S22 Ultra V Pro Mirrorless Comparison

[Glenntech]

You often hear that smartphone cameras are so good now, they are nearly as good as a camera. 

Well I'm not sure that's totally true.

But I thought it would be fun to try out my S22 Ultra with my Panasonic Lumix S1 with my new Sigma 30mm 1.4 lens

Now this is only a bit of fun and not going to say the phone is as good as the camera.

The camera is a full on pro DSLR, with a full frame sensor. The sensor dwarfs the one in the phone.

But the phone relies on software to get the perfect image. 

Both devices I left in auto and in JPEG. So I can share the images easier.

I didn't edit any of the photos, other than slightly cropping to make both look similar.

I like to shoot in 3:2. But the phone doesn't have that option. Has 3:4 option.

Lumix S1

S22 Ultra

Both photos look good here, the S22 Ultra somewhat lighter. The phone has great detail, but on zooming in the camera naturally is a clearer image.

The phone camera is quite a wide angle and has that wide angle look to the photos. Picks out great details even in complex shots like below.

Lumix S1

S22 Ultra

I do like some of the colours the phone software produces, and pleased that they are more realistic than older Samsung phones I've had.

Otherwise the photo below would be way over saturated. 

Lumix S1

S22 Ultra

Although colours are richer, I think it gives it a great look to the photo. Again the Lumix S1 has a more realistic colour, if slightly more muted than real world looks on this occasion.

One of the interesting aspects is the Bokeh photos and just how close it can look.

Lumix S1

S22 Ultra

Really surprising how good the portrait mode is on the phone. Yes the Lumix S1 has a smoother looking Bokeh, but way to go with the S22 Ultra. It's a great look.

My only gripe with the portrait mode on the phone is you need to be further away sometimes for it to work. But a great result nevertheless. 

Lumix S1

S22 Ultra

Again if I could get closer, I'd prefer it.

But still I like the look.

Lumix S1

S22 Ultra

This is one of those occasions that seems like the software doesn't like the lighting conditions and it's got a bit too over exposed and upped the HDR.

Nothing a bit of editing can't fix.

Luckily the phone has some nice editing software. 

Screenshot

The wand icon on the bottom left is great to give you a suggestion and improve the image composition.

Screenshot

Then with a very quick bit of tweaking in edit, can improve things further 

S22 Ultra edited

With a bit more work you can set it up really well. 

I will leave a few more images. But really impressed how far smartphone cameras have got to and the S22 Ultra definitely feels like the best all round camera out there now.

Naturally shooting RAW with both, the camera will just capture far more detail. 

But as a point and shoot. It's definitely up there with the best.

Lumix S1

S22 Ultra

Lumix S1

S22 Ultra

Lumix S1

S22 Ultra

Again this was just a bit of fun and more of a curiosity to compare photos 

What are your thoughts?

[pixelwasp]

Nice write up! I love the point and click nature of phone photography but you can't beat the feel of a real camera.

[Glenntech]

Yes there's just so much more you can do with a camera.
But interesting just how good a tiny camera sensor on a phone can be

[BandOfBrothers]

Phone camera's have certainly come a long way in recent time's however I think we all agree they are a far bit off yet from the quality of a dslr camera.

Loving those shots @Glenntech  👍👏

The different camera settings i.e Pro mode I'm sure would bring further improvements too.

Personally I'm a point and click type of user with my phone.

That said I'm pretty pleased generally with my results. 

[JAMES4578]

Hi @Glenntech  Interesting analysis, on this test I think the S22 Ultra does  very well though  will not quite match the DSLR overall. Anyway  attractive photos

[Pugs1957]

Great write up. There's so much control with a DSLR, not to mention far superior hardware, faster lenses etc. It's a no contest in my opinion. Phones are capable of doing lots if things so they are a compromise.

[Glenntech]

I may do a Pro mode comparison as the S22 Ultra cameras are I think that good for it.
But as you say that the DSLR will be better. Like a telescope, larger the telescope, the more light is able to get in and the same goes with camera sensors. More light more detail.
I like to point and click as well, get the more spontaneous pictures that way

[Glenntech]

But how good is the portrait mode on the phone though. Didn't expect that to be honest.
Really it's just down to sensor size really, and the phone does such a good job.
This DSLR is a professional camera, so it's going to the extreme really.
Cheaper cameras will probably be a lot closer to the phone I think

[Glenntech]

Yes your completely right. But using a camera like this was going to the extreme to be honest.
But an interesting comparison.
Wonder how good the phones Pro mode in RAW would be like.
Again not as much control as the camera.
But I really like the S22 Ultra cameras

[Kenso62]

A few pictures from S22 Ultra