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AdventurousJosh

macrumors 6502
Original poster
Aug 11, 2008
300
19
Hi guys,
I'm planning to visit Japan in spring, and aside from my film camera my iPhone 6s Plus is my only camera. I went to the AppleStore today and played with the new iPhone and my current phone side by side for simple photos-- I could tell the X handed shadows and dim areas better, but the pictures are so close I'm unsure if it's a $1000 difference for the upgrade. I love having the latest and greatest camera but am really struggling on whether to upgrade, or just use my iPhone 6S plus for my overseas fun.

To anyone who has upgraded from the 6S to the 8/X, can you chime in on whether the camera would taking noticeably better shots day to day in the real world, or are they really that comparable?

Thank you for your time guys,


Josh
 
Hi guys,
I'm planning to visit Japan in spring, and aside from my film camera my iPhone 6s Plus is my only camera. I went to the AppleStore today and played with the new iPhone and my current phone side by side for simple photos-- I could tell the X handed shadows and dim areas better, but the pictures are so close I'm unsure if it's a $1000 difference for the upgrade. I love having the latest and greatest camera but am really struggling on whether to upgrade, or just use my iPhone 6S plus for my overseas fun.

To anyone who has upgraded from the 6S to the 8/X, can you chime in on whether the camera would taking noticeably better shots day to day in the real world, or are they really that comparable?

Thank you for your time guys,


Josh
I think your biggest differences will be low light photography... You didn’t mention if video recording was something important to you but, the X would also show improvements in that respect
 
Hi guys,
I'm planning to visit Japan in spring, and aside from my film camera my iPhone 6s Plus is my only camera. I went to the AppleStore today and played with the new iPhone and my current phone side by side for simple photos-- I could tell the X handed shadows and dim areas better, but the pictures are so close I'm unsure if it's a $1000 difference for the upgrade. I love having the latest and greatest camera but am really struggling on whether to upgrade, or just use my iPhone 6S plus for my overseas fun.

To anyone who has upgraded from the 6S to the 8/X, can you chime in on whether the camera would taking noticeably better shots day to day in the real world, or are they really that comparable?

Thank you for your time guys,


Josh
I would stick with what you have. The camera in the 6S plus made huge improvements over its predecessors, and while there are some improvements especially with regards to action shots, I certainly wouldn’t get the X for its camera.
 
I took my 6 plus (not 6s plus) to Japan in 2015 and only used it for taking pictures. For daytime photography, my photos looked excellent. With careful use, it performed well in low lighting conditions. This obviously isn't the strength of these mobile cameras. For reference here is what I was able to capture with the 6 Plus. You can expect to get similar if not better images

https://imgur.com/a/Djs4K

I haven't taken my X on a trip yet but I plan to go to SE Asia again, probably in the spring.

EDIT: FYI there images are untouched. I did crop a few for better framing but i haven't used any sort of color correction
 
I would stick with what you have. The camera in the 6S plus made huge improvements over its predecessors, and while there are some improvements especially with regards to action shots, I certainly wouldn’t get the X for its camera.

Action shots definitely won't be something I'm concerned with, but I question whether I'm missing out on the dual lens system, as well as the 'improved' low light capability. I was pretty convinced I should upgrade my phone for the trip to the have the latest and greatest with me, but am unsure if the improvements are worth that kind of money.
 
Action shots definitely won't be something I'm concerned with, but I question whether I'm missing out on the dual lens system, as well as the 'improved' low light capability. I was pretty convinced I should upgrade my phone for the trip to the have the latest and greatest with me, but am unsure if the improvements are worth that kind of money.
The 6s Plus does have a dual lens system.
 
The regular lens in the iPhone X is IDENTICAL to what’s in the 8/8 plus. Unless you need that second lens for zooming or portrait mode, just get the 8/8 plus and save the cash. I too would only be upgrading my 6S for the camera as the most tangible new feature. Every phone since the 6 has taken amazing outdoor shots so the newer iPhones are going to shine in lower light situation and the slow sync flash is actually really really cool for even lighting using the flash. Also 4K video at 60FPS if you care. iPhone 6S does regular 4K too. There’s a reason Apple still sells it. It’s still a VERY capable phone after 2+ years.

