Bill_de Loc: US

Anyone know a reason why camera manufacturers can't/don't make a camera with the features of a cell phone, without the phone. Would the still need cellular connectivity to do what they do?

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johnblenko Loc: Pittsburgh

If you wanted to use the Internet, you would need connectivity, but if you were looking, say, at your calendar or contacts, the camphone could function without cellular connectivity.

burkphoto Loc: High Point, NC

What features of a cell phone other than the phone would you like to see?

I've thought for 11 years that camera manufacturers should conspire with Apple or Samsung to mount a phone on the back of a mirrorless camera for image processing and transmission. It'll never happen, but it would make sense for those who need bigger sensors and special lenses and such.

Bill_de Loc: US

I just think it would be nice to have something that can slip in a pocket and could produce the images we see coming from phones, totally free of the phone. I don't pay a fee to use any of my cameras. That would change if the camera I'm imagining would have no connection except when I connect it to my computer.

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burkphoto Loc: High Point, NC

The old Apple iPod Touch was such a device. My kids had them in middle school, before they got smartphones. The iPhone eventually became so popular it killed off the iPod Touch.

bsprague Loc: Lacey, WA, USA

I can make a list of pocket cameras that fit in pockets. They aren't quite as thin as a phone, but will have other benefits.

My current favorites are the RX100IV and Olympus TG-5.

R.G. Loc: Scotland

it's referred to as computational photography.

Wallen Loc: Middle Earth

If you are talking about live video background replacement, face smoothing etc, etc well, its because those stuffs look nice only on the small screen where the computer of the phone can cheat performance. Hence, they are just eye candy and electronic trinkets.

Granted for snaps and internet use, most phone photos are good enough and some are excellent, that is often still lacking for demanding output.
When we use a camera with interchangeable lens and large sensor, it means we want control and seriously desire to get the best photo possible. Then afterwards, we use good tools like RAW editors & Photoshop to meet and maintain the high quality and artistic authority.

As of writing, none of those celphone effects are up to the task. Those that are good enough can also be found in mainstream photo editors where we use them with full controls.

Even the AI generated editing is, as of now, is a hit or miss. Still not good enough for exacting standards.

Today, think of them as just fancy effects to pass the time with.
Sometime in the future I think they'll be scary good.

If there would be a feature I'd want related to phones into my camera, it would be GPS tracking and remote disable so i can find a stolen phone and fully delete files and disable use of the unit while it is still not in my possession. An auto upload to the cloud would also be nice so no more lost photos and a pseudo infinite storage.

Lens & Body lock-matching for electronic lenses would also be good as stolen lenses would be useless.

ClarkJohnson Loc: Fort Myers, FL and Cohasset, MA

As a birder, I am waiting for the camera that has a bird identification app such, such as Merlin, built-in. In general, the ability to load and use apps would be a big step forward.

ELNikkor

Thought of that too. How small and light, what shape would it have? even could probably double the sensor-size without much increase in weight or size.

coolhanduke Loc: Redondo Beach, CA

There is nothing about the iPhone that “requires” you to use it as a phone too.
Not that I am aware of.

Bill_de Loc: US

Thanks for all the replies.

coolhanduke - Would you still need to pay for a monthly plan?

There is a lot of work done with cell phones. Print size might be limited, but for display on digital picture frames they may be more than adaquite.

https://mobilephotoawards.com/11th-annual-mpa-winners-honorable-mentions/

I'm not ready to give up my dslr or mirrorless cameras just yet ...but who knows?

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Chadp Loc: Virginia Beach

You can buy a phone without a cell service plan. The camera will function fine. And many apps will work fine. If it is an iPhone you will at least need to connect it to Wi-Fi in order to get it set up and set up iCloud. And you will need to be connected to Wi-Fi to download apps or share photos. You can also buy an IPod which is an iPhone without the cell service. Apple has discontinued the iPod but you can still buy them.

coolhanduke Loc: Redondo Beach, CA

No, no plan needed. Just use it as a camera.
I was just short of buying a P & S camera for out and about snapshots or events I attend where I didn’t want to lug my Nikons around to. After seeing images from an iPhone 12, I bought the iPhone 14 Pro. Excellent decision. Pics are great and I normally don’t shoot video but started to at certain events.
It wouldn’t surprise me if people started buying cell phones for only taking photos. Just buy a phone gimble and you’re set.
Check out the new Cellphone thread, lots of good samples there.
And there is a RAW mode which I have not used yet but I’m pretty sure you could get a good enlargement from the file.

Sidwalkastronomy Loc: New Jersey Shore

I have an Olympus TG 6 that can do a lit and can take abuse. I use it for boating and kayaking