Photography with the OnePlus One
How good can a smartphone camera be?
The OnePlus One is one of the most interesting devices from an equally interesting company. Their invite system has been scrutinized by many. But seems to be necessary as they build phones seemingly as orders are placed. Regardless on your views of OnePlus as a company. The phone maker’s first attempt at a smartphone, the OnePlus One, has been regarded as one of the best phones of 2014. The mantra of “Never Settle” rings true for the Android enthusiast who wants complete control over their device.
I have already covered the OnePlus One exhaustively in many different articles of many different lengths. Read those here:
But it’s time to flex the muscle of the OnePlus One camera. It’s time to truly see how far you can push a phone’s camera.
Any photos edited will be noted
Session 1: The Ozark Highlands Trail
The Ozark Highlands Trail is located partially along the Buffalo National River. It is a gorgeous place to be. Which made it the obvious choice for a fall camping trip. There was a myriad of different scenarios for the OnePlus One to show it’s photography muscle. The results speak for themselves below
I was so excited to take the OnePlus One with me on my camping trip. I was already a big fan of the camera. I knew that I would come out of the trip with some great shots, and I was right.
Session 2: In Town
Street Photography is one of the strong suites of having a capable camera on your smartphone. Adventuring in Downtown Bentonville brought forth some great shots.
As you can see, the OnePlus One Camera is incredibly capable in various lighting conditions. Colors come through with vivid accuracy, details are crisp, and focus is spot on. The sensor on the OnePlus One is great.
Session 3: Things I Didn’t Think I Could Do
CyanogenMod has designed a powerful camera experience out of the box for OnePlus One owners. With options for Macro focus, Slow Shutter capability, and custom ISO levels. The CM Camera app on the OnePlus One lets you have total control over the OnePlus One’s camera.
You can also shoot SloMo and Time lapses on the OnePlus One from within the CyanogenMod Camera app. I touched on both of these in my Camera Review. But with the addition of a panning mount for a tripod(found here), you can have fantastic sweeping Time lapses right from your phone.
Conclusion
Having the OnePlus One in my pocket lets me rest a little easier when I go out. Is it a DSLR? No. But it is a fantastic camera that offers usability, quality, and features out the wazoo. I can rest easy knowing I don’t always have to lug around my camera everywhere I go. The OnePlus One will take impressive shots nearly every time.