Speed tests side by side opening apps on the 6S and 8 are damn near identical. These phones are fast enough for 99 percent of what people needed for the last few years now. Hell even the demo models had some stuttering and hiccups when I used them at Apple even on the iPhone X. The only thing these new chips are really needed for is the camera and AR (which who knows if or when it’ll really take off, many don’t know/don’t care).
 
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Sorry! I got massively confused. I better sit a few plays out.
Was gonna reply to you, but felt like the fact it didmnt have a duel lens system & you thinking it did.. showed i really didn't need to
The regular lens in the iPhone X is IDENTICAL to what’s in the 8/8 plus. Unless you need that second lens for zooming or portrait mode, just get the 8/8 plus and save the cash. I too would only be upgrading my 6S for the camera as the most tangible new feature. Every phone since the 6 has taken amazing outdoor shots so the newer iPhones are going to shine in lower light situation and the slow sync flash is actually really really cool for even lighting using the flash. Also 4K video at 60FPS if you care. iPhone 6S does regular 4K too. There’s a reason Apple still sells it. It’s still a VERY capable phone after 2+ years.

Speed tests side by side opening apps on the 6S and 8 are damn near identical. These phones are fast enough for 99 percent of what people needed for the last few years now. Hell even the demo models had some stuttering and hiccups when I used them at Apple even on the iPhone X. The only thing these new chips are really needed for is the camera and AR (which who knows if or when it’ll really take off, many don’t know/don’t care).

Right, and I've thought about that. But have you tried comparing the 6S to the 8 in person? I did today. The 8 Absolutely took faster images, focus and so fourth but if I just "snap shot" on both of my phones without focusing, or a steady hand.. the results varied. In fact, a hand full of just simple luck had my 6S plus focusing without noise on my subjects or without vignetting.
I then took it to the professionals, and I looked extensively. Some of the youtube videos again shows 'improvement' but it would be, say, just 10% "less dark" than the 6s Plus and almost identical (if not literally) in direct inline.

Trust me I want an excuse to spend money I shouldn't and upgrade the latest and greatest. But can you tell me where in this video warrants another $700-$1K?(if went X)


[doublepost=1516168809][/doublepost]
I have both. For digi-snappers the X is very noticeably better than the 6S.
What do you mean for digi snappers? for imagines for instagram or facebook? why "for digital snappers" is it 'noticeably better' meaning, if for one method(digi snappers) its better than the other.. but compared to what exactly? whats your alternative if "for XXX (example) its nautically better." than what?
[doublepost=1516169032][/doublepost]
[doublepost=1516169478][/doublepost]
I took my 6 plus (not 6s plus) to Japan in 2015 and only used it for taking pictures. For daytime photography, my photos looked excellent. With careful use, it performed well in low lighting conditions. This obviously isn't the strength of these mobile cameras. For reference here is what I was able to capture with the 6 Plus. You can expect to get similar if not better images

https://imgur.com/a/Djs4K

I haven't taken my X on a trip yet but I plan to go to SE Asia again, probably in the spring.

EDIT: FYI there images are untouched. I did crop a few for better framing but i haven't used any sort of color correction
Thank you for your post! your images look great. Do you have anymore? Thats awesome you plan to return to Asia in the spring. Have you seen Hanabi in Japan? Pretty excited about it. As well as capturing the best images possible of those cherry blossoms. Where do you plan on going? What phone do you use now?
 
Hi guys,
I'm planning to visit Japan in spring, and aside from my film camera my iPhone 6s Plus is my only camera. I went to the AppleStore today and played with the new iPhone and my current phone side by side for simple photos-- I could tell the X handed shadows and dim areas better, but the pictures are so close I'm unsure if it's a $1000 difference for the upgrade. I love having the latest and greatest camera but am really struggling on whether to upgrade, or just use my iPhone 6S plus for my overseas fun.

To anyone who has upgraded from the 6S to the 8/X, can you chime in on whether the camera would taking noticeably better shots day to day in the real world, or are they really that comparable?

Thank you for your time guys,


Josh
I don’t use an X but the 6 to 7 plus camera is legitimately a huge increase.
 
