Comparison of image quality, color accuracy, and resolution in intraoral photography using digital single lens reflex camera and smartphone cameras: A pilot study

Dental photography plays a key role in diagnosis, documentation, and communication in the field of dentistry. The digital single-lens reflex (DSLR) cameras are the gold standard for image quality, but advances in modern smartphone technology necessitate evaluating their performance in resolution, distortion, magnification, color accuracy, and overall image quality. The purpose of this study was to compare DSLR cameras and smartphone cameras regarding resolution, distortion, magnification, color accuracy, and overall image quality in intra- and extraoral dental photography.

A Nikon Z5 full-frame DSLR with a 105 mm macro lens and twin flash (control) was compared with three flagship smartphones: iPhone 15 Pro, Google Pixel 8, and Samsung S24. Ten participants were photographed in five standardized dental views: maximum intercuspation, right lateral occlusion, maxillary anterior with black contrastor, mandibular arch (mirror view), and front profile. Images were analyzed using the GNU Image Manipulation Program (GIMP 2.1); statistical analysis was performed with Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) 27.

The Samsung S24 closely matched the DSLR in shade accuracy and distortion. Google Pixel 8 produced an acceptable resolution (<300 dots per inch). The iPhone 15 Pro demonstrated superior performance in reducing distortion and maintaining clarity (P < 0.05).

Despite the convenience and affordability of smartphone cameras, DSLR systems demonstrate superior performance in terms of magnification, image resolution, and color accuracy. These advantages render DSLRs more suitable for clinical applications that demand high precision and diagnostic reliability in dental photography.