Camera question

[SteelSteve]

Ok so I had to take a new picture for work, and isn't it funny I never seem to pick up the nice digital camera I once had to have and instead both my wife and I grabbed our phones. So my wife naturally used her phone first (iphone 8+) and the picture was very grainy. I then had her use my G7 and though the picture was much clearer it almost looked over exposed and cartoonie. Is this HDR? I had it set to auto, I've since turned it off because I know my old Moto z didn't like HDR. Are there other recommended settings for a good photo? I'm not an avid photo buff or anything just trying to make sure my pictures that I do take look good.

 

[Fred98TJ]

Post up an example and maybe people can help.