If the camera is the only reason you might upgrade, why not take your film camera or buy a digital camera that offers even better image quality than the X? You can get some truly excellent compact but larger sensor cameras, with or without interchangeable lens capability. Yes, I understand the advantage of only needing to carry a phone, but as you know there is also something about shooting with a camera that has a viewfinder and physical controls.

As for the X, I’m pretty impressed by the camera capabilities overall, but I upgraded from a 6 rather than a 6s. Having the additional optical telephoto sure is nice. As much as I like the X, there is a part of me that regrets not putting that money into a Fuji x100f or into upgrading my Olympus EM5 to a newer model, or buying that lens I’ve been wanting. When I had the iPhone 6, the vast majority of photos I took were with my Olympus. Now that I have the X, I might expect to see a change there. I still prefer using my Olympus or Nikon gear, but the image quality and features of the 8+ and the X are enough to make me much more comfortable leaving home with only my iPhone as a camera. There are certainly photos where the X struggles a bit, but I’m still learning how to get the best out of it. As long as you know how to get the best out of your camera, you will return home with great photos whether you go with the 6s or the X.
 
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I don’t use an X but the 6 to 7 plus camera is legitimately a huge increase.
it's the 6s Plus. mind linking me an article or examples? I've done tech reviews cnet most major websites and every single youtube comparison. Really want a clear example of why it's one image is worth $999 more than the other. Do you have one?
[doublepost=1516171232][/doublepost]
If the camera is the only reason you might upgrade, why not take your film camera or buy a digital camera that offers eve
Screen_Shot_2018-01-17_at_12.35.17_AM.png
[/url][/IMG] n better image quality than the X? You can get some truly excellent compact but larger sensor cameras, with or with interchangeable lens capability. Yes, I understand the advantage of only needing to carry a phone, but as you know there is also something about shooting with a camera that has a viewfinder and physical controls.

As for the X, I’m pretty impressed by the camera capabilities overall, but I upgraded from a 6 rather than a 6s. Having the additional optical telephoto sure is nice. As much as I like the X, there is a part of me that regrets not putting that money into a Fuji x100f or into upgrading my Olympus EM5 to a newer model, or buying that lens I’ve been wanting. When I had the iPhone 6, the vast majority of photos I took were with my Olympus. Now that I have the X, I might expect to see a change there. I still prefer using my Olympus or Nikon gear, but the image quality and features of the 8+ and the X are enough to make me much more comfortable leaving home with only my iPhone as a camera. There are certainly photos where the X struggles a bit, but I’m still learning how to get the best out of it. As long as you know how to get the best out of your camera, you will return home with great photos whether you go with the 6s or the X.
Awesome response. Thank you.
Funny the Fuji X100 series is my dream camera too :) reasons why I'm not looking at that alternative is, my trip is in spring and you can't finance a Fuji camera at 0 percent interest over two years. It's instead an intense one time payment of a sexy $1400(new).
And to make matters worse, have you seen older comparisons like this?Again.. do you see the difference to warrant a round trip ticket anywhere on the planet on a busy season? ($1400) lol Theres a lot of money being tossed here, "upgrade to that and upgrade to this"
I just one a side by side example on why I should. Heres' some examples of why IO came to this forum with my question, i'd find results like this.
Screen_Shot_2018-01-17_at_12.37.00_AM.png

Screen_Shot_2018-01-17_at_12.35.17_AM.png

[doublepost=1516171269][/doublepost]Can definitely zoom in and see the x100 win here, but is it really worth an additional $1400?
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Fuj...2004894626399817/?comment_tracking={"tn":"O"}
[doublepost=1516171376][/doublepost]And great mention on the film camera, i've considered that too. Generally, how would you feel film would compare to iPhone? different everyday I know, but image wise.
I initially thought the hassle of traveling overseas with film, buying film, and developing it, might as well just cough up the $41 a month for the iPhone X.
until i dug deep and saw results like above. they're better, they're good.
but are they $1000 good?
 
You keep asking why the X is worth the money while compared to the 6S camera. While you’ll most certainly get better picture on the X, the money is for the whole phone, not just one feature. So it’s not fair comparing just the camera & thinking if it’s worth $999.
 
You keep asking why the X is worth the money while compared to the 6S camera. While you’ll most certainly get better picture on the X, the money is for the whole phone, not just one feature. So it’s not fair comparing just the camera & thinking if it’s worth $999.

