Can you tell the difference between $5,500 full frame vs iPhone XS photos?

We have seen all kinds of cameras and lenses compared: film vs. digital, full frame vs. crop, cheap vs. expensive. In this video, Tony and Chelsea Northrup compare photos taken with a $5,500 full frame camera + lens kit, a $600 APS-C kit, and a new iPhone XS. Can you tell the difference?

For the test, Chelsea took portraits with a Nikon D850 + Nikkor 24-70mm, a Nikon D3400 + Nikkor 50mm 1.8G, and iPhone XS. Tony was to guess which photo was taken with which camera, first by looking at them on a phone screen, and then printed. Tony was able to guess which photo was taken with which camera in both cases.

Chelsea has published the three photos on her Instagram page for you to try and guess which photo was taken with which camera. Before you watch the video, look at these and take your guess:

https://www.instagram.com/p/BocVg1XAxVk/?hl=en&taken-by=chelsea_northrup

If I had to guess from zoomed in images, or printed large, I’d be able to guess as well. But only by looking at the photos on Instagram, on a small phone screen… I’m not so sure.

So, yeah, gear and resolution are important when you want to print large or when you’re doing client work. But for occasional snaps (and even some professional work)… Just shoot with what you’ve got, capture moments and don’t think so much about gear.

[Cheap vs Expensive Cameras: iPhone XS v. $5,500 v. $600 | Tony & Chelsea Northrup]