or DSLR camera before stick with your iPhone.

    I'm an ex photographer and the advantages of high end cameras are when you push them in post and that's where the benefits are. So unless you wanna go through and edit all your photos and shoot everything in RAW, it will be a massive waste of time and will just sit in your computer only viewable when your turn your PC/Mac on. You're also likely to make bad shots if you don't know how to use your camera's settings.

    Out of camera, the iPhone images are already phenomenal and i'd say on par. One friend of mine bought a mirrorless thinking she'd have better picture then complained that they looked worse or flat compared to her iPhone pics.

  • If the bottleneck to your photo quality is the transfer between iPhone to pc, then a DSLR isn’t going to fix your woes and will probably just create new ones. Fixing your current issue is hard because without more info it could be a number of reasons your photos look worse on pc. Eg it could be lack of transfer software, editing software, codec, HDR capabilities or all of the above. We can’t solve these for you.

    Consider a DSLR (or more specifically, a mirrorless camera because it’s 2023 not 2013) when you tap into the peak quality output from your current device and it’s no longer good enough.

    No offence but it doesn’t sound at all like you’ve gotten there yet. Stick with your iPhone.

    Src: professional video producer

  • Mirrorless is better. The mirror is just used for viewfinder, you don't actually need or want it.

    Now why mirrorless over pro smartphone? For me the biggest reason is you can trigger remote strobes with a mirrorless camera, you can't (yet) with a phone. But if you'll never use external strobes then phone is honestly more convenient. US courts ruled years ago that Apple's claim that smartphones have "studio" quality cameras is valid.

  • the main advantage of DSLR is the ability to adjust shutter speed and aperture size. but getting the setting right on DSLR is a skill and this needs a lot of practice and knowledge. Just buying a DSLR wont magically give you the ability to take good photographs.

  • +2

    I got a lot of DSLR gear in the days before advance of smart phone camera
    I got a Canon 5D mark 2 a long with all the pro-lenses I collected over the year, my fav is the EF 70-200mm f/2.8L

    These days it just gathering dust cos I couldn't be bother carrying heavy gear and get it out of the camera sort and edit afterward
    I still use them on special occasion where we want to take nice photos for prints and display but 95% of the time iPhone will do me fine and I never take DSLR on holiday any more iPhone is more than enough.

    I say stick with the iPhone and work out how to use it probably you can take some amazing photos with it

  • -1

    As someone who has shot on a DSLR and mirrorless my answer would generally be that you are going to enjoy shooting more on the iPhone.

    The main reason for this answer is that if you are shooting on a DSLR or mirrorless than you really need to be shooting in RAW to get any benefit, which means photos won't look good until you process the them which is annoying if you are already happy with the photos as they appear on your iPhone as it is doing all that hard work for you.

    I am leaving a lot out but I'm trying to keep the answer short.

  • +1

    It really depends on what you are using it for, I have a DSLR and barely ever use it, however the few times I bring it out are in situations I know the phone just won't cut the mustard. best memory was on trip to norway/sweden to watch northern lights. sky put on an awesome show, about 10 off standing on a mountain there, 9 with their phones and me with my DSLR, consequently I had to collect the emails of everyone there to send the photos to afterwards as unsurprisingly none of their photos worked. having said that I wish I had probably borrowed or rented the gear for the trip as it is fairly infrequent that I need its use over the camera I have with me every day.

  • Depends. If you will only look at the photos on your phone (and not zoom) then stick with the phone.

    A decent mirrorless/lens combo will kill the iPhone pro max/pixel whatever when you decide to zoom in and look for detail. Or crop the photo. It will absolutely obliterate it. If I am planning to catch a pic that actually lets me count the eyelashes instead of macroblocks, I’ll go grab my gear, particularly in anything that isn’t mid summer, mid day sunlight. If it does happen to be well lit, the phone is okay, but so is a potato.

  • I’ve got an iPhone 13 Pro Max and a few mirrorless cameras. I use my iPhone for most stuff due to portability, the quality is fine and it’s possible to take great photos that are fine for printing as well.
    Now when it comes to planning a trip I always take my a6400 as it’s compact enough to the point when I can fit my camera and a lens in my jacket pockets, though that’s not always the case as I always carry a camera bag with multiple lenses. I personally prefer the quality the mirrorless camera over the iPhone due to the broad dynamic range when it comes to editing and having the ability to manipulate depth of field, but it’s another to do instead of run and gun with the iPhone. Cameras cost a lot in the long run too so I suggest renting equipment on a weekend to try for yourself and see if you enjoy it prior to purchasing a camera along with lenses and sd cards etc.

