April 3, 2025

Could a phone really replace my camera?

Travel, Photography

If you're a fellow photographer, you're probably crying blasphemy already! In this post, I detail my experiment of leaving my professional camera at home and relying solely on a smartphone for a photography trip to Andalusia. The results surprised me. I'll also share some of my general experiences of the areas I visited in case you're interested in visiting.


Device Note: All images in this post, unless otherwise stated, were captured using the Xiaomi 15 Ultra, paired with its Photography Kit and a 67mm polarising filter. I purchased this phone just a few weeks ago, and to be clear, I'm not sponsored by or affiliated with Xiaomi in any way - I'm simply excited to share my experiences with this new technology.


It's a familiar predicament for many photographers preparing for travel. Do you pack the dedicated camera system, accepting the associated weight and bulk for the sake of ultimate image quality and control? Or do you embrace the convenience of lighter gear? For years, my Canon EOS R5 has been my steadfast companion on trips abroad. However, for a recent exploration of Andalusia, taking in the beautiful cities of Malaga, Cordoba, and Seville from March 25th to 30th, 2025, I decided to undertake something of an experiment. The R5 stayed at home.


In its place, I relied solely on my Xiaomi 15 Ultra smartphone. This wasn't a casual decision; I equipped it with the optional Photography Kit designed for the phone and, knowing the bright Spanish conditions, a crucial 67mm circular polarising filter. My objective was simple: to determine if a modern, high-specification smartphone could genuinely serve as my primary photographic tool for a demanding travel itinerary, producing results suitable for my social media and website.

Cathedral in Malaga, Spain - Ryan Stanikk Photography - Travel Photography, UK

The Rationale: Convenience Meets Capability?


Leaving behind the R5, a camera I know delivers exceptional results, wasn't without hesitation. Yet, the practicalities of travel photography sometimes clash with the enjoyment of the journey itself. My preference for travelling light, typically with just a backpack, is often compromised by the sheer volume and weight of camera equipment. Furthermore, navigating busy city streets or relaxing in a cafe feels different when burdened by several thousand pounds worth of gear. There's also the simple factor of accessibility, a phone is always with you.


Beyond the convenience, I was genuinely curious about the rapid advancements in mobile imaging. Could the Xiaomi 15 Ultra, with its impressive specifications, truly bridge the gap in image quality? This trip would be a proper test of its capabilities, as I'd only owned the phone for a few weeks.

My confidence stemmed partly from the hardware. Phones like the 15 Ultra now incorporate large sensors (a 1-inch type on the main camera) and sophisticated multi-lens arrays offering genuine optical zoom, moving far beyond basic digital cropping. The potential for high-quality image capture seemed substantial. My main reservation centred on the software, specifically, the risk of over-aggressive computational processing potentially rendering images unnatural, something I strive to avoid in my own editing.

Xiaomi 15 Ultra with Photography Kit

Enhancing the Tool: The Photography Kit and Filter


The Photography Kit accessory was a key enabler for this test. It transforms the phone's ergonomics, making it feel significantly more like a traditional camera. This slide-on grip provides a secure hold and incorporates physical controls: a satisfying two-stage shutter button, a zoom lever, and a customisable dial (which I promptly assigned to exposure compensation, an indispensable function). A dedicated video record button is also present. Crucially, the kit includes a robust 67mm filter adapter ring.



This allowed the attachment of standard photographic filters, and for Andalusia's bright conditions, a high-quality Circular Polariser (CPL) was essential. A polariser helps manage reflections on water and glass, deepens blue skies preventing them from blowing out, and enhances natural colour saturation, all achieved optically at the point of capture. The Photography Kit also thoughtfully includes its own internal battery which intelligently supplements the phone's main battery, providing welcome peace of mind on long days of shooting. The phone itself supports rapid charging, meaning downtime could be minimised if needed, though battery life proved very capable.


Andalusia: A Real-World Test


The journey through Malaga, Cordoba, and Seville presented a fantastic range of photographic challenges under the consistently bright Andalusian sun.

