iPhone or digital camera?

Introduction:

In the world of amateur and semi-professional photography, the question often arises: “Do we really need a dedicated camera today, with smartphones featuring increasingly powerful sensors?” In this article, I share my field tests (performed personally in Portugal) between the iPhone 16 Pro and the Lumix G80, and we'll see in which cases one stands out.

I decided to compare the iPhone 16 Pro and the Lumix G80, trying to recreate a “real-world” choice: the camera costs a few hundred euros less, but then you still need a phone, while with the iPhone you have both in a single device.

Smartphone vs. Camera: The Differences That Matter

• Sensor: Smartphones have much smaller sensors than mirrorless or DSLR cameras. This results in less light gathering capacity and more noise in low-light conditions.
• Computational processing: Smartphones use algorithms, HDR, and multiple shot merging to “enhance” the image. 
• Depth of field / real bokeh: A camera with a fast lens can better separate subject and background, while the phone often “simulates” the effect in post-production.
• Manual controls, interchangeable lenses, accessories: the dedicated camera offers more flexibility (exposure, lens changes, filters, flash).
• Convenience and portability: your smartphone is always with you, turn it on and take pictures immediately.

External sources show that in real-world comparisons the “gap” is often not huge: in tests between iPhone and DSLR/mirrorless cameras, the phone surprises, but the cameras maintain advantages especially in difficult lighting and if you want very “professional” shots. 

Field tests in Portugal

To give a real-world comparison between smartphones and cameras, I took both the iPhone 16 Pro and the Lumix G80 with me on a trip to Portugal. I left both cameras in automatic mode to see how they performed out of the box, without having to manually adjust anything.

When it comes to photos, the Lumix G80 remains the benchmark: more detailed images and more natural colors. That said, the iPhone 16 Pro has made huge strides compared to previous models: the colors are vivid, the management of highlights and shadows is surprisingly effective, and it can easily compete for those looking for practicality without sacrificing too much on quality.

When it comes to video, however, the iPhone definitely takes the lead. Thanks to Cinema and Slow Motion modes, it can create smooth, professional-looking videos, recording up to 4K at 120 fps.

The situation plays its role…

Situation	iPhone 16 Pro Advantages	Lumix G80 Advantages / Dedicated Camera
Quick, moving shots, spontaneous moments	speed, always with you, self-processing	less practical, more bulky
Low light, high contrast situations	good capabilities, but the algorithm needs to work well	better ISO control, manual exposure, shadow recovery
Portrait with natural bokeh	Software simulations, but limited in depth	better bokeh rendering with bright optics
Need for special lenses, zoom, filters, flash	limitations in zoom and external accessories	wide range of lenses, compatibility with accessories

So??

• For the average user, the iPhone 16 Pro is often “good enough” and offers great performance with great comfort.
• For those who want to take serious photography, control every parameter, use special lenses or shoot in difficult conditions, the Lumix G80 retains important advantages.
• There is no “absolute best,” but it depends on what you want to do: convenience vs. flexibility vs. quality.

Some shots…

> Lisbon - shot on Lumix G80

> Lisbon - shot on Lumix G80

> Porto - Shot on IPhone 16 PRO - Alpimatech