Whether you are a chef or just someone who likes to share pictures of your food, you want to make sure you have the best smartphone camera for food photography. How can you share those shots of your amazing dinner on Instagram if your phone camera does not measure up?
Look at the Highlights and Features of These Top 10 Smartphone Cameras
We went hunting for the 10 highest rated smartphones with the best cameras to help you find what you need. These smartphones were chosen for their specs as well as their reviews. The clarity and color were also important factors as well as macro and zoom for those up-close and personal shots of those delicious meals you want to share.
This is the world’s first full pixel Octa PD6 Autofocus. It has 50 pixels to get extremely fast and accurate auto focus even in low light conditions. And with the artificial intelligence and recognition features, it can remove people passing by in the background as well as fix reflections and missed shots. Just upload your photo and Remove.bg will automatically find any people in it, cut around them, and let you download a copy of your subject with a transparent background.
Get the depth and details as well as the vivid colors of your food that will make your Instagram followers drool. Your pictures will look so real that you will swear you can smell the deliciousness just from the photo. The pixels of this one beat the rest, which is important for picture quality.
Some of the cool features of the Ultra Vision Leica Penta camera on this Huawei phone include:
- 50PYYB ultra-vision camera, f/1.9 aperture
- 40MP ultrawide cinema camera, f/1.9 aperture
- 8MP optical telephoto 10x camera periscope, f/4 aperture
- 8MP optical telephoto 3x, f/2.4 aperture
- 3D depth sensing camera with real-time depth perception
- 100x maximum zoom without losing clarity
- 4-in-1 pixel binning technology turns four pixels into one large one
- Color temperature sensor with eight-color channel multi-spectrum
- Optical image stabilization
If you’re concerned about being able to use a Huawei phone, there are some links that give some guidance.
The DXOMark tech on this camera has some amazing technology as well. It has different automatic modes including a food setting. At this setting, your food looks that much more attractive due to its vibrant color and detail.
With a spectacular depth of field and automatic shutter speed, you get the best shots possible. Even in low light conditions you can clearly see all the miniscule features of every bit of food you want to share. The sensor size lets you take the best shots even in low light conditions. Here are the specs:
- 108MP main camera 1/1.33 sensor resolution sensor, f/1.8 aperture with PDAF
- 48MP telephoto 103mm, f/3.5 aperture with PDAF
- 12MP ultrawide 13mm, f/2.2 aperture
- 3×3 pixel binning combining nine pixels into one super pixel
- 10x hybrid uses the 48MP tele-camera and the high resolution 108MP for the best shot possible
- Additional time of flight (ToF) depth sensor
- Periscope style lens
- Phase detection autofocus
- Ultra-wide camera for wider shots
- Optical image stabilization
With the Xiaomi Mi Note 10 Pro, you get a front camera with HDR and a palm shutter. The panoramic selfie setting means you can get epic selfies for your profile pictures. And there is even a selfie timer to get a picture of all of you. The TrueColor feature in this camera beat the competition hands down.
Let the artificial intelligence adjust the lighting and detection as well as your makeup and feature adjustments. The rear camera has background blurring for depth of field and even a setting that will make you look slimmer and more beautiful. You can even create your own watermark. Here are some of the main features:
- 108MP quad camera f/1.69 aperture
- 12MP portrait camera f/2 aperture
- 20MP super-wide-angle camera f/2.2 aperture
- 8MP 10x zoom f/2 aperture
- 50mm portrait setting for studio-type photos
- 90Hz with TrueColor technology
- Artificial intelligence pixel optimization
Ultra-vision camera has perfect focus instantly with its omnidirectional PDAF (phase detecting auto focus) because all the pixels are focus points. It even has laser focus for low light settings. The wide angle switches the ISO (International Standards Organization. In this case relating specifically to how much light is allowed in the lens.) automatically depending on the light.
When you use all three lenses at once in the 3-in-1 camera zoom, the shots are perfect and look like you can reach out and touch them. In fact, you can practically smell the aroma of the food from looking at the picture. Use the ultra-macro mode to make it even more detailed.
