This 12 months, I’ve shot extra images with my cellphone than with my digital camera

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I by no means thought I’d say this however, in 2025, I’ve used my cellphone for images greater than my digital camera.

For years, my go-to on a regular basis shooter was the Fujifilm X100F. It’s compact, discreet and ideal for road work. But recently, the Oppo Find X8 Ultra has been the machine I’ve reached for most frequently – and it’s been extra enjoyable than I anticipated.

The large cause is portability. The X100F is small, however the cellphone is even smaller, lighter and at all times in my pocket. That makes it good for these spontaneous moments whenever you would not usually have a ‘correct’ digital camera with you.

Earlier this 12 months, I had simply two hours in a Swedish fishing village. I solely had my cellphone with me however, in that quick window, I managed to shoot an entire photograph sequence. Normally, I’d assume I wanted my digital camera and lenses. Instead, the cellphone pushed me to work shortly, give attention to composition and belief my instincts.

Another cause is focal size. I don’t like capturing large, and I’ve usually felt restricted by compact cameras that don’t give me sufficient attain. The X8 Ultra’s telephoto choices higher match the way in which I see the world. I’ve been tempted by cameras just like the Ricoh GR IV however, for now, the cellphone truly fits me extra. Perhaps if we see a 40mm model just like the GR IIIx.

Then there’s video. Photography has at all times been my old flame, however I’m capturing extra short-form video than ever. With the Find X8 Ultra, I can transfer seamlessly from stills to video with a swipe. More than as soon as, I’ve been lining up a photograph solely to understand the scene would work higher as a shifting picture. Having that choice in the identical machine retains my course of fluid.

Finally, there’s sharing. I’ve discovered myself doing much less post-processing this 12 months with this kind of each day work – and with the cellphone, I can get a picture or video out virtually immediately.

I’m not giving up my Fujifilm GFX cameras, that are nonetheless my best choice for bigger initiatives. But in 2025, the Oppo Find X8 Ultra jogged my memory that images may be easy, spontaneous and enjoyable.

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