Sony Xperia 1 iii owners, opinions please

If you are looking for an Android smartphone with the best camera, the Google Pixel 7 pro is a better choice then the Sony.

Robert Zanatta said:

If you are looking for an Android smartphone with the best camera, the Google Pixel 7 pro is a better choice then the Sony.

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And the Samsung S23 Ultra probably beats it.

Thanks for both suggestions guys. I know that they are superior. However, I hate using a phone for photography.

The shutter button on the Sony 1 and 5 lines is a deal breaker for me. I only enjoyed photography on phones when I add a grip or case with a shutter button. Makes a massive difference to me.

Just the shutter button would be a great medium ground. I may even add a mini rubber grip to the Sony for even more ergonomics.

Also Sony has more "pro" photography apps. I will shoot raw and try to get Cobalt Image to create a Base Pack for the phone I get, so I can use Fujifilm's simulations. The idea is to get a device for travel that would allow me to leave my cameras at home.

Having a tele zoom on the Sonys is another benefit. I am happy to go with smaller sensors and less impressive specs compared to have the better photographic experience.

Also, Sony's slim design has a cool one handed mode so that they can be used comfortably with a single hand, which I am looking forward to trying. The phones area bit too tall, but they may be more pocketable.

The 5 should be cheaper than the 1, but it's not popular so there aren't many available. That leaves the 1 as the best option used. Will be good to try. If they can add a 35mm camera next time I may even buy new and consider replacing a camera. Especially if Cobalt Image come through for photos and Motion Cam Raw works well for raw 4K video.

Samsung S23 Ultra has 100X zoom that uses AI to sharpen the focus. Check out a couple of the other posts on this forum.

It's pretty darned amazing what that phone can do.

Just got the 1 ii, as my Xiaomi has a minor defect, so I couldn't get the extra part exchange money for the iii (will just sell privately for same amount and pocket the cash). Seems to be very similar. Glossy black finish instead of the more grey frosted black of the iii. Apparently the iii had 40% louder speakers which is a shame to miss. Other improvements sounded incremental.

Love the shutter button immediately. Screen on a par, or possibly a bit worse than my old Samsung Note 9, but the 21:9 aspect ratio is instantly likeable. Feels like a more natural phone shape. Will either get a sticker instead of a case, or stick on a small strip of rubber to help overall grip and act as a finger grip when using the camera. Has a 70mm telephoto camera which my Note lacked.

Only concern is that the battery won't be as good, we shall see. I have a feeling Sony is the future for enthusiast travel camera phones. I hope they start adding a 35mm camera, or make the main one 24 to 35mm (on newer models the tele is a zoom 85 to 105mm).

*Posting from new account as I couldn't login with old one.