A Stupid Photography Opinion
A little while ago, I posted about why I think that despite owning and using some amazing cameras, the best camera is my iPhone. You can replace “iPhone” with your favourite Android device — this isn’t about Apple vs Android childishness. Every time I share why I love smartphones for photography, it usually irks some photographers who passionately tell me that phones are not cameras. I think that opinion is ignorant, outdated, and incredibly self-limiting.
Why do I love my phone for photography?
The best camera is always the one you have on you.
The primary lens usually has great image quality.
It doesn’t attract attention or scream “professional camera”.
Some places don’t allow cameras, but a phone can go almost anywhere.
You can shoot, edit, and share instantly.
With good light, the image quality can be fantastic.
It’s already an expense you make to function in modern life, not an extra cost.
It can complement a camera — for example, a 24mm lens on your phone pairs nicely with a 50mm prime on your camera.
It removes excuses; “I don’t have my camera with me” no longer applies.
It helps build healthy daily photography habits — the more you shoot, the better you get.
It’s perfect for documenting your life, because it’s always there when you need it most.
Why is the opinion ignorant?
It dismisses a perfectly capable tool simply because it doesn’t fit into the traditional mould of what a camera should be. There are many talented photographers who shoot on phones. To dismiss their work because it wasn’t made on a “proper” camera is absurd.
Why is the opinion outdated?
Five to ten years ago, phone cameras really weren’t up to the task. But that’s no longer the case. Hardware and software have advanced massively, and the main lens on today’s phones can produce results that, in the right hands, are almost indistinguishable from those shot on a dedicated camera.
Why is this opinion self-limiting?
By dismissing a capable tool, you’re limiting your creative potential. It’s like saying, “I’ll never use a 70–200mm because it’s only for Sony influencers.” A phone isn’t a replacement for a camera; it’s another tool to help you create. Instead of treating it as “this vs that”, it’s better to see how it can complement your current workflow.
Common Sense
Of course, like any tool, phones have limitations. While I think my iPhone is the best camera I own, around 95% of my photography is still done with traditional cameras. You can’t replace physics, ergonomics, glass, or the control of a dedicated tool. The iPhone is great when conditions are ideal, but once you’re faced with difficult shooting conditions, lighting becomes tricky, or heavy editing is needed, it starts to fall apart.
This isn’t about proving that phones are superior — they’re not. It’s about acknowledging that modern smartphones deserve to be seen as legitimate photography tools. Below is a small gallery of my favourite iPhone shots from the last couple of years.