  • just make sure select 'keep originals' rather than 'automatic' under the photos settings.

  • Does RAW/JPEG differ a lot and should I be taking photo in RAW?

    Yes they are very different. RAW contains much more information than simple and lightweight JPEG. All that information is only really useful if you are editing or processing the photos after taking them though. If you are just using the shots for social media and stuff and don't use editing software, stick with JPEG.

    The good thing about smartphone is that it’s compact and portable. This outweighs the need to carry bulky DSLR.

    Yes. But a DSLR is also much better for low-light 'creative' photography (long exposure etc) and you can play with proper depth of field instead of using a software 'portrait mode' or similar.

  • Alot of photography buffs here, any tips for a relatively affordable vlogging camera under $<700 - want something with a flip around screen

    • +3

      Consider the Sony ZV-1F. Currently on sale for $706.27 here:
      https://www.ryda.com.au/sony-zv-1f-vlog-camera-black

    • +3

      Also look at the sony RX100, the older models used to be sold for $800-$1000, but with falling AUD they are $1700 now.

      A used one with the dummy battery will be perfect.

  • Two points I have in my mind:
    1. photo post-processsing on the phone is a lot easier than on software e.g. Photoshop on the computer nowadays;
    2. the best camera is the camera you have in your hands.

  • +1

    I'm interested to know the age of the original poster?

  • You need an iPhone, and your mother, based off all of your posts to date.
    Nothing more.

  • When you view the video/photo on the phone, quality will seem to be nicer because you are looking at it on a smaller screen. When you bring it over to the computer, you may notice some loss of quality as you are viewing it on a bigger screen. To get that quality boost it depends on how much time image processing, money spent, and effort on learning you want to devote on a DSLR/mirrorless. If you spend time learning about the camera it will reward you with better quality photos and a more involved and controlled photography experience. However if you just snap pictures on auto on a mid range DSLR and don't spend time processing the image further/adjusting settings you'll likely be disappointed with the quality bump in good lighting (where the differences in sensor size won't matter as much) and even low light (AI wizardry/scene optimiser etc on Apple/Google/Samsung phone is top notch now).

    One area in which a casual DSLR user will see a significant step up in quality is for telephoto (and wide angle) shots. Just due to physics and the telephoto lens' on mobile phone's often having smaller sensors than the main camera.

    So really depends on your use case, how much time you want to spend on photography (+ lugging gear around) etc versus point and shoot on a phone that will give you great results out of the box.

  • Echoing other comments here. iPhone sounds fine for you, but you need to sort out your file transfer system. You really have to care enough to deal with all the inconveniences of a separate dedicated camera, and if you’re mostly going to be looking at your photos on the phone itself, it’s fine. If you want make prints you will come up against its limitations. But a good photographer with an iPhone will still take good photographs. The person behind the camera is the most important variable.

    One place I think iPhone is lacking is anything involving shallow depth of field. The Portrait Mode on iPhones is still severely lacking, and full of defects. Glass in particular causes problems. It’s pretty obvious when a photo has real bokeh and blur from using the correct lenses and aperture, and when it’s been faked via software. I’m sure this will get better over time though. For now, I think photos taken with this effect will age badly, and in a few years these will look like the highly processed retro filters everyone was adding to their shots when Instagram first came on the scene.

    Personally I think the iPhone camera has actually taken a few steps backwards in the last few years, due to Apple’s software getting increasingly aggressive in how it processes photos. The video side has really improved though.

  • I stopped chasing DSLR since my Sony A7r. Mobile phone just so much more portable when traveling.

  • Seems like one of those situation where if you're asking the question it's not for you.

  • https://www.digidirect.com.au/fujifilm-x100v-black
    get fuji x100 series (new one (x100v) is expensive, old one (x100f) used can be found on ebay for around 700-1000 in good condition)

    https://www.jbhifi.com.au/products/peak-design-everyday-slin…
    be aesthetic and cool ! or get any other peak design camera bag/ any other camera bag in general, they double as office backpacks when im not using them for my camera. so take that as carry on luggage

    sorted

  • +1

    Once upon a time, there was a well-prepared and tech-savvy traveler named Iceteacake. Always eager to get the best deals and be prepared for every situation, Iceteacake researched extensively before each trip. Their next adventure was a visit to the mysterious and ancient Stonehenge.

    Having asked about the most affordable way to visit Stonehenge, Iceteacake opted for a low-cost guided tour. They were excited to capture stunning photos and had debated whether to bring a DSLR or just rely on their iPhone camera. Eventually, they decided on both for versatility.

