If you grew up in the late 1990s and early 2000s, you might remember the days when phone cameras were almost unusable. However, those days are long gone. Modern smartphone cameras can take amazing photos, and in some cases, they can rival DSLR and mirrorless devices.

But despite the advancements in smartphone cameras, some people still purchase professional cameras. And if you only take pictures as a hobby, you might wonder why.

So, does anyone actually need a professional camera? First, let's look at how good smartphone cameras are, then dive into digital SLR cameras and their mirrorless counterparts.

How Good Are Smartphone Cameras Now?

Smartphone cameras still vary in quality, but the best ones are excellent for most people. For example, some of the newest iPhone models can shoot images in RAW.

Apple's suite of smartphones isn't the only device capable of shooting in RAW, though. Xiaomi is another manufacturer that has optimized its phones accordingly, and its flagship Xiaomi 13 launched at MWC 2023 with Leica cameras. Samsung also has smartphones that let you shoot in RAW.

Many smartphones have excellent image quality as well. We mentioned Xiaomi earlier, and some of its newer devices have 50-megapixel cameras. Meanwhile, the iPhone 14 Pro has a 48-megapixel camera, while the Samsung S23 Ultra rocks a 200-megapixel shooter.

Why You Might No Longer Need a Professional Camera

Before we look at why professional cameras might still have some merit, let's find out why you might no longer need one.

1. Smartphones Can Shoot in RAW

Taking photos in RAW will give you more data to work with when editing your pictures. And this reason alone is why many people who want to advance their photography switch to a DSLR or mirrorless camera.

However, as you saw in the previous section, you no longer need a professional camera to shoot RAW. Many high-end smartphones offer this capability—and while they're expensive, you get a phone and camera in one device.

2. Edit Professional-Looking Photos From Your Smartphone

Believe it or not, you can earn from smartphone photography. And while many people edit images on their computers, you can change much of what you need from your device alone.

For example, Adobe Creative Cloud includes many apps that let you edit images. And if you're used to Lightroom Classic, you get a similar interface with Lightroom CC, which you can install on your phone. Furthermore, Lightroom CC has most of the tools available in Lightroom Classic, and it even lets you edit RAW files you might have uploaded from another device.

Alternatively, you can also use Photoshop Express to edit images from your phone. With both options, you can save directly to your camera roll once you're finished.

3. Some Smartphones Have Image Stabilization

A few things are more annoying to a photographer than seeing an amazing scene only for camera shake to ruin the final image. Luckily, you can use tools like image stabilization to reduce the risks of this happening.

Believe it or not, many flagship smartphones also utilize this feature. Examples include the Google Pixel 7 Pro and the vivo X90 Pro.

Why Professional Cameras Are Still Important

As you can see from this article so far, smartphones can take amazing photos. But professional cameras are still worth investing in for many people looking to take their photography more seriously. Below are some of the main reasons why.

1. Professional Cameras Offer Better Customization for Pros

When you're a professional photographer, having a unique photography style is one of your key selling points. And while smartphones offer many customization options, such as the ability to choose different filters, professional cameras are often better.

With a DSLR or mirrorless camera, you've often got more flexibility in adjusting your white balance. Moreover, you can choose from several modes and adjust different parts of your image—such as how sharp you want your RAW files to be.

Even if you only take JPEGS, you still have many customization options. For example, FujiFilm cameras let you customize your simulation profiles.

2. Professional Cameras Can Offer Better Storage Options for Photos

One of the best things about smartphone photography is that you don't need a memory card to store images on your phone. But if you take many pictures, this can quickly become a limitation—especially if you use RAW files.

You could argue that with a professional camera, you're still limited—only this time by your memory card. And while this is true, you can choose from a wide range of storage sizes. At the top of the scale, some camera memory cards let you store over 500 gigabytes of images.

3. Professional Cameras Work Better in Extreme Conditions

When taking photos for clients, you might need to capture shots in suboptimal conditions. This is especially true if you're an outdoor or adventure photographer. Rain, snow, and extreme temperatures can all cause a lot of strain on your electronics—and being prepared is crucial.

Weather-sealed equipment is crucial if you plan to take pictures regularly in bad weather. And while some phones can handle extreme heat or cold, that's not always the case. Professional cameras are a much better option.

Photography in cold weather often involves changing batteries, as many drain quicker in such conditions. Doing so is much easier with a professional camera; with a smartphone, you'll typically have to have access to a charging port.

4. Professional Cameras Have a Better Range of Lenses You Can Use

The possibilities for photography are endless, and you'll find all kinds of gadgets that can help you take more incredible pictures. When upgrading equipment, many people start by improving their collection of lenses.

While you can get extra lenses for smartphones, you're often quite limited. On many devices, you'll see a noticeable difference in image quality when you zoom in.

In contrast, you'll find many camera bodies that allow you to change your lenses. You can pick from a wide selection of zoom and prime lenses. While these are pretty expensive, the investment is worthwhile.

Do You Really Need a Professional Camera?

When you look at how good smartphone pictures are, it's easy to think that professional cameras are no longer needed. However, that's not the case for everyone.

Smartphone cameras have done a fantastic job of reducing the barrier to entry in photography. If you're a hobbyist, you'll often find that the camera on your phone is more than good enough. Moreover, you'll find a lot of useful editing software to make your pictures look professional.

If you want to upgrade your photography, however, you should still look at getting a professional camera. You'll have more flexibility, and the image quality is often better. Moreover, you can use your device in more extreme conditions. So, to take your photography to the next level, consider getting a professional camera.