Thats true, but what I’m meaning is the only feature relevent for me would be the camera. and how much better is it than the 6s plus. That’s the question.
 
Of course the camera on X will be better compared to 6S/+.

However, I believe there is not too much differences between both handsets.

6S still takes great photos on current standard.

For me the best pound for pound iPhone out there.
 
Thats true, but what I’m meaning is the only feature relevent for me would be the camera. and how much better is it than the 6s plus. That’s the question.

Only based on the camera, I won’t say you need to spend the money if it’s a concern. If you don’t care about spending anyway then might as well go for it, so that you get the extra bells and whistles you get with the X to play around and see what you can get out of it.

Also, if the only thing you care about is camera then I’d suggest to go for the 8 plus, practically the same camera as the X, bar the OIS on the telephoto lens. And you also save some money in the process.

And also, the 8 plus won’t have the red eye issues that people have been complaining about on the X and other first generation product glitches some people have been moaning about.

Example shots taken on my 8 Plus.

164074178ce88b5e687426a2613f560c.jpg


ed59c8b77de7647acf9290d103f003a0.jpg


676b80e0f3de1f08b463e1e357f3c89a.jpg


At the end of the day skill matters more than the minor hardware differences you get in all of these cameras.
 
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it's the 6s Plus. mind linking me an article or examples? I've done tech reviews cnet most major websites and every single youtube comparison. Really want a clear example of why it's one image is worth $999 more than the other. Do you have one?
[doublepost=1516171232][/doublepost]
Awesome response. Thank you.
Funny the Fuji X100 series is my dream camera too :) reasons why I'm not looking at that alternative is, my trip is in spring and you can't finance a Fuji camera at 0 percent interest over two years. It's instead an intense one time payment of a sexy $1400(new).
And to make matters worse, have you seen older comparisons like this?Again.. do you see the difference to warrant a round trip ticket anywhere on the planet on a busy season? ($1400) lol Theres a lot of money being tossed here, "upgrade to that and upgrade to this"
I just one a side by side example on why I should. Heres' some examples of why IO came to this forum with my question, i'd find results like this.
Screen_Shot_2018-01-17_at_12.37.00_AM.png

Screen_Shot_2018-01-17_at_12.35.17_AM.png

[doublepost=1516171269][/doublepost]Can definitely zoom in and see the x100 win here, but is it really worth an additional $1400?
https://www.facebook.com/groups/FujifilmX100cameras/permalink/2004894626399817/?comment_tracking={"tn":"O"}
[doublepost=1516171376][/doublepost]And great mention on the film camera, i've considered that too. Generally, how would you feel film would compare to iPhone? different everyday I know, but image wise.
I initially thought the hassle of traveling overseas with film, buying film, and developing it, might as well just cough up the $41 a month for the iPhone X.
until i dug deep and saw results like above. they're better, they're good.
but are they $1000 good?

Those "can you spot the difference between..." posts ignore a lot of other aspects of camera gear that can be important to photographers. They don't show you how much better the shooting experience is with a good camera that has a nice viewfinder and lots of manual controls. That doesn't matter to some, but I'm one of those types who loves viewfinders and lots of fiddly knobs (which is why cameras like the Fuji an Olympus models are so appealing to me). These comparisons don't usually show you 100% crops, but some would argue that's cheating anyway as most people just look at photos on a small screen, but sometimes the resolution and detail does matter...especially when you want to crop heavily or print large (or view on a 4K display). Those comparisons also don't show you how much detail you can recover from dark shadows and blown highlights using the RAW file. Most of these comparisons show fairly static subjects taken in good light. They don't compare how well each camera handles action, or even slight movement in low light. That said, if the bulk of the photos one takes are within the ever-widening capabilities of smartphone cameras, using a smartphone for photography has plenty of advantages of its own (portability, instant sharing, fewer devices to keep charged, etc.) An expensive camera like the f100x, or investing in a mirrorless or DSLR system, can be really rewarding for those who are passionate enough about photography, but they are investments above and beyond a smartphone. On the plus side, my 7-year-old Olympus OM-D E-M5 still takes better photos than my brand new iPhone X (although for many shots the X is just as good...and the X takes better video under normal lighting). Even my 12-year-old Nikon D200 is an excellent camera that I still use quite often. It can take stunning telephoto and action shots a smartphone can't begin to capture... especially when paired with a high end lens like my 80-200mm f/2.8 (which I bought 14 years ago). So while photographic gear can be expensive, it can also be a much longer term investment than a smartphone. Camera lenses also hold their value quite well. Of course it's all worthless junk if it sits at home on the shelf, and some people find that they just aren't willing to carry more than their smartphone most of the time.