    On the day of the tour, Iceteacake packed their bag meticulously: a phone tripod, a durable car mount, a travel diffuser for essential oils, and an underwater camera, just in case. As they boarded the tour bus, they felt confident and ready for anything.

    As the tour progressed, Iceteacake enthusiastically snapped pictures with both the DSLR and iPhone, determined to document every angle of the ancient site. They even attempted to use the underwater camera to capture a unique perspective by holding it in a water bottle, which, unfortunately, led to the camera getting damaged. Nevertheless, Iceteacake persisted in their quest for the perfect photo.

    The moment of embarrassment struck when the group took a break for lunch. Iceteacake, excited to try some local cuisine, had researched milk-free snacks in advance due to their lactose intolerance. They pulled out a pre-packed lunch that included a seemingly safe, dairy-free sandwich.

    However, just as Iceteacake took a big bite of their sandwich, they felt an odd sensation. Their face turned red as they quickly realized that the bread had traces of milk in it. Panic set in as they frantically searched for a restroom, only to find that it was temporarily closed for maintenance.

    Desperate, Iceteacake dashed behind a nearby bush, barely escaping the watchful eyes of the other tourists. As they tried to regain their composure, they heard laughter from their fellow travelers who had noticed the incident. To make matters worse, Iceteacake's DSLR, which had been left on the tripod, had captured the whole embarrassing ordeal on a time-lapse setting.

    Mortified but determined to recover, Iceteacake made a mental note to research their food options more thoroughly on their next trip. They also vowed to be more careful with their camera settings, lest they inadvertently document another embarrassing moment for posterity.

  • Does RAW/JPEG differ a lot and should I be taking photo in RAW?

    If you are wanting to import the photos to a photo editor and export to other devices as finals then use raw. Else stick with apple's heic format as it allows greater compression over the other formats. Keep in mind, jpeg, heic are all lossy formats compared to raw which is not. raw files require alot of storage space, not the most portable in terms of compatibility across different viewing softwares etc.

  • -2

    i think even out of camera jpg from high end cameras will not be able to match the last two years high end phone cameras especially in hdr.

    you will have to shoot in raw and do post processing which takes a lot of time especially if youre only after soc media pics.

    the $275 iphone 12 mini hdr pics and videos are really great. find me a $500 dslr or mirrorless that can match hdr capabilities of the mini.

  • Anyone in here interested in buying my basically new A7s3?

  • +1

    Latest mobile cameras have come a long way but physics is physics. Tiny little sensor put on a very thin mobile device cannot compete with what's produced with a full frame sensor. Even if it's just JPEGs (I almost always shoot JPEGs using my A7iii), camera always, always wins in terms of pictures quality, low light capabilities, noise, depth of field categories. Phone cameras have the advantage of AI based in-device post processing (which delivers outstanding results by the way) but a simple couple of tweaks even on a JPEG produced by a camera could blow all that out of the park. So yeah, pick mobile phone if you value 'being portable' over 'picture quality'. Simple as that.

    • While I largely agree, I think it's dependent on your platform (where you're putting your pictures). If all you care about is uploading to Instagram, most likely not worth the cost of buying a camera (SLR/mirrorless) just for that.

      • +1

        True. But I thought many people take photos as memories (at least that's the case for me). After 20 years, when I want to go back the memory lane, last thing I want is a bunch of low quality photos that I would regret forever 'I should have brought my full frame camera on that day so I could have properly captured them memories'. But young generation is a bit different in that regard I suppose.

  • Any Android phone cameras equivalent to the iPhone 14 pro max?

    • +1

      Both latest pixel pro and galaxy s23 would have similar equal or probably even better quality camera. In my opinion, Google pixel has worse hardware out of the three but utilises best AI capabilities hence produces excellent results. Samsung probably has the best hardware (larger sensor etc). Apple is probably the better overall despite not as good as Samsung hardware also not as good as Google software, but being overall good instead. Either camera would be fantastic and you'd be splitting hairs if you're to pick one.

  • +2

    Ignoring the casserole of nonsense that phone cameras are as good or better than a mirrorless/DSLR camera setup, if you're willing to properly learn photography, the ins and outs of a camera and understand lighting then a proper camera setup will sh!t all over a phone camera. If you just want good snapshots in ideal lighting conditions without much effort then just use a phone; easier and quicker to use and much more accessible.

    Don't fall into the trap that an expensive camera automatically = amazing images.

    Yes I own an iPhone 14 Pro and a fully fleshed out Canon system.

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