View of Malaga, Spain - Ryan Stanikk Photography - Travel Photography, UK

Malaga


Malaga offered immediate tests with its high-contrast scenes. The ancient Alcazaba juxtaposed bright sunlit walls with deep archway shadows, while the bustling streets demanded quick composition. The city was bigger and more vibrant than I had anticipated - I'd expected something akin to Alicante, but found a place with considerably more sights, history, and a surprisingly active nightlife. The CPL filter was invaluable from the start, especially when capturing the vista across the bullring towards the sea.


Night photography yielded impressively clean and detailed results, particularly when utilising the Pro mode's RAW (DNG) file capture, but more on that later. Right now I want to give a shout out to the wonderfully atmospheric Chester and Punk bar, which perfectly balanced classy cocktails served in unique glassware with an alternative soundtrack of pop punk and emo that had me recognising every track - a rare find that combined sophistication with edge. My culinary highlights in Malaga included fresh octopus at Romancero Restaurante, taking full advantage of the coastal location's seafood offerings.

Alcazaba in Malaga, Spain - Ryan Stanikk Photography - Travel Photography, UK
Streets of Malaga, Spain - Ryan Stanikk Photography - Travel Photography, UK
Chester & Punk in Malaga, Spain - Ryan Stanikk Photography - Travel Photography, UK

Cordoba


I travelled to Cordoba by train, a surprisingly swift 45-minute journey from Malaga that was both comfortable and reasonably priced. The sheer scale and historical significance of the Mezquita-Cathedral and the Roman Bridge were inspiring. Photographing the bridge during the warm glow of the evening felt particularly rewarding. The phone captured the textures of the ancient stonework admirably. I recall utilising one of the native optical zooms (likely the 3x or 4.3x equivalent) for the bridge shot, which helped compress the perspective and frame the Mezquita effectively beyond it.


The Mezquita itself was fascinating, with its seemingly endless archways creating hypnotic patterns throughout the interior. While it was exceptionally crowded during my visit (and I'm admittedly not as moved by religious sites as some might be), the outer courtyard with its beautiful architecture left a lasting impression. The bell tower offered splendid views across the city, providing context to the historic walled areas I'd been exploring. I thoroughly enjoyed wandering through the Jewish Quarter, where numerous small courtyard gardens displayed a pride of place, and the occasional sounds of flamenco drifted from bars and restaurants, though the tour groups did occasionally diminish the atmosphere.

Roman Bridge of Cordoba, Spain - Ryan Stanikk Photography - Travel Photography, UK

There's an interesting story behind one of my favourite shots of the Mezquita-Cathedral framed through golden-lit foliage (see below). When I returned the following day hoping to capture the same composition with different lighting, I discovered the bush/tree I'd used for framing had been completely removed, apparently only there temporarily. It's a reminder of photography's often temporary nature and how certain compositions might truly be one-time opportunities that no one else will be able to replicate.

Mezquita-Catedral de Cordoba, Spain - Ryan Stanikk Photography - Travel Photography, UK

Seville


Another efficient train journey, this time 55 minutes from Cordoba, brought me to Seville, my final destination, which pulsed with energy and colour. I was surprised by how crowded the city was for March; tickets to the Alcazar and Cathedral were completely sold out for days in advance, something I hadn't anticipated during what I'd assumed would be a quieter shoulder season.


Nevertheless, the magnificent Plaza de España offered an almost overwhelming photographic subject with its sheer scale ensuring it never felt crowded despite the tourist numbers. Here again, the CPL filter proved its worth, managing reflections on the canal and enriching the famous blue tiles and sky. The surrounding grounds were particularly beautiful, offering peaceful moments away from the busier areas. I generally gravitated towards the high-quality main 1x lens and the optical telephoto options, finding them preferable to the ultra-wide for maintaining detail and allowing for more considered compositions using foreground elements like the plaza's ornate railings.

