It is undeniable that today’s smartphone cameras would wipe the floor with point and shoots from just a decade ago. Many believe smartphone cameras are so good that they can replace high-end DSLRs and mirrorless systems, but that is simply not the case. Dedicated professional cameras will continue to offer superior image quality, more extensive manual control, and greater flexibility than smartphones, although smartphones have advantages of their own.
The primary advantage of professional cameras is their sensor size- the larger the sensor, the more light information the camera can capture and process, and the better the quality of the resulting photos (especially in darker scenes). Since smartphones are so compact and thin, their sensors are several times smaller than those of larger DSLRs and mirrorless cameras, the latter of which are not limited by their size.
Professional cameras also offer full manual control over shutter speed, aperture, and ISO. Shutter speed controls whether moving objects in the frame appear blurred or ‘frozen’ in their motion. Aperture controls ‘depth of field,’ or the extent to which objects, at varying distances from the camera, appear in focus. Lastly, ISO controls the light sensitivity of the sensor, depending on how light or dark the overall scene is. While many smartphones offer manual control over shutter speed and ISO, none offer manual control of aperture, and the range of possible shutter and ISO adjustments are still much greater on professional cameras.
The final advantage professional cameras possess are extensive interchangeable lens systems for every scenario a photographer could possibly encounter, from wide-angle and macro lenses to fixed portrait and super-zoom lenses. New smartphones do offer built-in multi-lens systems, usually standard, wide-angle, and zoom lenses, but they are not interchangeable or expandable, and are therefore limited in their capability.
For those who seek superior all-around performance, manual control, and greater flexibility, professional camera systems are still unbeatable, albeit at a high price. Smartphones cameras do have a distinct advantage with their portability, and the fact that you already carry your phone wherever you go. If you are serious about photography, spending a chunk of money on a high-end DSLR or mirrorless camera body and a few lenses is worth your money; however, if all you want to do is take artsy photographs for Instagram, a smartphone will suffice.
This photograph, taken on a OnePlus 6, is perfect for social media. High contrast, sharpening and over-saturated colors are pleasing to the eye, but you lose details quickly upon zooming in.