woodworkerman Loc: PA to FL

Yesterday I watched Apple's latest presentation on its new iPhones. I'm interested in the opinions of our UHH contributors of the camera system (still and video) of these new iPhone 11's.

I have an iPhone 8 Plus, and while the camera system is OK for what it is, I would be lost without my DSLR's. For me, their creative potential will never be surpassed by these new cell phone cameras. And my DSLR's will capture video, too.

BUT, will these cell phone cameras eat away at the population who would potentially use DSLR's?

OR, are these new phone cameras a good back-up system to carry around?

So many questions!!!

If you haven't watched the newest Apple presentation, the link is below.

https://www.apple.com/apple-events/september-2019/

rmalarz Loc: Tempe, Arizona

Big Whoop!!! I carry a camera with me 95% of the time I leave the house. The only reason I went to using an iPhone was it was the only phone that would run an exposure/processing program I think is invaluable. Otherwise, I use my camera for photographs and my phone for communication. I'm nor particularly concerned about how many people are using cell phones to take pictures.
--Bob

suntouched Loc: Sierra Vista AZ

They just keep getting better! Only you can decide if it will do everything you want it to. For me it's not an either/or; just one more camera in addition to my DSLR and mirrorless cameras. Somehow I can't see wedding, sports or wildlife photographers embracing the phone as their "go to" camera of choice. But who knows what the future will bring. It's an exciting time.

dsmeltz Loc: Philadelphia

Do not get why Apple still goes with a smaller aperture and has not put a wide angle on the front. As a result, I am not sure they can catch the Pixel 3 let alone the upcoming 4. The wide angle on the back is nice, but the need for wide angle is for selfies.

AndyH Loc: Massachusetts and New Hampshire

They are certainly better at recording images, that's for sure. But I wouldn't generally use mine for even a grab'n'go effort at artistic expression. I use my iPhone SE for occasional "of record" photos - sometimes on social media, sometimes to record a condition on one of my job sites as a reminder of current status, shopping list items, etc. Otherwise, it's just a pocket computer with some apps that I use, social media, and email/calendar/address book.

I have an old bridge camera in my vehicle at all times, and use it when I need a higher quality image, but, like you, I have a quality digital or film camera with my 95% of the time I'm out and about. Why use a tool that is inferior for any artistic endeavor if you can keep a decent one with you so easily?

I go even further than most - with a milspec flip phone as my primary device for actually making telephone calls in any condition. I get better reception and fidelity in that use than any smart phone of my acquaintance. In the real world my experience has taught me that purpose built tools always do a better job for their intended use than any "all-in-one" attempts.

Andy

PS: The flip phone, a new model, also takes pictures, makes appointments, etc. It just does them more slowly and painfully than the specialty tools themselves.

UTMike Loc: South Jordan, UT

According to the techies, the new smart phone technology is the backbone for the next camera system, just as the mirrorless system is eroding the DSLR. IMO, I will be dead before it makes a difference. Use what you have and enjoy!

Gene51 Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)

Well, when you consider that all cellphones make phone calls similarly well, it's the add-on features that differentiate one phone from another. If you listened to Tim Cook podcast, he clearly stated that cameras are driving phone sales. The marketing opportunities are in camera tech in phones these days. I have a Pixel, and I am waiting for the Pixel 4XL to become available - you bet I am waiting to see how Google has improved on the camera. The high quality pocket-sized phone-cameras are way past the novelty stage. And I have printed 20x30 images from my Pixel, and they look more than fine. In my opinion, there is no better street photography camera than a good cellphone. In fact, many photo journalists and news organizations are utilizing cellphones in lieu of big cameras for capturing video and stills. I have a friend who just retired from her job at the NY Times, and though they had a ton of Canon gear, the cellphone was here go to camera solution for most things.

Taken with a Pixel XL

IMG_20190510_174259 by Gene Lugo, on Flickr

Mac Loc: Pittsburgh, Philadelphia now Hernando Co. Fl.

In my opinion, cell phone sensors will need to get a lot larger before they can even start to think about competing with full frame and APS-C cameras. Cell phone cameras have improved dramatically over the years, but they are nowhere near the point where they are going to replace a camera for a serious photographer.

Gene51 Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)

WWM - I think cellphone cameras are just another great tool to have - as a backup, as a primary device for street photography and other quick grab shots, travel camera, etc.

repleo Loc: Boston

The image making capability of cell phone cameras these days is amazing. I was really impressed with the pictures my non-photographer wife took on our last vacation with her rather outdated iPhone 6S. However, I find them awkward to use. I take 'snaps' everyday as part of my work, but I prefer to use a small pocket camera than my phone. If I want to take 'real' pictures I use my FF camera or maybe my A6000 for travelling.
Nevertheless, I will be taking a serious look at these new offerings as my current model is on its last legs. My smartphone has become such an indispensable tool and part of my life I would be lost if it died on me. The phone is the part I use the least. All I get are calls telling me my car warranty is about to expire or that I have won a free cruise. I would love if someone came out with a smartphone with no phone in it.

woodworkerman Loc: PA to FL

paulroddy

I'm looking for a camera that makes phone calls!!!!!!!!

Fstop12 Loc: Kentucky

What exposure/processing program are you talking about?

Low Budget Dave

I can't wait to play 'Angry Birds' on the new Sony A7Riv.

dsmeltz Loc: Philadelphia

As a married man I learned that the basic function of an item often has very little to do with a purchasing decision.
I found this out the first time my wife asked me a simple question:

Wife: What do you think of these shoes?
Me: Are they comfortable?
Wife: (Gives me "the look", shakes her head in disbelief and walks to the counter to pay for the shoes.)