- 13MP periscope telephoto f/3 aperture
- 48MP ultrawide lens f/2.2 aperture, 120 degrees field of view, 4.3x more scene
- 48MP wide angle lens f/1.7 aperture, 1/1.4-inch sensor
- 12-bit True Capture
- 60x zoom
- Ultra-night mode 3.0
- Optical image stabilization
The Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max rates high in many categories, giving it an all-around appeal for those who like iOS phones. Even though it does not have all the extras that many of the others on the list have, the iPhone takes excellent photos, especially of food.
It may be the Apple technology, but the colors on the iPhone always seem to be brighter than most Android phones. However, the Apples do not give you the zoom features and details that the others do. Here are the specs:
- 12MP telephoto f/2 aperture
- 12MP wide angle f/1.8 aperture
- 12MP ultrawide f/2.4 aperture and 120 degrees of view
- 2x optical zoom
- 10x digital zoom
- Dual optical image stabilization
- Brighter TruTone flash with SlowSync
- Night mode for low lighting
The Pixel 4 has some of the bells and whistles that the others do for a lesser price. Well, maybe just the bells and not the whistles. It only has 2x zoom but it takes awesome and realistic pictures in low light conditions without the flash. This can be important when taking pictures in a romantic restaurant or when dining outside in the evening.
Taking the dark exposures in a lesser light situation makes the food seem more realistic but has a bit more noise with this camera when compared to the others. The super-res zoom technology does give a nice 8x power digitally that is almost as good as the higher priced models. Check out the specs:
- 16MP telephoto lens 1.0-pixel width and f/2.4 aperture
- 12.2MP wide angle lens 1.4-pixel width and f/1.7 aperture
- 8MP ultrawide lens 1.22-pixel width and f/2 aperture
- NIR flood emitter
- NIR dot projector
- Fixed focus
With many of the typical Samsung features as well as a self-setting aperture for light or dark situations, the Galaxy Note 10 is a really smart smartphone. It even has scene optimizing so it can get the best shots even if you miss them.
The DepthVision and AR intelligence really helps you get those fantastic food shots no matter where you are without having to go through a bunch of settings. And it also has a Quick Measure app to give you the measurements of what you are photographing so everyone can see how huge that sirloin steak really is. Here are some of the tech specs:
- 16MP ultrawide lens f/1.7 aperture
- 12MP wide angle lens f/2.2 aperture
- 12MP telephoto lens f/2 aperture
- 2x optical zoom
- 123 degrees field of vision
- Full editing right on your phone
It may not be an iPhone or Samsung, but the OnePlus 8 Pro will give them a run for their money at a much lower price. By incorporating the Sony 48MP sensor into the camera, this one is definitely in the running for one of the best.
It has improved nighttime vision without needing the flash, which means low-light food photos will not look washed out. You will be pleasantly surprised with the quality and detail you get from a brand that is not well-known. Check out the details:
- 48MP ultrawide lens f2.2 aperture
- 8MP primary wide lens f/1.8 aperture
- 5MP depth lens f/2.4 aperture for close-ups
- 3x hybrid zoom
- Color effect sensor for deep color
- Dual LED flash
This lesser known brand camera features some great specs including the Hawk Eye artificial intelligence with up to a 20x zoom capability. The software enhancements make it a fantastic foodie camera for bright as well as not-so-bright situations.
Also, the image stabilization means you can get up close without blur. In fact, the only blur you will get with this camera is the bokeh effects that you want. Here are some of the main features you get with the Realme X2 Pro:
- 64MP wide telephoto f/1.8 aperture
- 13MP telephoto f/2.5 aperture
- 8MP ultrawide lens f/2.2 aperture
- 2MP nightscape lens f/2.4 aperture
- 2x optical zoom
- 20x hybrid zoom
For those foodies who are on a tight budget, check out the Moto G Power from Motorola. The realistic color and amazingly detailed macro shots make your food jump off the page. No matter how close you get to that juicy burger, the photo will still be clear.
It even has artificial intelligence power so you can let the camera choose the settings for you. If you want to get some fantastic pictures without breaking the bank, you cannot go wrong with this one. Here are some of the details:
- 16MP telephoto lens f/2 aperture
- 12MP wide lens f/1.7 aperture
- 8MP ultrawide lens f/2.2 aperture
- 2MP macro lens f/2.2 aperture
- 5x zoom for close-ups
- Excellent panoramic shots
- Super-fast focusing
How to Use Your Phone to Take Food Videos
If you also take a lot of videos with your smartphone camera, you are going to need the specs for that as well. The Xiaomi Mi Note 10 is one that stands out on this list with 8K video at 30 frames per second. And with it’s record breaking pixel count of 108 megapixels, you cannot get a bad video from this phone.
