Smartphone camera

raddy59

I am always being caught out by not having a camera with me when I need one. I mainly take videos and stills of performers in jazz clubs, and the number of times I have forgotten the camera......

Anyhow the missus suggested I get a smart phone because I always have my phone with me. The problem is I'm blinded by all the reviews so end up spending loads of time reading reviews getting more and more bogged down.

Anyhow, I'm on a budget (max £250, pref £200) and need a 'phone with a good camera that can take good pics and video in low light. I ooked at the Nokia 5 but it seems to have some issues. Also Samsung A3 which I've seen for £200. I think both phones have batteries that cant be replaced and I don't want to fork out for a new phone if a battery dies.

I guess image stabilisation is a nice to have

Help appreciated.

System

raddy59 wrote: »

I am always being caught out by not having a camera with me when I need one. I mainly take videos and stills of performers in jazz clubs, and the number of times I have forgotten the camera......

Anyhow the missus suggested I get a smart phone because I always have my phone with me. The problem is I'm blinded by all the reviews so end up spending loads of time reading reviews getting more and more bogged down.

Anyhow, I'm on a budget (max £250, pref £200) and need a 'phone with a good camera that can take good pics and video in low light. I ooked at the Nokia 5 but it seems to have some issues. Also Samsung A3 which I've seen for £200. I think both phones have batteries that cant be replaced and I don't want to fork out for a new phone if a battery dies.

I guess image stabilisation is a nice to have

Help appreciated.

Putting aside your requirments as mainly I know nothing of budget smart phones

But from someone who likes taking photographs I would recommend asking a friend or family member to come along to these jazz clubs and for you to use their smart phones to take pictures. Have a look at the quality of image in low light as I assume these Jazz clubs will be low lit. That will give you some idea of capability and if you like that smartphone then maybe you can pick up one second hand.

I know that old saying that the best camera is the one in your pocket which is partly true but if that camera in your pocket takes crap low light shots then not so good (crap is subjective but its important to know what you like to get out of an image)

I have just started out on using a smart phone to take photographs and I'm so far impressed with the daylight captures (not much a night shooter) however the problem is i'm using the iPhone X which ain't cheap.

Jon_01

It's a bit old now, but the LG V10 has the best camera I've ever used.
You can pick a new one up on Ebay for around £160.

[Deleted User]

Sounds like you just need a reminder set on a regular phone to take your camera!

Most budget handsets, even in the £200 range, are going to have sub-par cameras, especially in low light.

If you're looking for one as a phone, the Nokia 5 is meant to be a lot of 'bang for your buck'. But the camera won't be good in low light

From the reviews, the Asus Zenfone 3 Zoom is the closest to what you want. Optical zoom, but a bit over budget - £275.

Personally, I'd never buy a phone for its camera. Because I like my cameras..

ballyblack

Moto G5 PLUS around £200 Currys


https://www.currys.co.uk/gbuk/phones-broadband-and-sat-nav/mobile-phones-and-accessories/mobile-phones/moto-g5-plus-32-gb-luna-grey-10161798-pdt.html

Robisere

Wileyfox Swift 2 Plus, £189:
https://www.wileyfox.com/swift-2-plus-smartphone

Scroll down to Camera: "..its 1.0mM pixel size means bigger pixels for better photos in low light conditions. "

I have an original Swift, 18 months old and still taking great photos. whilst performing as a great phone. The 2 Plus is the one I would buy.

[Deleted User]

Reviews slate the Wileyfox Swift 2 Plus's low light photo performance..

Kim_13

I just got the Sony Xperia XA1, £170 from Carphone Warehouse in the black tag event. Impressed with the camera so far.

Edit: I don't think it has image stabilisation and it's a non-removable battery, but this seems to be the case with most smartphone batteries.