My walks along the river were unexpectedly pleasant; it's clear the city has invested in making these areas attractive and accessible. The modern architecture of the Metropol Parasol ("Las Setas") provided a different aesthetic, and strangely, a slightly less crowded experience, particularly in the evening. I'd booked to be on the structure for sunset, and the daytime image captured during this golden hour, looking up through the structure framed by foliage, remains one of my favourite photographs from the trip. Returning after dark, I braced the phone on a nearby surface for stability. It handled the complex curves and the dynamic coloured light display very well, even rendering the distant Giralda tower with acceptable clarity. Rooftop bars offered stunning vantage points, allowing for captures like the sunset over the city and focused views towards the Giralda.


Throughout the trip, the CPL filter was almost constantly attached during daylight hours. For interior shots, such as the beautiful stained glass within Malaga Cathedral or dimly lit bars, the phone performed capably. Understandably, image quality in very low light isn't quite on par with well-lit scenes, noise reduction becomes more apparent upon close inspection, but with a steady hand (or by bracing the device), the results were certainly good enough for my primary uses.

Las Setas, Seville, Spain - Ryan Stanikk Photography - Travel Photography, UK
Street Photography, Seville, Spain - Ryan Stanikk Photography - Travel Photography, UK
Sunset from a rooftop in Seville, Spain - Ryan Stanikk Photography - Travel Photography, UK
Twilight view from Las Setas, Seville, Spain - Ryan Stanikk Photography - Travel Photography, UK

The User Experience: Freedom vs Familiarity


How did the practical experience of using the phone as my main camera compare to my R5? For the most part, it felt genuinely liberating. The ergonomic grip provided by the Photography Kit made the phone feel secure and camera-like, a world away from awkwardly holding a thin smartphone. The significant reduction in weight and bulk was immediately noticeable and welcome. I felt a profound sense of freedom not having my camera bag weighing on my shoulder or worrying about equipment security, especially in places like beaches where I'd typically be concerned about setting down expensive gear on the sand.


I was impressed with the screen's performance; even in direct sunlight, it remained sufficiently bright and clear, meaning I rarely found myself missing the R5's viewfinder. Having physical controls like the shutter button and the exposure dial readily accessible significantly streamlined the shooting process compared to relying purely on touchscreen interactions. However, the ingrained muscle memory developed over years with the R5 cannot be entirely replicated. The ability to adjust aperture, shutter speed, and ISO almost simultaneously and instinctively is a key advantage of dedicated camera controls. The phone required a slightly more conscious, sequential approach to adjustments.

Cathedral in Malaga, Spain - Ryan Stanikk Photography - Travel Photography, UK

The most significant advantage, however, was undoubtedly spontaneity. Knowing that a high-quality, versatile camera system was always instantly available in my pocket removed any barrier to capturing fleeting moments or unexpected scenes. My daily routine involved hours of walking through cities, returning to my accommodation in early evening, and then heading back out for dinner and drinks, throughout it all, I always had my primary camera with me, rather than selectively choosing when to carry the R5. The workflow also felt remarkably efficient: capturing excellent 16-bit DNG RAW files in Pro mode, being able to perform high-quality edits directly within Lightroom Mobile on the device itself, and having the option to instantly share images with friends and family without waiting to transfer from camera to phone.


I noticed people were noticeably less suspicious or self-conscious when I photographed with the phone compared to a professional camera. There were even amusing moments where I knew I was quite possibly capturing technically superior images with my phone than tourists struggling with DSLRs they hadn't fully mastered. At one point, I offered advice to a family taking graduation photos with the sunset directly behind their daughter, explaining as a professional photographer that they needed to change their angle and use a telephoto perspective for a more flattering portrait. I don't often do anything like this, but this was clearly an important moment for this girl to have captured in a complimentary way.


Where MY CAMERA Still Excels


Naturally, the transition wasn't without acknowledging certain compromises. The Canon R5 remains a professional tool with inherent advantages. The areas where I most felt the difference were:


  • Autofocus Performance: While the Xiaomi's autofocus is very competent for general use, the R5's sophisticated system is faster, more decisive, and significantly better at tracking erratically moving subjects. Street photography presented the biggest challenge without my proper camera, I could frame scenes well enough, but capturing faster movements often proved difficult. For critical action shots, the R5 holds a clear edge.