However, if you are one of those videographers who like to really get into your video specs, the one that we found to be the best is not on the above list. The Sony Xperia 1 can shoot footage in up to 21:9 for that cinema-style look and gives you full control of the settings. The 4K HDR screen and Premier Pro setting makes editing and post-processing a dream.
The Sony does take some awesome pictures as well. It has a triple-camera setup to make it easy to switch to other lenses for better shots. It even has the world’s first eye autofocus feature in a smartphone. Here are some of the main details:
- 12MP telephoto lens f/2.4 aperture
- 12MP wide angle lens f/1.6 aperture
- 12MP ultrawide lens f/2.4 aperture
- 2x optical zoom
- Shoots up to 10 frames per second with autofocus
- Precision focus for low-light settings
- Full manual control of the ISO and shutter speed
What to Look for in a Smartphone Camera
Since you are looking into taking photos of food, the best camera phone is going to be the one with the most detail and close-ups. Choose the one that works with your style of photography. For example, if you take a lot of photos in low light conditions, get the Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra, which has the best low-light settings. If you do a lot of macro, choose the one with the best macro specs.
Tips on Taking Awesome Food Photos
Taking photos of food has become a major industry for many from food bloggers to professional chefs. If you are photographing meals for a magazine or advertisement, you want to be sure they are all perfect. But when shooting for Instagram or your blog, you can be more casual. Here are some tips:
- Use a clean white plate for serious shots
- Take a bite first so everyone knows it is real food
- Let the crumbs fall where they may for a casual realistic look
- Stick a fork in it for a more humorous look
- Move around to get the best shot
- You don’t have to stay in the kitchen, take your meal outside for a barbecue or picnic shot
- Shoot it while its hot, steam rising from the food looks incredible
- Use a lot of color, colorful food makes the pictures pop
- Surround your main dish with interesting items like canisters, cute salt and pepper shakers, herbs, and linens
- Natural light is always better than using the flash
- Use the bokeh setting to make your dish the center of attention
- Set it to the side; your main entrée does not always have to be right in the middle of the frame
- Take some shots at eye level for a different view
How to Troubleshoot those Bad Shots
Nobody can take the perfect shot every time. That is why photographers take dozens of photos of the same thing.
Many of the smartphone cameras on this list have a continuous shot setting. That means the camera takes several photos and combines them to get the best shot possible. Let’s look at some of the most common errors when using a smartphone to photograph food.
Blurred Photos
Blurry photos typically mean you moved when you were taking the shot. Try using a tripod with a remote. You can also try using a faster shutter speed and open up your aperture to let more light in. Try zooming out a bit so your camera is not so touchy. You can crop it and zoom in on it after you get the shot. Also make sure you are not pushing the shutter button so hard that you blur the photo.
Faded Colors
Sometimes, too much light or exposure can wash out the colors in your photos. If you are taking your shots in the kitchen with your overhead lighting, move to a different room with softer lights. If you are outside in the sun, move around to a different angle where the sun is at your back. Or just take the pictures at the time of day when the sun is not as bright.
Photos are not Popping
If you want your pictures to pop, make sure the focus is right. In most cases, when the pictures just are not grabbing the attention they should, it is because the images are not sharp. You have to have sharpness to get the details and for your shots to look their best. Try changing the aperture if your smartphone camera has that option.
Manual Shooting
If your smartphone camera has a manual setting, use it. There is so much you can do from slowing down or speeding up the shutter speed or adjusting the amount of light you let in. A faster shutter speed can capture the subject of your photo even if you move a little bit. A slow shutter speed will give you a nice movement shot.
As far as the amount of light, the ISO setting adjusts how the camera uses the light it has. When you use a higher ISO number, the less light you need. So, if you are taking a shot of your dinner in a dark restaurant, increase the ISO for a better shot.
The Bottom Line
No matter which smartphone you decide to get for your food photos, make sure you learn all you can about the camera before taking any pictures. Practice on everything from people to landscaping, inside and outside, in all sorts of lighting situations. Even if the phone you get is not on this list, all smartphone cameras can take a good food photo if you know what you are doing.