Capturing Your Best Shot: 4 Smartphone Cameras for Photographers

The camera technology of smartphones has exponentially increased in quality and overall capabilities the past few years. Many photographers rely on their smartphones as a secondary camera, as their captured images are comparable to those shot on a DSLR.

Whether you are an amateur or professional photographer, make sure you are equipped with a phone that has exceptional camera functions. Keep in mind its pixel quality, micron specs, ability to shoot in low light and any other special features that suit your photography style. Here is a list of the best smartphones for photographers:

Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge

This fast-reaction camera phone has a solid dual-pixel sensor that lets you take great-quality photos at a moment’s notice. The technology of the Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge increases its capability to focus on subjects three times faster than the iPhone 6s Plus. Its immediate transference from foreground to background focus gives it a DSLR-quality of operation. The 1.4-micron pixels and f/1.7 aperture increase the exposure balance, with 90 percent more light than its predecessor. The Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge can take outstanding photos, even in low light conditions. Its photographs come out bright, crisp and have a remarkable depth of field.

iPhone 6s Plus

The 6s Plus offers a 12-megapixel camera with 1.22-micron pixels. It can capture vivid photographs that are more clear, concise and colorful than its previous models. This phone is especially ideal for those who take portraits or selfies. The automatic light adjustment reacts quickly. It is known for its expedient ability to capture accurate skin tones in a variety of light conditions. The optical image stabilization is a tool built into the camera functions, allowing for sharp image capture. The phone can produce high-quality photos that exhibit outstanding detail. One of the unique aspects of this camera is its Live Photos feature. Your photo can be viewed with a 5-second playback of video that is captured at the time of the shot.

Google Nexus 6P

The Nexus 6P has a 12.3-megapixel sensor with 1.55-micron pixels. It lets in a good amount of light, which helps create sharp and structured shots. It can shoot photos that have micro-details, such as flowers, insects and other small nuances of nature. The camera also excels at landscape photography and fully utilizes light for a crystal-clear image and a solid depth of field. It works well in low light and can capture high-quality details without the sacrifice of quality. The camera on the Nexus 6P is comparable to the iPhone 6s Plus for its vibrant and colorful captures. However, the Nexus 6P is sold at a lower price point, while still providing you with more than adequate photography capabilities.

LG G5

The LG G5 has a dual-camera on its back, with a secondary 8-megapixel lens that can shoot at a 135-degree wide angle. This lens is ideal for grandiose landscape shots — sprawling mountain vistas, breathtaking coastline views and vast, serene fields. Since it has a specific lens created especially for this photography technique, this camera has better wide angle capabilities than other smartphones. The camera lenses of the LG G5 can easily be switched for whatever type of shot you want to capture. You have a choice between the aforementioned wide-angle lens or the more standard 16-megapixel camera. The 16-megapixel lens produces high-quality images that exhibit great detail and colors.