Unmatched Clarity: Why digital camera photos are better than iPhone photos

My blue Fujifilm digital camera is the best purchase I’ve ever made.

After paying $5 for it at City Thrift, this camera has been by my side at every single party, family gathering and vacation. Forget feeling like a high schooler in a sweaty basement; my camera transforms me into an off-duty celebrity on a budget. Move over iPhone 13, because my digital camera outshines you in every way.

My phone photos are blurry and poorly lit. But with my pocket-sized camera, I have easy access to photos that look like they were taken on a professional camera.  Whoever develops the next iPhone camera should scrap whatever they have and use technology from decade-old digital cameras. 

I look forward to leaving events so I can go home and plug in my SD card to my computer and unleash a flood of pictures that make my phone’s camera cry out in inadequacy. 

Not to mention that my digital camera makes me the most popular person in the room — everyone’s begging for their moment in the spotlight. Walking around social events asking people I barely know if they want their photo taken forces me to interact with new people. Who knew a $5 secondhand camera could be the MVP of my social life?

The only downside is instructing my friends on how to take photos with this piece of ancient technology — I’ve uttered the phrase “Push the button harder!” more times than I can keep track of.

My camera even has its own Instagram account (@magmoneycam), motivating me to share small moments like my sister’s housewarming party or a random sleepover with my friends that I wouldn’t have even considered posting on social media before. Posting on my real Instagram feels so formal — my digital camera account lets me post more real and unfiltered moments.

It has even made me less insecure. I used to dread taking photos at school dances or birthday parties because I hated the way I looked, but miraculously I always love the way I look in my camera photos. On my phone, there’s a 50% chance I actually like the photos I’m in. But I can always count on my camera for post-worthy pictures.

So if you haven’t jumped on the digital camera bandwagon yet, I strongly suggest that you do. Whether it’s a quick browse on eBay or a visit to your local thrift store, investing in an affordable camera is way better than struggling to make your iPhone photos pass as impressive.