Physical vs Computational: a debate
More and more smartphones used for photography: I want to share some ideas with you and i have something to say also about the electronic shutter and the use of electronic zoom in some new mirrorless cameras
The rise of computational photography, with smartphones leading the charge, has blurred the lines between point-and-shoot and artistic expression. While computational techniques offer undeniable advantages, the heart and soul of great photography – a camera and a lens – remains a domain where physical cameras hold a significant superiority.
PLEASE NOTE: I use too smartphones to make some shot. I published also photo books with photos made with smartphones. This is not a post of a closed mind photographer, but i think is fair to clarify some things.
The Power of Glass
A high-quality lens is not just a piece of glass. It's a meticulously crafted optical system designed to capture light with exceptional fidelity and character. Prime lenses, for example, offer unmatched sharpness and clarity, resolving fine details that computational processing can only try to emulate. Zoom lenses in high-end DSLRs and mirrorless cameras provide a wider range of focal lengths, allowing photographers to achieve precise framing and creative perspectives that software struggles to replicate.
Beyond the Algorithm
Computational photography often relies on software tricks to manipulate light and data. Techniques like image stacking to reduce noise or HDR for extended dynamic range are valuable tools. However, they can introduce artifacts and a homogenized look that lacks the natural depth and subtle nuances captured by a quality lens. A skilled photographer understands how different lenses render light and shadow, bokeh (background blur), and other characteristics, using them to create a unique visual language.
The Art of Light
The physical limitations of a lens become opportunities for creativity. Understanding aperture, focal length, and depth of field allows photographers to control how light interacts with the scene. This knowledge empowers them to isolate subjects, create dramatic effects, and capture fleeting moments of light in a way that software manipulation often struggles to achieve with the same level of artistry.
The Importance of Real Zooms
Electronic zoom, a mainstay of smartphones and some compact cameras, relies on cropping the image sensor's data. This creates a weaker magnification compared to a true optical zoom lens, sacrificing image quality and detail. For serious photographers, the ability to physically move the lens elements to achieve a closer perspective is irreplaceable.
Silent But Not Perfect: why Electronic Shutters are not recommended
Another facet of computational photography is the electronic shutter that many cameras propose. While it offers the advantage of silent shooting (so appreciated by street photographers), it comes with its own set of drawbacks. The electronic shutter reads the sensor data sequentially, which can cause distortions known as "rolling shutter" when photographing fast-moving subjects. This can result in warped lines and skewed objects, an issue rarely encountered with a mechanical shutter that exposes the entire sensor at once.
The Future is a Blend
Computational photography is a powerful tool that will continue to evolve. However, for photographers seeking the ultimate control, creative expression, and the irreplaceable magic captured by a quality lens, physical cameras will remain a vital tool. The future of photography likely lies in a combination of both approaches, with skilled photographers leveraging the strengths of each to create truly exceptional images.
