tcthome Loc: NJ

Imagine, a $5 dollar flip phone(nothing wrong with that). It is what they were intended for. Now a cell is a comparison to the Swiss Army knife.

burkphoto Loc: High Point, NC

A dedicated camera is a one-trick pony. The smartphone is a general purpose, Internet connected computer that happens to take decent photos and make phone calls.

I should add that I use my iPhone camera for check deposits, bar code reading, FAX, shopping (price comparisons), and so many impromptu practical things only a camera can help me do.

The more than two million software applications available for smartphones are why you buy the device. It’s a powerhouse no one really understands until they use one daily. It turns the tedious into the mundane. It accelerates much of what we do, and it replaces hundreds of old tools, methods, and customs with convenience apps.

It is also a tool that gets more capable over its lifespan due to OS and software upgrades.

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

No different from any other volunteer-moderated section: you can do as little or as much as you like with regards to a guidelines doc and recruiting/advertising by pm or in main forum discussions, or anyplace you see someone post a cell phone pic.

Also, some section managers are more tolerant of bad behavior than others

whfowle Loc: Tampa first, now Albuquerque

While the 12 Pro Max is loaded with a lot of camera features, the one that stood out for me is Lidar. I'm wondering how long it will take the DSLR/Mirrorless companies to use it for autofocus. It seems to work in the near dark which has always been a problem for fast accurate autofocus, especially when using slow lenses.

Fstop12 Loc: Kentucky

Totally agree: Smartphones are like having a portable computer in your pocket. From trip planning, to language translation, to finding the best gas prices, to knowing where the traffic jams are, the list is endless. Like they say, " There's an app for that". The Smartphones are only going to get better and more powerful. I have to say also that the smartphone camera's have come along way. They are fun to use and just like the Big Boy camera's, you can get very creative with them.

Fstop12 Loc: Kentucky

I sent you a PM

sumo Loc: Houston suburb

MrBob Loc: lookout Mtn. NE Alabama

It never really crossed my mind in the past but now I wonder WHY we don't already have a section for cellphone/cameras etc... It really doesn't matter how many dislike or like phone cams but they have become so commonplace and so used that we are sticking our heads in the sand by not providing a venue for those that DO embrace them ! Just like the "attic ".... don't go there if you are not interested. I think there are a LOT of folks who would embrace a separate section but have kept reasonably quiet in fear of being denounced by those verbally who try to shame them for embracing a NON Real Camera ! If you have noticed its the same folks who denounced digital in favor of film and then down the line denounced mirrorless in favor of SLR who now denounce the inadequacies of the phone cam. Lets get this going and please someone with the knowledge and interest step up and get a section established.

SuperflyTNT Loc: Manassas VA

Wow! You have a Sony RX10MVII? You’re way ahead of the game! I have the RX10MIV, the current version, and you’re 3 versions into the future! That being said, I have an iPhone 11 and while the camera is very good it comes nowhere near the capabilities of my Sony or any of my other cameras, Nikon Z7 & D500 and Panasonic G9.

SuperflyTNT Loc: Manassas VA

Exactly. While I appreciate that my iPhone 11 has a pretty nice camera I didn’t buy it for that. I bought it because it’s a tool that I can use in most aspects of my life. I only sit at my home computer to edit photos anymore. And in a pinch I can do that with Lightroom on my phone.

Fstop12 Loc: Kentucky

I sent the Admin a request to form a Smartphone Group. I would be happy to be the Admin on this section. Stay tuned for further info when I hear back.

Ava'sPapa Loc: Cheshire, Ct.

My bad. I left the space for the extra zero to make it RX100 and didn't put it in. I also have the RX10 MKIV and the RX100 MKVII. Let me double check this before I "send". Yep, good to go. I've been eyeing the the new Z7II. Do you feel that it's a LOT better than the D500 which I also have ?

MrBob Loc: lookout Mtn. NE Alabama

Sounds good ... Meanwhile I will get more comfy with my wife's new purchase for me . I think Burk was right on point; SOOO much more than just a cell phone. I can't wait to get some DOF apps and maybe a chart of ND conversion times etc... Thank you for stepping up and giving this a go... I hope it doesn't turn into a phone cam bash but supports and helps those that wish to use this medium.

SuperflyTNT Loc: Manassas VA

I have the Z7 and the D500. I love the Z7 but the D500 is still my goto for wildlife because it’s faster focusing with my 200-500 and I like the extra reach. The Z7II sounds like a nice upgrade but I’m waiting for some real world reviews to see if the focus speed has improved. (I don’t think there’s anything wrong with autofocus on the Z7, the D500 just tracks BIF better with that lens). I doubt I’ll upgrade, at least until after Nikon releases the Z mount 200-600 that’s supposed to come next year. The D500 is a great all around camera, not just wildlife/sports, but the Z7 with the native 24-70 f/4 is in another league for my landscape and macro work.

texashill Loc: Texas Hill Country

I'm excited. I have always wanted a better camera but I am not a pro and can't justify the price. I have monitored this site for years and know that many very smart and helpful people post. I have never considered my cell phone for taking my best photos but from what I read iPhone 12 Pro Max is a big change. The sensor size is very large for a cell phone but still small in comparison. Perhaps Apple can design around this limitation; 12 mp, Lidar(whatever that is), RAW processing? I am due for a new phone and can justify reaching for the upgrade. As Burk points out, the cell phone is ascending now and in the foreseeable future. Any skill learned now should be applicable to the future in a way that I am not sure skill using a one-trick pony will carry forward for an increasing number of people like me. Admittedly, "people like me" doesn't describe the great experts on this forum. I am not knowledgeable enough to know what percentage still need the one-trick pony or be able speculate how many will need the one-trick pony ten years from now but others are that knowledgeable and I look forward to reading :-)