Short answer: if the phone is too full to take new photos, clear heavy low-risk clutter first. Large videos, downloads, screenshots, exported files, and offline app media usually get you back to the camera faster than panicking and deleting the memories you were trying to capture.
This is a very specific emergency. The goal is not perfect cleanup. The goal is getting just enough safe space back immediately so the camera works again. That changes the order: weight first, sentiment later.
What to delete first when you need the camera back now
Large videos, screen recordings, and heavy repeated clips.
Downloads, shared files, and stale attachments.
Screenshots and saved low-value images.
Offline app media you can re-download later if needed.
What not to start with
Do not begin with the newest photos you actually want to keep.
Do not start reviewing whole albums when you only need breathing room fast.
Do not assume file count matters more than file size.
The fastest recovery logic
If you need only enough room to take photos again, the smartest path is to remove a small amount of heavy clutter rather than a large amount of sentimental media. Once the camera works again, you can come back later for the calmer cleanup pass.
If you want the broader emergency checklist, continue to Storage Full: What Should I Delete First?. If you want the photo-safe version first, open How to Free Up Space Without Deleting Photos.
When the camera is blocked by full storage, the right delete is the heaviest easy win, not the most meaningful photo in reach.