The iPhone 13 Mini vs. 35mm Film | Camera Shootout

Comparing iPhone to 35mm Film

Camera shootouts are perhaps our favorite type of content to create. They put technology to the test, beg the question of whether an upgrade is essential, and slam any dreaded overhype. It’s true—a creative never truly knows the product outcome without a hands-on approach. This explains why we were up at 5 a.m. the morning when the latest iPhone 13 series went on sale to test the latest tech as soon as we could. We call it hunger; others call it insanity.

A few months after the iPhone 13 series came to be, we recently launched a beloved nostalgic-driven yet timeless collection of carry products with none other than the legends themselves — Willem Verbeeck (@willemverb) and his girlfriend, Allison Sionn (@allsnsmn). Long Weekend is a line of soft goods that exists between the worlds of streetwear and outdoor adventures. Products that are versatile and comfortable while elevating your outfit because we believe that you should never have to choose between style, function, and durability

If you’re unfamiliar with Willem’s film photography, you should be. He captures modern-day portraits of people and lifescapes in their truest form, boasting unbelievable tones and a range of good light. He sells an online course with us, showcasing the basics of film photography and how to start your journey. His approach is soft-spoken—humbled yet informative. It’s one of our most popular courses, and people rave about it (including our team). Check it out below.

After we launched this beloved line (that sold FAST, props to our gear team and Allison and Willem for the killer first few days!), we wanted to meet with the couple for a super rad video to collaborate on YouTube. Ideas came and went — then something stuck the landing. Why not compare the latest iPhone 13 Mini to the likes of an old 35mm camera? Two creative tools that share relatively nothing in common? Duh!

So, lo and behold, here’s what we found during our frantic shootout. For a better visual understanding, be sure to check out our video at the bottom of this artilce, as well.

What We’re Working With

The iPhone 13 camera we use for this purpose is the “Mini.” How well does that hold up against Willem’s Bessa rangefinder, and vice versa? That answer is entirely preferential and dependent on which film stock or settings are implemented from either. For the sake of color consistency between the rangefinder and the 13 mini sensor, we’re using the Kodak Color Plus 200 film stock. Color Plus is similar to the iPhone’s vibrant color profile, emulating that Apple is widely known for clean clinical sharpness. We’ll also be editing the iPhone images ever-so-slightly to match the 35mm scans to really hone in on the comparable details in each. Note: look for the edited iPhone shots in the video; below, they are NOT edited.

The iPhone can produce more data information and digital range, but there is a soul in the film that boasts an indescribable value that is often difficult to replicate. Digital and film are relatively easy to tell apart because of this, marking the distinction between what’s preferred and what’s needed. It’s much easier to shoot with a phone than with a 35mm camera — the number of frames within film is severely limited compared to an iPhone with up to 256GB storage. However, if you need a more intimate (and, dare we say, “vibey) feel to your image, consider film as an option.

The Differences

The Color Plus 200 film offers significantly higher saturation compared to the iPhone 13 Mini, making color distinction a key difference. Both the film and the iPhone capture light and shadows dynamically, yet the iPhone exhibits more detailed imagery upon initial inspection.

Backlighting poses a common challenge for all photographers, regardless of skill level. To capture detailed images, photographers must position themselves strategically to enhance shadow details and manage exposure in relation to sunlight. While film photography often faces difficulties with backlit scenes, it generally produces a richer color profile, avoiding the often muddy appearance observed in iPhone photos. This comparison highlights the strengths and weaknesses of film versus digital photography in challenging lighting conditions.

Here are some more comparisons — which do you prefer?

The cool thing about film — if it sucks, there’s only disappointment after the shoot, not during. - Willem Verbeeck.