  • Depth of Field Control: The 15 Ultra's fixed aperture lenses don't provide the nuanced control over depth of field achievable with the wide range of apertures available on dedicated camera lenses. While the phone's portrait mode can simulate shallow depth of field through computational photography, it doesn't offer the same optical character or creative flexibility as a wide-aperture lens on a full-frame camera.


  • Ultimate Image Detail and Flexibility: For web display and typical print sizes, the phone's image quality is genuinely excellent. However, the larger sensor of the R5 captures fundamentally more information, offering greater latitude for heavy cropping, producing very large fine-art prints, and recovering extreme shadow or highlight detail without artefacts. I had previously attempted a similar experiment in Estonia with my Galaxy S23 Ultra, but found its zoom camera lacked the resolution I needed, and its sensor and RAW capabilities fell short of what the Xiaomi 15 Ultra now provides.


  • Ergonomic Efficiency: Despite the excellent grip kit, the seamless integration of controls and the overall handling of the R5, refined through years of use, allows for faster, more instinctive operation, particularly when speed is critical.
Rooftop Bar overlooking the Cathedral in Seville, Spain - Ryan Stanikk Photography - Travel Photography, UK

The Conclusion: A Compelling Alternative


So, the ultimate question: could the Xiaomi 15 Ultra realistically replace my Canon R5 for travel photography? Based on this specific trip, focused on city exploration, diverse subjects, predominantly favourable light, and with output primarily intended for online platforms, my answer is a definitive yes, and I will likely do this again next time.


The combination of the phone's advanced camera hardware, the enhanced handling and features provided by the Photography Kit, and the crucial optical control offered by the CPL filter resulted in a system that consistently delivered high-quality images I am proud to share. For this particular style of travel, the substantial benefits of portability, convenience, and constant readiness ultimately outweighed the performance edge the R5 holds in specific areas.


This experience has genuinely prompted a shift in my perspective regarding travel gear. I foresee the R5 staying at home for many of my future personal trips.


Where would the R5 remain indispensable? For street photography, demanding low-light situations, or the requirement to produce exceptionally large, detailed prints, the dedicated camera system's strengths are still required. But for the varied, opportunistic nature of most travel photography? The smartphone proved itself a remarkably capable and enjoyable tool.

Ryan Stanikk Photography - Travel Photography, UK - Selfie

Final Reflections


Who should consider a high-end smartphone like this for their travel photography? I believe it's an excellent choice for frequent travellers who prioritise packing light but remain discerning about image quality. Enthusiast photographers who value RAW capture and manual controls but desire a more portable solution would also find it highly appealing. And certainly, anyone primarily sharing their travel experiences online will find the quality more than meets their needs.


It's worth noting that devices like the Xiaomi 15 Ultra, which emphasise larger sensors, versatile optical lenses, robust RAW support, and dedicated photographic accessories, represent a clear step beyond standard smartphones in photographic potential, specifically targeting users who prioritise imaging. However, for working professionals whose livelihoods depend on ultimate reliability, speed, resolution across all conditions, or for specialists in fields pushing the boundaries of photographic technology, the dedicated camera system remains the necessary instrument.


It's a fascinating juncture for photography. While part of me, invested as I am in traditional gear, might feel a twinge seeing phones become so proficient, the overriding feeling is one of excitement. The creative potential readily available in our pockets is extraordinary. It made me reflect on my late father, Neville Stanikk, a keen photographer himself, who was always intrigued by the progress of mobile cameras. He would have been truly amazed by the quality achievable now, and particularly, I think, by the seamless integration of essential tools like the polarising filter, the importance of which he first taught me.


Perhaps the core insight from this Andalusian experiment is that the best camera is not always the biggest or most expensive one, but the one that allows you to capture the moments that matter, without hindrance. While I often see travellers burdened by large cameras, perhaps not fully utilising their capabilities, a high-quality smartphone, used thoughtfully, can be an incredibly powerful and liberating tool for documenting travels beautifully. For this trip, the Xiaomi 15 Ultra wasn't just a substitute; it was a star performer.