Also, if you’re trying to beat a smartphone optically, modern mirrorless cameras are good. And not embarrassing to hold. This is my little R50V next to an older body:

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Though TBH I’d recommend a used Panasonic S9 instead. That will blow a phone out of the water.

…But it’s not cheap. A used S9 with a kit lens is $1000, and that’s a steal in the photography world.