The summer has arrived and with it, millions of families will be jetting off to sunny hotspots for their annual vacation. Whether you go on a whale-watching trip in Maui, an trip to paradise like Phuket, or just drive to the nearest beach, one thing is certain — you will want to capture the moments so you can cherish them forever.
With the advent of smartphones, cameras have become a constant presence in our lives. It’s never been easier to capture and share everything from mundane, everyday events to the most special of memories. One area that’s quite obviously felt the smartphone’s impact is travel and vacation photography. People will go to find their perfect holiday home, but then take a picture of it on their smartphone. The primary reason for this is quite simple: convenience. For many, having a camera combined with their smartphone feels like the easier choice than bringing another camera
along with them.
But is that smartphone pulling its weight? Is there a better choice for documenting your memories on your summer vacation? Just think, when you go on vacation, you want to be able to catch pictures of everything you do and every place you go, as there are so many things to do in many other parts of the world! This is why you should consider investing in a good quality camera to take with you.
The truth is, when it comes to taking quality pictures that do more than simply document an event, smartphones simply don’t cut it particularly on a family vacation where you will want to preserve those memories for years to come. For those who are keen on capturing their travel memories in the best, most vivid way possible, proper digital cameras from brands like Fujifilm offer an experience that your smartphone cannot match. Read on to learn more about why these cameras can outperform a smartphone camera in just about every summer vacation situation you can imagine.
The Bigger the Image Sensor, the Better the Photos.
No matter where your travels may take you this summer, chances are you will most likely want to capture a subject, an event, a landscape or a memory in dim or low-lit situations. Whether it’s a beautiful sunset, a cave wall or a nighttime scene, cameras like the Fujifilm X-T3 Black shoot better in these low-light situations due to the fact that it uses a larger sensor. The camera’s image sensor is the part of the camera that’s responsible for capturing and processing the light needed to make an image. It’s made up of millions of tiny light-sensitive spots called photosites which record information coming through the lens.1 Naturally, the size of the sensor determines how much light the camera is able to collect. The larger the sensor, the larger the photosites, which allows the camera to perform better in lower light.
Even though smartphone camera sensors have come a long way over the years, they still do not remotely compare to the large sensors in digital cameras. This is because as smartphone image sensing has improved, so too has the image sensing in digital cameras. These cameras simply capture and process all kinds of light more effectively, allowing for dynamic, clean, colourful and beautiful photos no matter what situation you may find yourself in this summer.
Digital Cameras Have Better
For context, there are two types of zoom typically used in cameras: digital zoom and optical zoom. Whereas the former, which is the type most commonly found in smartphones, simply crop in on the information coming through the camera lens, optical zoom is found in cameras with movable lenses.2 Having this option is very beneficial, as it allows you to change the focus point and perspective without losing any image quality.
Simply put, there is no comparison when it comes to the level of quality between digital zoom and the superior optical zoom. Compared to even the most advanced smartphone cameras, a compact camera such as the Fujifilm X100F will give you the ability to shoot incredible, detailed photos no matter where your travels may take you.
Different Lenses Allow for Endless Options
No matter how convenient smartphone cameras may be for certain situations, they are very limiting in terms of allowing for creative travel photos. The main reason for this is the fact that they have fixed lenses that are only truly effective for mid-range photos. Sure, you can switch between a vertical and a horizontal perspective, but that’s about as creative as you are able to get.
On the other hand, mirrorless digital cameras like the Fujifilm X-T3 can be outfitted with a wide variety of lens options. The more lens options, the more you can explore different focal lengths and perspectives. Different lenses will allow in different amounts of light, create wider or narrower angles and generally provide a more customizable photography experience than you would ever get with
a smartphone camera. In other words, you’ll be able to capture your trip, your way.
Another major benefit of the X-T3’s many lens options is that it allows for a lifetime of experimentation. As you grow more comfortable and savvy with your camera’s current lens setup, you can gradually grow your collection of lenses and familiarize yourself with different setups. The bevvy of options will make you a better photographer than you ever thought possible.
Custom Settings Give You More Control Than a Smartphone
When you shoot photos on a smartphone camera, you are letting the camera do most of the work when it comes to things like white balance (the ability of a camera to capture real white light), shutter speed (controls how long the image sensor is exposed to the light) and aperture (the size of the lens opening through which light reaches the sensor). All of these settings can have a tremendous impact on the quality of your travel or vacation photos. Essentially, they allow you to
capture settings and moments as close as possible to how they truly appear in real life. And isn’t that the goal of photography?
Because smartphone will typically automatically control these settings when you shoot, you are relinquishing control over an essential part of the process. With higher quality cameras, all these settings become customizable to your preferences. That way, you can capture the moment the way you want rather than simply relying on an Instagram filter after the fact.
Move Past the Smartphone. Take Better Vacation Photos.
For those who are looking to capture travel or vacation moments more vividly and with more control, investing in a quality camera will provide an experience far superior to the smartphone. And while it’s undeniable that smartphone cameras are both convenient and developing quickly, the tried and tested technologies that come standard in Fujifilm DSLRs, mirrorless cameras and compact cameras are designed to deliver better photos every single time.
If you’re looking to take your photography to the next level on your next vacation, now is the time to do so.
Shop Henrys.com for Fujifilm Cameras:
Fujifilm X-T3 with XF 18-55mm Kit Black
Fujifilm X-T3 with XF 18-55mm Kit Silver
Fujifilm X100F Brown
Canada’s Greatest Camera Store
Henry’s has long been known in the Canadian photographic industry as the source for the best and newest products, informed Imaging Experts, award-winning customer service and competitive pricing. Henry’s, competitive pricing since 1909 and has evolved into Canada’s largest independent photographic and digital retailer.
