Cell Phone cameras: Would like feedback on cell phone options. I have Iphone 5c and am obviously in need of a serious upgrade. As a novice photographer, with no desire to spend $1000+...

Compassionate nurse

Would like feedback on cell phone options. I have Iphone 5c and am obviously in need of a serious upgrade.
As a novice photographer, with no desire to spend $1000+ if unnecessary, I value and appreciate honest comments. I am 76 years young and love the quick shots I get with my 5c, but it's time to move on. Help!

lamiaceae Loc: San Luis Obispo County, CA

Compassionate nurse wrote:

Would like feedback on cell phone options. I have Iphone 5c and am obviously in need of a serious upgrade.
As a novice photographer, with no desire to spend $1000+ if unnecessary, I value and appreciate honest comments. I am 76 years young and love the quick shots I get with my 5c, but it's time to move on. Help!

Can't help you with the price. The cost is mostly for a service contract and they are essentially giving you a phone. I might lust for a Samsung Galaxy Note 10. But are you also considering a "real" camera?

A Fujifilm X-E3 MILC should not set you back too much. Look at used and a used lens say from B&H.

Also someone here on the UHH is selling a Fuji X-100T (16MP) for a GREAT price.
https://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-610763-1.html

You've got eleven years on me.

juan_uy Loc: Uruguay

I am more Android oriented, but iPhones are great. If you have one, probably staying there will make your life easier.

The new iPhone 11 is about to release (available for pre-order) and the 64Gb is at USD 699., so 30% below the 1000 you mentioned.
If you want to go cheaper, the iPhone XR is USD 599.

All these at new phone prices, probably you could find used previous models cheaper in the next days when people start changing to 11 and 11 Pro

dsmeltz Loc: Philadelphia

Compassionate nurse wrote:

Would like feedback on cell phone options. I have Iphone 5c and am obviously in need of a serious upgrade.
As a novice photographer, with no desire to spend $1000+ if unnecessary, I value and appreciate honest comments. I am 76 years young and love the quick shots I get with my 5c, but it's time to move on. Help!

If you are comfortable with iPhone, stick with it. Their camera is among the best and is even catching up to Google's Pixel.
If you do a lot of selfie shots, the Pixel (which has two lenses on the front) provides selfies in wide angle so you do not need to have really long arms. However, if you are not a selfie addict, the new iPhone does a great job with everything else.

Paul J. Svetlik Loc: Colorado

If you think you would like to advance into photography, there are several mirrorless (rather than just Point and Shoot cameras on the market.
You may look into cameras you can put into your pocket, cameras with the larger sensor (like the so called "one inch sensor") and a zoom lens according to your need. I would not go too far with the zoom reaching too much.
Zoom lens 24mm to 70mm or 105mm is a good range.
It looks like Sony leads the group.
You will be amazed, what quality these smaller photographic tools can do for you.
Good Luck and good shooting!

pmorin Loc: Huntington Beach, Palm Springs

Compassionate nurse wrote:

Would like feedback on cell phone options. I have Iphone 5c and am obviously in need of a serious upgrade.
As a novice photographer, with no desire to spend $1000+ if unnecessary, I value and appreciate honest comments. I am 76 years young and love the quick shots I get with my 5c, but it's time to move on. Help!

Look for the iPhone 7+. It’s got a great camera and can do most of what any of the new ones can do. It also is a lot less than the new models. Here is a link to a Walmart site with a really decent price on a 256gb silver model.
https://www.walmart.com/ip/Refurbished-Apple-iPhone-7-Plus-256GB-Silver-Unlocked-GSM/417390439?athcpid=417390439&athpgid=athenaItemPage&athcgid=null&athznid=PWVUB&athieid=v0&athstid=CS004&athguid=f8b8d5d0-835-16d3af1f621c30&athancid=null&athena=true

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

Compassionate nurse wrote:

Would like feedback on cell phone options. I have Iphone 5c and am obviously in need of a serious upgrade.
As a novice photographer, with no desire to spend $1000+ if unnecessary, I value and appreciate honest comments. I am 76 years young and love the quick shots I get with my 5c, but it's time to move on. Help!

I have a Pixel XL and I am now due for a replacement. I will likely replace it with the Pixel 4XL - the Google phones have the best and most intuitive implementation of the Android OS, they are rugged, and their cameras are always best in class - even better than the Samsung S10s and the current iPhones. My old phone had an OLED screen, which was great, but had gotten "burned in" - the current ones don't seem to have that problem.

dsmeltz Loc: Philadelphia

Gene51 wrote:

I have a Pixel XL and I am now due for a replacement. I will likely replace it with the Pixel 4XL - the Google phones have the best and most intuitive implementation of the Android OS, they are rugged, and their cameras are always best in class - even better than the Samsung S10s and the current iPhones. My old phone had an OLED screen, which was great, but had gotten "burned in" - the current ones don't seem to have that problem.

Recently went from the Pixel 1 to the Pixel 3. The wide angle front lens for selfies has made me the envy of most of my iPhone wielding friends.

juan_uy Loc: Uruguay

pmorin wrote:

Look for the iPhone 7+. It’s got a great camera an... (show quote)

IIRC the iPhone 7 won't receive further iOS updates, not sure about 7+.
Something to keep in mind.

pmorin Loc: Huntington Beach, Palm Springs

juan_uy wrote:

IIRC the iPhone 7 won't receive further iOS updates, not sure about 7+.
Something to keep in mind.

The IPhone 6s to the present models will be supported. So yes, the 7 and 7+ will be too. Here is an article on the subject.
https://www.anandtech.com/show/14485/apple-ios13-compatibility-starting-with-the-6s

juan_uy Loc: Uruguay

pmorin wrote:

The IPhone 6s to the present models will be supported. So yes, the 7 and 7+ will be too. Here is an article on the subject.
https://www.anandtech.com/show/14485/apple-ios13-compatibility-starting-with-the-6s

Thanks for correcting me!

pmorin Loc: Huntington Beach, Palm Springs

juan_uy wrote:

Thanks for correcting me!

No problem Amigo.

Compassionate nurse

pmorin wrote:

Look for the iPhone 7+. It’s got a great camera an... (show quote)

Thanks for the advice and link. Are refurbished safe to buy??

pmorin Loc: Huntington Beach, Palm Springs

Compassionate nurse wrote:

Thanks for the advice and link. Are refurbished safe to buy??

I believe so. It usually comes with a warranty. I have had mine for several years now and it performs flawlessly. This is an iPhone 7+ photo.

(Download)

Compassionate nurse

pmorin wrote:

I believe so. It usually comes with a warranty. I have had mine for several years now and it performs flawlessly. This is an iPhone 7+ photo.

Stunning photo!!! Are refurbished only sold on line? I have At&T phone service and can check with them but anticipate they will only promote the 11. I wouldn't mind buying 7,8,9...but only if camera was "better."
I appreciate your advice.