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Camera specs are one of the key selling points of any modern smartphone. There are many options to pick from if you’re in the market for a new smartphone with a good camera setup. But, if you want a device with a capable camera that you’re able to count on, check these seven key camera features.
1Camera Resolution and Sensor Size
One key feature to check when buying a new smartphone is the camera resolution, measured in megapixels (MP). It’s tempting to think that more megapixels automatically translate to better photos, but that is not always true.
The only correlation between megapixels and actual photography capabilities is the amount of detail a camera lens can capture. A lens with more megapixels can capture more details, and this is specifically evident when zooming or while printing large photos. In essence, a 48MP camera can capture sharper and more detailed images than a 12MP one.
Besides resolution, sensor size, the quality of the lens used, and image processing software also play important roles in the quality of images captured. A quality lens with a larger sensor and less resolution can outperform one with a larger resolution and smaller sensor, especially in low-light conditions. However, there’s more to themegapixel vs. sensor sizedebate.
So,how many megapixels should your smartphone have? 12MP resolution is the minimum you should look for. Additionally, it should balance this with other features like a larger sensor size. The sensor should also be of good quality, which boils down to the brand (some of the best ones include Zeiss, Sony, and Leica).
The device should also have good image processing capabilities for the best images, which also boils down to the brand. Samsung, Apple, and Google offer some of the best image-processing software.
2Optical Image Stabilization (OIS)
OIS is a must-have feature. It helps to counteract the effects of handshakes or minor movements when taking photos or recording videos.Image stabilization worksby moving the camera to compensate for any shaking while taking a picture, making the shots look sharper.
Without OIS, you’ll need to be precise while capturing images to avoid blurry photos, which may not always be possible, especially in some instances, like when you zoom in or at night. The alternative to OIS is digital or software-based stabilization (also known as digital or electronic image stabilization), which is not as powerful and might even introduce artifacts in the image or video.
3Multiple Camera Lenses
Having multiple camera lenses on a smartphone is a must, allowing you to take the best photos in different styles and conditions. But the number of lenses available doesn’t tell the whole story. Available lenses should also be useful, especially if you’re buying a low or midrange phone, as most companies add more camera lenses to lure potential buyers without any utility.
The phone should include at least two cameras: a wide and an ultra-wide camera. If you want the best of the best, it should additionally offer a telephoto lens so that you can shoot in different photography styles. The wide-angle lens is a must-have and is the one you’ll be using for most everyday shots.
With its wider field of view, theultra-wide lensis essential for landscape photography or whenever you need to fit more into the frame. The telephoto lens will be good for portraits and headshots.
Some phones also include a macro lens, which is a must-have if you want toget started with macro photography. However, it doesn’t have to be a separate lens. Some phones, like the iPhone 15 Pro series, have a special macro photography mode for capturing very small objects without a dedicated lens.
4High Dynamic Range (HDR) Support
HDR combines images of different exposure levels into a single, well-balanced photo. It’s designed to help you capture images with better detail and color accuracy, especially in challenging lighting conditions with significant contrasts between light and dark areas, like taking sunset photos.
Without HDR, photos taken in challenging light conditions are a mixed bag, either with overexposed highlights or underexposed shadows, which leads to a loss of details. HDR ensures the device can capture detailed images even in the trickiest of lighting conditions. But don’t expect too much;smartphone cameras still can’t beat DLSR cameras.
5Ability to Shoot RAW Images
When you shoot an image using your smartphone’s camera, it does some background processing. It adjusts the different aspects of the image, like brightness, colors, and more, to make it pop and be ready to share right after tapping the shutter button.
This is convenient, but if you’re looking to do serious photography using a smartphone and want greater control over the editing process with the highest possible image quality, the ability to shoot RAW images is a must.
RAW images are better because they include more details than compressed formats like JPG. Additionally, shooting in RAW gives you more flexibility when you plan to edit your photos afterward using your favorite photo editor.
6Zoom Capabilities
Zoom capabilities are a crucial aspect to consider when choosing a smartphone camera, as they greatly influence the quality of shots you can capture from a distance. There are two kinds of zoom: digital and optical zoom.
Optical zoom is the best of the two, as it uses the camera’s lenses to zoom in, leading to better image quality. In contrast, digital zoom works by cropping the image and enlarging the cropped portion, which affects quality.
Optical zoom is typically limited to up to 5x, while digital zoom can go as far as 100x, as evidenced inSamsung’s Galaxy S24 Ultra. So, when shopping for a new device, check if optical zoom is available and by how much. Ignore digital zoom, as it doesn’t produce the best images and most smartphone cameras have it.
7Night Mode Support
Most standard smartphone cameras struggle with low-light photography. For the best results in low-light conditions, night mode support is a must. The feature ensures that images taken in dark conditions, like at night, are still detailed and have the right exposure.
Night mode support guarantees that images taken in dim conditions won’t be grainy, underexposed, or lacking in detail. The feature also comes in handy in indoor photography when there’s not enough light in a room or under artificial lighting.
Various aspects must be considered when selecting a smartphone camera. All the features discussed above play a critical role in the quality of images a smartphone can capture in different conditions. But before spending money on a phone, we recommend checking its reviews to see sample photos the device has taken. Only in samples can you gauge the quality of a smartphone’s camera.
