Depends I rock a Pixel 4a with GrapheneOS but I downloaded the google camera with network permissions turned off for the camera. This way it can still take good pictures. I do not have google services but the f-droid has an app to emulate it just for gcam and nothing else so you can use the Gcam app.

If you are using it as your daily driver and also exclusive photo taking device that would be the only purpose of getting the pro. Like needing more zoom ultra wide and better video taking. Besides that the older pixels work just fine and still take pretty good photos. Pixel 4a 5 can get for like $150 used.