I've noticed that the non-cell-phone pictures tended to be better, and that in general I seemed to have quite a bit more fun with photos taken with, well, "real" cameras. Probably the best ones were taken with the 20D, which for its time was a really nice camera, for which I was able to bring over some lenses from my film days.

I wouldn't rule out more film photography but I think of that as a somewhat separate track. I'd like to get a digital camera that captures a bit more of what I enjoyed about film photography - that high image density, looking through a physical viewfinder, not necessarily curating images in real time... looking, shooting, and moving on.

I've been following Fujifilm cameras for awhile in this market, having read about them here a few years ago. There are many, many options though (even just for Fuji) and I'd be interested in what people are recommending today for something closer to the film experience.

The iPhone AI "enhancements" are a drastic turn-off in most cases. What I want is more physicality and more control, not (necessarily) more software. I would also like one or a few B/W modes to be quick to hand.

What are people enjoying shooting with these days, when their phone stays in their pocket (or at home)?