It’s true, the best camera you have is the one you’re carrying. However, there are a few things you can do to take your holiday snaps to the next level.
First and foremost, it’s about upgrading that camera. The Oppo Reno 2 is not only one of the most capable smartphone cameras on the market, but it’s incredibly convenient. It allows for some seriously great photography, with an incredibly smart sensor and multiple lenses on the back.
That said, even with all the Reno 2’s photographic power in your pocket, there are a few things you need to remember to make the most of your travel snaps.
Make use of that wide-angle lens
Unlike a DSLR, your phone comes with several built-in lenses – but for travel photography, a wide-angle is your best friend.
It lets you capture expansive scenes like landscapes incredibly easily, and that means you don’t have to run about trying to get the right framing. And don’t forget about software: the Reno 2 really outshines a dumb DSLR as it lets you take photos with high dynamic range (dubbed HDR with photo boffs).
This means the camera takes multiple shots at different levels of brightness, then automatically combines them for images that are bright and punchy. The Reno 2 has both a wide-angle lens as well as a telephoto lens with 5x zoom, making it truly adaptable.
Don’t be afraid of the dark
Traditionally, the nemesis of smartphone cameras has always been the dark. Smaller sensors built-in to smartphones are great when there’s plenty of light, but minus the sun tend to create grainy images.
Fortunately, many smartphones now come with a dedicated night mode – including the Oppo Reno 2. It takes multiple pictures and stitches them together, reducing noise and underexposure. It means you are able to take images that you’d never thought possible on a smartphone, especially in dark and gloomy conditions.
Get moving
One of the largest advantages of smartphone photography is the ability to whip it out your pocket and get that quick snap. And that’s a big plus when you are travelling.
Getting the right exposure might take a minute or two with something as complicated as a DSLR, however being able to shoot on a split-second lets you return home with photos you never thought possible otherwise.
Fortunately, the Oppo Reno 2 makes shooting from the hip super simple – and that’s down to the phone’s clever use of optical image stabilization. No one needs a blurry photo in their life, which is why the Reno mitigates that by protecting the sensor against vibration. That makes it easier for the smartphone sensor to absorb light, letting you take pristine shots while you’re hoofing about a new locale.
Video is your friend
Photography is all well and good, but given the nature of today’s most popular social media sites, you’re probably going to want to take a few videos (of the 15-second variety).
Fortunately, the Reno 2 comes with built in Ultra Steady Video settings, which gives you exceptionally clear and smooth video that’s akin to a purpose-built action camera. It does this by combining high-precision pose prediction (using clever artificially intelligent software), image compensation and a high frame rate.
Also be wary of sound. Even the wind can turn a smartphone video into a chaotic mess, so seek shelter. While the Reno 2 can drown out background noise by focusing on sounds coming from in front of the camera, not all smartphone cameras can. For best results, find somewhere quiet.
And remember to wipe the lens…
The biggest smartphone faux pas is to shoot with a dirty lens. No matter how good your photographic skills may be, if you’ve got a greasy lens nothing will help you. As phones are designed for hands, they’re always going to be dirty. But pulling out your phone and wiping the lens is a super simple habit, and it will immediately improve the quality of your photos.
