In recent years, the cameras featured on mobile phones have seen drastic improvements - especially in the quality of photographs they can take. At first these cameras were just an additional extra - thrown in for good measure. Now they boast specifications that can genuinely rival those offered by compact cameras.
Rather than producing an image ruined by dullness and blurriness, the cameras featured on many smartphones will take a high-quality image - one that boasts a significant amount of clarity and dynamic range.
Globally recognised as one of the best network providers, Orange offers many smartphones that feature the most impressive camera specifications on pay-monthly contracts and pay-monthly plans (such as the Panther plan).
Such a range of choice, however, can make choosing one difficult. So, with this in mind, here are just a few of the best high-spec, camera-boasting smartphones available from the Orange mobile shop:
iPhone 4S - Available on a monthly contract from Orange mobile, the iPhone 4S - both in its 32GB or 16GB forms - is widely considered to be the 'must-have' smartphone of the moment.
Combining a five-megapixel camera with a 1/3.2 inch backside-illuminated CMOS (complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor) sensor - which is capable of displaying an incredible 5 million pixels - the iPhone 4S is great for capturing good images in low light.
It will also automatically adjust the shutter speed, as well as the ISO, in order to achieve the best exposure levels. Users can also manually adjust the settings for the ISO, white balance and exposure compensation without too much trouble.
Taking a photo is also very easy, with the camera settings and controls relatively light - making it simpler to use. Overall the camera featured on the iPhone 4S offers a good combination of accessibility and high quality. It's available from the Orange mobile shop in either white or black.
Samsung Galaxy SIII - One of a few Samsung smartphones featured on the website (with the Samsung Galaxy Ace 2 also available on an Orange mobile pay monthly contract), Samsung has claimed that the Galaxy SIII has one of the best cameras to feature on a smartphone.
Firstly it should be noted that the camera application featured on the phone boasts a number of features. Users can, for example, set the camera to capture images in a 20 shot burst - in around ten seconds. It also features panorama shot modes and a high dynamic range (HDR).
However, most importantly, the camera also takes a pretty fantastic photo. Producing images full of detail and rich in colour, the camera can even take a good quality picture in poor lighting conditions. The images look especially great on the Galaxy SIII's 4.8-inch HD touch screen too.
One of the most unique features the Galaxy SIII's camera possesses - and a favourite amongst those who own the phone too - is 'Best Shot'. Quickly taking several images in quick succession, this feature will then suggest which of the images is the 'best' - a useful addition for those seeking the perfect image.
Currently available on a pay monthly contract in either marble white or pebble blue, the Samsung Galaxy SIII is a great replacement for a compact camera.
Nokia Lumia 800 - Sleek, stylish, yet - most importantly, sturdy - the Nokia Lumia 800 boasts a 3.7-inch AMOLED touch screen, and also has a highly impressive eight megapixel camera.
Easy to take photos on - simply by pressing the chrome camera button - the Lumia's camera produces images that are both vivid and clear. It also allows users to quickly and easily post their newly taken snaps to Facebook.
Simple to use and capable of taking a good-quality picture, the Nokia Lumia 800 - available on the Orange mobile Dolphin pay plan - is a solid option.
Mobile phone technology has improved to the point that the cameras available in smartphones can match compact digital cameras in terms of the quality of the photographs taken. The cutting-edge smartphones mentioned in this article are available from the Orange mobile shop online.