gvarner Loc: Central Oregon Coast

Yes, you can be creative with these devices. The newest models are very versatile and provide much in the way of computational imaging that can capture stunning and creative images. I’m definitely a fan. And they’re also useful for making phone calls. 😉😉

Bob Mevis Loc: Plymouth, Indiana

I agree.

RowdyRay Loc: MN

In the past, I focused on phones that would make life and work simpler. The camera was a bonus. And always at hand. Since taking photography more seriously, the camera in my phone stinks. It's several years old and time for an upgrade. So.....a Samsung Galaxy A50 arrived today. Newly released and the top of their mid-priced line. I'm not spending a grand on a new phone. I would on the new 90D. Lol.

The camera isn't as great as it sounds on paper, and there is a lot of on-line comparisons to the Google Pixel 3 and the Galaxy S10. Which it is not. But it has to be better than what I was using. (Samsung J3)

I'll find out.

JDG3

Cell phones cameras are becoming more and more capable. I have seen some great photographs from cell phones, many as good or better than from dslr's and mirrorless cameras. I think the old saying about the best camera is the one you have with you and it seems we always have our cell phones with us these days.

My current phone, a Google Nexus, is getting pretty old in cell phones years and I have been researching my next phone. The high end iphones and Samsung phones are too expensive for me since I usually buy my own unlocked phone and shop around for the best deal on service.

Nokia has just released 2 new phones this year that seem to be good candidates. One has a 48 megapixel camera with a multiple lens arrangement. The specs looking interesting and the price will be around $400 or less. Software will allow the user to do panorama, HDR, and the addition of bokeh in selected shots. Might be something worth looking into. You can downgrade the resolution in 12 megapixel steps when needed.

Of course, pros and serious amateurs will still prefer more capable cameras but for the average consumer photographer, the cell phone camera will most likely dominate in this market.

jaymatt Loc: Alexandria, Indiana

I really don’t have a phone, I think. I have a little pocket computer that has a phone function built into it.

JDG3

You are correct. Most of our phones have more computing power than the lunar lander module's computer from the first moon landing.

Kmgw9v Loc: Miami, Florida

Absolutely.

Bill_de Loc: US

It has been said about almost every new technology in photography that the results don't come close to all the hype, until they do. Then, with a straight face, the naysayers loudly proclaim, I TOLD YOU SO .



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billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont

Can they make 30 second exposures with your phone? NO Then no thanks. And, yes, I use a tripod, but unfortunately, there is no 1/4 20 thread in a phone, too bad.
Can your phone isolate a bird in flight and give me a 20X30 print? NO, Well then, what use is that phone.
Can your phone make adjustments just to the sky up to 10 stops? NO, Well then, what use is that phone.

BigDaddy Loc: Pittsburgh, PA

Yes, the true PC (personal computer) The least used feature has got to be the phone, few phone calls are actually made these days, mostly text, but fortunately, billions of pictures are made by everyone.

My daughter, who lives on the other side of the country, sends pictures of my GD from her phone to google, where I grab them, edit those I like, and put them on my DT backgrounds and Portal slide shows. Cell phone pictures are so good now, and even when a bit weak, can be made almost perfect in all aspects in post, that I've almost stopped using my DSLR's after 45 years of picture taking.

Here are 3 of hundreds that are as good as I can do with any of my giant heavy cameras. My daughter has a Cannon DSLR that she never uses because the cell does just fine, thank you. If she had to lug around the giant Canon, we'd have almost no pictures I'd bet.

These may be just "snapshots" but click on the Downloads and the picture quality is more than adequate.

First Root Beer Float

(Download)

Pool Party

(Download)

Animal Farm

(Download)

gvarner Loc: Central Oregon Coast

Pretty much. The phone function hasn’t really changed since they first came out.

BlueMorel Loc: Southwest Michigan

Same here, LOL! I have a Samsung Galaxy 6 that I've had for several years. Functions well on both fronts. First version that had a decent camera, too - comes in handy, though my camera is what I use for serious pic taking.

olemikey Loc: 6 mile creek, Spacecoast Florida

Like any type of camera, once you learn the how's and why's of making a great shot with one, you can. There are many photographic functions that they can't or don't handle well, but a good photographer, who understands the device, and composes correctly can make fine photos, even stunning photos. Can they do what a DSLR or MILC can do (or even a quality P&S) NO. Can they make a fine photo, absolutely.

Are they everyone's cup of tea, no. As for the Tripod and other handling issues, I have a Gopro style attachment kit (for my drone equipment) that has every attachment for integrating a phone into the mix that one can imagine....tripod mount/clamp, selfie stick, monopod combo, do-hickeys to attach a phone (of various sizes) to almost anything (helmet/surfboard/handlebars/windshields/armbands/clamps of all sorts/velcro and adhesive pads, you name it) and some I haven't figured out yet....I think the whole kit in its little suitcase cost me all of $25, must be 50 items for mounting cellphones/small monitors. It was a whim buy that has actually excelled in it's usefulness.

Jaackil Loc: Massachusetts

Actually with many phones you now have the ability to control aperture shutter speed and iso. For phones that don’t have it already built in there are apps that allow you to do it. Does it make your cell phone rival a dslr no of course not but that’s like comparing a point and shoot to a dslr. They do compare well to point and shoot cameras however. Certainly with some minuses but the biggest plus is for most people their phone is always with them. It’s thinner and lighter than most p&s phones. An added advantage is it allows you to share images instantly which can not be done easily with most P&s. Cell phones are really the next generation of point and shoot cameras.

anotherview Loc: California

A device has no creative power, only the human agency does. You exert creativity. The device may help you fulfill your creativity when used under your power.