Modern architecture abounds in Palm Springs, mid-century and otherwise. Olympus Pen F ISO 200 | 1/1600 sec | F6.3 | Olympus M.Zuiko 12mm F2.0
On the topic of `When will smartphones make most dedicated cameras obsolete?` I tend to be in the `We`re pretty much there already` camp. In my own day-to-day photography, and even for some special occasions where I expect to take more than a few photos, I`ll stick with my smartphone rather than bringing along a dedicated camera.
That wasn`t the case on a recent trip to Palm Springs. I shot with both the Pixel 3 and a Micro Four Thirds camera (the Olympus Pen F, specifically). Here`s where each of them shine, and why I`m glad I had a dedicated camera at my side.
My photographic priority in Palm Springs was the city`s veritable smorgasbord of mid-century modern buildings. Banks, hotels, liquor stores - all housed in stunning modern buildings that are extremely Instagrammable. You know you`ve hit the architectural jackpot when you`re excited to photograph the town BevMo!.
Literally the roof of a BevMo! liquor store. Olympus Pen F ISO 200 | 1/800 sec | F5.6 | Olympus M.Zuiko 12mm F2.0
There are obvious benefits to any smartphone, including of course the Pixel 3. It`s always with you, even by the pool, photos are automatically backed up to your image library, everything is immediately shareable. But the Pixel 3 presents a few unique advantages: it handles high-contrast scenes particularly well, and the multi-shot Night Sight mode captures a level of detail well beyond what we`re used to seeing from smartphones, even in the daytime.
The Pixel 3 does a fine job balancing scenes like this one, and its IP68 waterproof rating means it`s safe poolside. Google Pixel 3 XL ISO 59 | 28mm equiv. | F1.8
There are some disadvantages though, which figured into my decision to bring along the Olympus Pen F and 12mm lens. First, the Pixel`s main camera wasn`t quite wide enough for th ...
|
