Want to take impressive wide-angle shots? Here's how to find the best device for wide-angle photography – ideal for landscapes, buildings, and much more.
Wide-Angle Photography:
Wide-angle photos and videos are ubiquitous today. Whether on social media like YouTube or in Hollywood films – wide-angle shots appear more immersive and attractive. Smartphones, cameras, and compact cameras now enable wide-angle shots and videos. But which device is best suited for professional wide-angle shots?
Before you decide on a device, you should know that the heart of wide-angle photography is a lens with a focal length of 35 mm or less to achieve a wide field of view. Simply put: the smaller the focal length of a camera lens, the larger the field of view.
Choosing the Right Device for Wide-Angle Shots
1. Smartphones for Casual Users
It's amazing how far we've come with portable devices. Modern smartphones like the iPhone 15 and newer models enable breathtaking wide-angle videos and stills with their new camera systems. Such devices are a good entry point for anyone who doesn't want to spend money on separate camera equipment and is satisfied with the results. However, such wide-angle shots are naturally not as good as those from a dedicated wide-angle lens.
2. Action cameras for on the go
If you like taking photos and filming on the go and don't mind your device getting splashed with water or taking occasional bumps, action cameras are a good entry point. Camera systems like the latest models from Insta360 and GoPro HERO are highly impressive and rugged. However, don't expect cinematic bokeh and other high-end features, as they are designed for mobility rather than professional quality.
3. Mirrorless cameras with special lenses
If you want to shoot photos and videos so that your work meets a professional standard, you should invest in DSLR (budget) or mirrorless camera systems. These platforms offer significantly better image quality for both photos and videos. They also provide full manual control and lens variety, which benefits most users as they can adapt to different wide angles with various lenses.
4. Cine lens for a true wide-angle experience
A professional way to make wide-angle photos and videos is to invest in a cine or anamorphic camera lens for a mirrorless camera. Such lenses feature true wide-angle specifications without digital distortion. You also get the typical anamorphic lens flare effects in your shots, which add detailed texture, depth, and creamy bokeh to the final result.
This is exactly what the SIRUI Venus enables with its 1.6x anamorphic squeeze combined with a T2.9 aperture, allowing breathtaking shots and footage even in low light. Experience Hollywood-style flare and oval bokeh with a true wide-angle experience. "True" wide-angle means the lens optics can compress a larger horizontal field of view into the lens and the camera's standard sensor.
This is due to the anamorphic stretching, which results in a horizontal field of view of 31 mm, complemented by a vertical compression of 50 mm, yielding an aspect ratio of 2.4:1 or more. This provides a true wide-angle experience without vignetting or distortion at the edges, preserving the details of the finished shot right to the borders.
Summary:
The best device for wide-angle shots in 2025 is a mirrorless camera with a cine or anamorphic lens. This setup enables a true widescreen experience for photos and professional videos. Such a camera lens is the SIRUI Venus, designed with its next-generation anamorphic lenses for capturing true widescreen stills and videos.