As you said, film is another level of photography that can be rewarding but requires more discipline, patience, and effort. Discipline, because you can't just shoot hundreds of shots a day the way you can with digital. Technically you can, but it will cost you in terms of film and development (as you mention in your post). That might be a good thing because it forces you to think a lot more before you shoot. I haven't shot film in years, but when I did I think I captured a higher percentage of keepers because I was much more thoughtful about each and every shot. Some people truly enjoy developing their own film and making their own prints as well. To me it's an art form I would consider for special projects, but most of the time I prefer the convenience of digital. As for the quality... it can be somewhat subjective. Many believe that digital got better than 35mm film years ago. Others believe that film has a more organic look (which some say Fuji and Olympus replicate better than most digital cameras... especially Fuji). There are plenty of software tricks that get the film look on digital, but it's kind of like the vinyl vs digital argument in music. The analog format has its fans who swear they can tell a difference. My opinion is that the quality of the lens tends to matter more than the digital sensor or analog film you use. That's not always true, but I've always put investing in lenses before upgrading cameras in terms of priority. I've probably spent way too much on camera gear over the years, but it's still a cheaper hobby than some. Most of that investment was years ago.

Despite my investments in really nice lenses and gear, I am a firm believer that a good photographer can capture a great photograph using any type of gear... even a Holga with a plastic lens or a plastic disposable film camera, but the right gear does make it easier for a photographer to achieve the end result they visualize. On the other hand technical limitations can inspire creative choices. If a photograph has enough impact, the technical quality isn't so important.

I guess you just have to ask yourself what you would get the most out of, not only for your trip, but also for your daily life. I can certainly relate to your dilemma. Last summer I broke the LCD display on my E-M5. I can still use the viewfinder to compose, review, and access menu options, but I haven't wanted to pay $250 to repair a 7 year old camera. What I really want is to upgrade to the Olympus PEN F, which would have cost about the same as my iPhone X 256 GB. But as you say there is a difference between paying about $40 a month interest free vs paying $1,200 up front for a new camera. The PEN F would certainly be the better camera, and I'd probably keep it for 7 to 10 years. In the end I decided that there were reasons beyond just the camera that made me want to upgrade to the X, and I'm happy with the decision. Not only did I significantly upgrade my smartphone, but in doing so I also upgraded the camera that I always have in my pocket. I still want the PEN F, but I will have to save up and consider that for the future.

Whatever you choose, just give yourself some time before your trip so you can become familiar with the camera controls enough to get the best out of it.
 
Oh yeah, I forgot about the red eye problem with the X. I went from an X to an 8 Plus and completely forgot the X did that. Yes, it’s very annoying.

I did enjoy the OIS on the zoom lens, though. I think my X was a bit better at getting non-blurry photos in low light, too. But unless the OP is going to be taking a lot of pictures of cats and dogs indoors in Japan, that should not be a factor in the decision.

Both the X and the 8 Plus tend to blow out highlights more than my 7 Plus did. And I think the colors on the 7 Plus were a very slight bit better. Browns in my wood cabinets and floors didn’t take on a yellow cast in indoor lighting on 7 Plus Photos vs those on X or 8 Plus. However, it was worth it to me to upgrade because I could recover more detail in low light photos taken on an X or an 8 than those taken on a 7 Plus, if I use the editing tool.
 
it's the 6s Plus. mind linking me an article or examples? I've done tech reviews cnet most major websites and every single youtube comparison. Really want a clear example of why it's one image is worth $999 more than the other. Do you have one?
[doublepost=1516171232][/doublepost]
Awesome response. Thank you.
Funny the Fuji X100 series is my dream camera too :) reasons why I'm not looking at that alternative is, my trip is in spring and you can't finance a Fuji camera at 0 percent interest over two years. It's instead an intense one time payment of a sexy $1400(new).
And to make matters worse, have you seen older comparisons like this?Again.. do you see the difference to warrant a round trip ticket anywhere on the planet on a busy season? ($1400) lol Theres a lot of money being tossed here, "upgrade to that and upgrade to this"
I just one a side by side example on why I should. Heres' some examples of why IO came to this forum with my question, i'd find results like this.
Screen_Shot_2018-01-17_at_12.37.00_AM.png

