Serious Camera? Much is said here about cellphone cameras, whether a cellphone camera is really a camera, and that perhaps pictures taken with a cellphone camera are even considered...

Wingpilot Loc: Wasilla. Ak

Much is said here about cellphone cameras, whether a cellphone camera is really a camera, and that perhaps pictures taken with a cellphone camera are even considered photos. Then there are the dedicated cameras that seem to be deemed "lesser" cameras, such as the "point and shoot," and bridge cameras. It seems, at least on the surface, that these cameras aren't considered to be serious cameras because the lenses are fixed and they're lighter, with smaller sensors, even though many of them have all the PASM & Auto modes as well as many other features. Yet because they're small, it seems they're less regarded as a serious camera. Then there's the big jump to the DSLR's and upper end mirrorless cameras. Are they somehow more of a serious camera? Or is the serious part really the photographer behind the shutter button, regardless of the type of camera? So what really constitutes a "serious" camera? How do you all feel about this?

rmalarz Loc: Tempe, Arizona

It's a matter of knowing the equipment one is using. All of the mentioned items are cameras. All have their specific limitations. However, each can produce good photographs in the hands of someone who knows the equipment and what they are doing.
--Bob

Wingpilot wrote:

Much is said here about cellphone cameras, whether... (show quote)

Rongnongno Loc: FL

I have not seen any camera able to crack a joke so they are all serious.

Not even a deadpan joke with those things!!!

anotherview Loc: California

Questions and their context well put.

This question answers itself, really: "Or is the serious part really the photographer behind the shutter button, regardless of the type of camera?"

Short answer: Yes.

Longer answer: The skill and craft of the photographer play more of a part in rendering a worthy photograph than does the camera gear.

Wingpilot wrote:

Much is said here about cellphone cameras, whether... (show quote)

Wingpilot Loc: Wasilla. Ak

rmalarz wrote:

It's a matter of knowing the equipment one is using. All of the mentioned items are cameras. All have their specific limitations. However, each can produce good photographs in the hands of someone who knows the equipment and what they are doing.
--Bob

And I think that's what I'm getting at. Certain cameras seem to get looked down at ans not being interiely "worthy" and you need a DSLR to be considered serious. I agree, in the hands of a knowledgeable and capable photographer, even the simplist camera can produce worthy results, in my opinion. Thanks for your insight.

JohnSwanda Loc: San Francisco

I've never heard of anyone claiming that cell phone cameras are not cameras, or don't actually take photos. A cell phone camera, a pinhole camera, a plastic toy camera, in the hands of a skilled photographer with a good eye can take great photos. I guess people who talk about "serious" cameras mean advanced features - ability to make manual settings, full frame low noise sensors, etc. But I really think people who talk about "serious" cameras are photography snobs.

Wingpilot Loc: Wasilla. Ak

JohnSwanda wrote:

I've never heard of anyone claiming that cell phone cameras are not cameras, or don't actually take photos. A cell phone camera, a pinhole camera, a plastic toy camera, in the hands of a skilled photographer with a good eye can take great photos. I guess people who talk about "serious" cameras mean advanced features - ability to make manual settings, full frame low noise sensors, etc. But I really think people who talk about "serious" cameras are photography snobs.

There's been a comment or two along that line, insinuating that cellphone cameras aren't really cameras and those that use them aren't photographers--just "snappers."

There are so many who post on UHH asking about what kind of camera they should get. Will spending a couple hundred dollars get me a decent camera or do I need to spend at least a thousand dollars? I think you've stated it well in your response.

Wingpilot Loc: Wasilla. Ak

Rongnongno wrote:

I have not seen any camera able to crack a joke so they are all serious.

Not even a deadpan joke with those things!!!

😜😁. Ha, Ha! Good one.

I get it--poorly stated on my part, I guess. Perhaps it would have been better stated to be "What kind of camera can be taken seriously and not just a snapshot camera?" Along those lines.

BebuLamar

May be I am a snob but a serious camera needs to have these features.
1. Manually adjustable aperture.
2. Manually adjustable shutter speed.
3. Either fixed or adjustable ISO but not Auto only.
4. Manually focusable. Doesn't matter if it's only scale focusing.
5. Be able to be trigger remotely via wire or wireless to prevent shake.
6. Be able to trigger an external flash.

Wingpilot Loc: Wasilla. Ak

BebuLamar wrote:

May be I am a snob but a serious camera needs to have these features.
1. Manually adjustable aperture.
2. Manually adjustable shutter speed.
3. Either fixed or adjustable ISO but not Auto only.
4. Manually focusable. Doesn't matter if it's only scale focusing.
5. Be able to be trigger remotely via wire or wireless to prevent shake.
6. Be able to trigger an external flash.

Most "point and shoot" and bridge cameras have these features--right up to #'s 5 & 6. You have to have a rather high end one for those features. Most of the compact cameras don't have those two features.

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

Rongnongno wrote:

I have not seen any camera able to crack a joke so they are all serious.

Not even a deadpan joke with those things!!!

My camera is never serious... I tell it I want a certain picture and it replies "In your dreams.".

Rongnongno Loc: FL

Longshadow wrote:

My camera is never serious... I tell it I want a certain picture and it replies "In your dreams.".

That you speak to your camera is odd... That it answer is... Well... Weird?

(joking)

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

Rongnongno wrote:

That you speak to your camera is odd... That it answer is... Well... Weird?

(joking)

rmorrison1116 Loc: Near Valley Forge, Pennsylvania

Anyone who believes a cell phone camera is not a camera or the photos taken with a cell phone camera are not photographs is delusional. Anyone who believes point and shoot cameras are not real cameras or are some sort of lesser camera doesn't know much about what's available these days. For example, the Canon G1X III is a high end point and shoot or bridge camera. It has pretty much all the bells and whistles a lot of DSLR's have. It's got Dual Pixel AF and a 24 mpx APS-C sensor, WIFI and Bluetooth and an articulated touch screen and it fits in my jacket pocket. The down side is it costs about twice as much or more than many beginner DSLR kits. It can be used to take serious photographs or snapshots, depending on what, where, when and how.
What constitutes a serious camera is quite simple, it's not the make or the cost, it's how it is used.

G Brown Loc: Sunny Bognor Regis West Sussex UK

The serious bit is opportunities not the camera.
Many, well thought of' photographers use 'old' cameras - not necessarily 'top of the line now'. They use a variety of cameras and video stills to produce both 'interesting' and 'spectacular' shots. How?...because they are there at the right time of day or night (or year). They research rather than 'follow the pack'. Their images probably 'sell' better abroad that in their home country or they have cornered a niche market that will polish their images with soundtracks and 'Celebraties'.
To take great photographs you need exposure not Fstop....You need to be in the 'media lens' not shooting with a pearticular lens. You will take thousands of shots and use very few,,,, Those with the most impact, to your particular audience, rather than trying to please everyone.
You don't buy a 'serious' camera, Serious people have the camera(s) they need.

Have fun - its a byproduct of success