This Synopsis
The camera performance of today’s best smartphones continually impresses. Personally, it has become my primary way to capture my trips as of late, despite also having a DSLR on-hand. The DSLR undoubtedly has the advantage when talking about visual technicalities, but when it comes to the equal consideration of both convenience and performance, the smartphone puts up a overwhelming argument. The performance gap isn’t vast, at least to the unprofessional eye.
So to put my money with my mouth is, I primarily used my Samsung Note 9‘s camera to try to truly capture Germany’s exquisite scenery, in an Autumn flavor. Was that a mistake? This Synopsis covers the results of the Note 9 camera against some of Germany’s most beautiful offerings.
Also See: Iceland’s Wintry Beauty, Shot on Note 8
The Scope
These shots covered many of Germany’s most well-known sites, starting north at its rad capital, Berlin, and down to the iconic Neuschwanstein castle in the Bavaria region. Included is the picturesque town of Salzburg at the foot of the Alps.
The transitional time of Autumn presented a lot of visual differentiation to test the Note 9’s camera, from well-lit overcast and sunny landscapes to complex shadowy city dynamics and those tricky indoor low-light situations. We tested it all. Let’s see how the Note 9 fared to such a tall order.
*Every image shown was shot on the Note 9, only in Auto mode and default camera settings. None were tweaked – this is exactly what the camera outputted.
The Gallery
Berlin
Dual camera comparison:
Saxony
Dresden
Meissen
Barvarian Villages
Bamberg
Rothenburg ob der Tauber
Hohenzollern Castle
Dual camera comparison:
Neuschwanstein Castle
Salzburg
Final Thoughts
I had used the Note 9 a while before putting it to this test. I knew the camera was an excellent performer, but these results have enhanced my appreciation for it. No, it doesn’t form a perfect reproduction (especially when it comes to prevalent shadows or highlights), and some conditions fare better than others. But so often it was able to capture the drama of the moment, through its excellent contrast, colors, and detail. I’m able to revisit the emotional awe I felt in many of these scenes, and as far as I’m concerned, that’s mission accomplished.
That said, we’d like to hear what you think. Do you also find these shots impressive, or think we’re not yet at the point of leaving behind our trusty dedicated cameras? Let us know in the comments section!
Also See: The Pacific Northwest’s Springtime Beauty, Shot on Galaxy S9