Screen_Shot_2018-01-17_at_12.35.17_AM.png

[doublepost=1516171269][/doublepost]Can definitely zoom in and see the x100 win here, but is it really worth an additional $1400?
https://www.facebook.com/groups/FujifilmX100cameras/permalink/2004894626399817/?comment_tracking={"tn":"O"}
[doublepost=1516171376][/doublepost]And great mention on the film camera, i've considered that too. Generally, how would you feel film would compare to iPhone? different everyday I know, but image wise.
I initially thought the hassle of traveling overseas with film, buying film, and developing it, might as well just cough up the $41 a month for the iPhone X.
until i dug deep and saw results like above. they're better, they're good.
but are they $1000 good?

Put a lot of money myself into a good mirrorless and some glass to accompany it. It ultimately saw one vacation. I just have too much else to travel with. It seems like they are getting stricter each year with carry on and checked in baggage. Not to mention new limitations on lipo batteries...

Once you get to your destination you have to make that decision of taking your camera and gear with you each time you leave the room. Every one is different but for me it really hampers the spontaneity of a vacation.

I look at it like people who own RVs. If you go and spend a lot of money on an RV you feel obligated to use it every vacation and it sort of becomes a burden. You want to put it to use. It forces you to plan around the fact you have this expensive equipment.

“The best camera is the one you have with you” -said someone

If photography is important to you and you want a camera you’re going to enjoy using get the X. It really is a joy to use. But you can still get great shots using your 6s.

When it comes to mobile photography the first rule for me is never use the digital zoom. To get the most of each pixel I want to frame the shot by finding the best vantage point on foot. It’s restricting but it forces me to be more creative and to think about my shot and how to make it more interesting. Having a 2nd lens’s gives me a zoom option without resorting to degrading the image quality. That’s the real advantage of a 7+/8+/X.
 
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Awesome thanks for the epic posts guys, still unsure if I should upgrade / or bring my film camera/ 6s plus. I have an olympus om1 and I too love the fact I have to slow down with it, love the manual controls. Manual focus. Just imagine it would be a pain to bring overseas.
Wish there were more 6a plus vs X camera comparisons.
 
Awesome thanks for the epic posts guys, still unsure if I should upgrade / or bring my film camera/ 6s plus. I have an olympus om1 and I too love the fact I have to slow down with it, love the manual controls. Manual focus. Just imagine it would be a pain to bring overseas.
Wish there were more 6a plus vs X camera comparisons.

Oh... if you have an OM1 then you might really like an OM-D E-M5 or E-M10. You can get an adapter that will let you use your existing lenses (manual focus though). As much as I want the PEN F to replace my aging E-M5 with the broken LCD, the E-M10 mark II or mark III are almost as good as the E-M5 mark II but only cost $500. I may end up going that route. Olympus makes fantastic gear. Sorry to add more options to your decision! :)
 
I just got back from a family reunion of sorts, and have to say I was blown away by my X's camera - particularly shooting video, at 4K/60FPS. We had a handful of phones (two 6's, an 8 Plus, my X, an iPad Pro 10.5, and a Canon 70D with a 24-105L lens) and the newer iPhones absolutely DESTROYED everything else in terms of image quality. In fact, everyone that's seen some of the clips has commented on how clear the video was. So of you're planning on shooting any video, I'd highly recommend the upgrade. For stills, the improved low-light performance and optical zoom are just icing on the cake, IMO. :) (actually, I forgot to change my settings when indoors/low-light for the video - I sometimes switch to 1080p/60FPS in those situations - but it did just fine at 4K/60FPS ... In fact, I was even able to pull screenshots of the video, zoomed-in, as stills - got some great shots that way!)

btw, not sure if it's been mentioned, but there's a great camera comparison with full-size crops, showing the performance of every iPhone's cameras in a variety of situations, here.
 
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