Bill McKenna

I don't know if it's me. Maybe I just don't get it, but I read so often about how someone thinks the newest versions of the iPhone (11, 12 or 13) are the greatest cameras since sliced bread...and they are using them for serious work. I use mine when I'm somewhere without my good gear, or wasn't planning on shooting anything, but now it's there in front of me. But to take an iPhone (on purpose) instead of my D850 or D500 when I'm doing serious work??? What am I missing? I don't think my iPhone 12 is even in the same league with my two Nikons. And it's not even close. I do agree that it's a lot easier carrying an iPhone around in my back pocket, but in my mind, it just doesn't produce exceptional images, especially in low light. Are others happy with just average results? Maybe some people are too lazy to carry around heavier gear? Maybe I'm using my phone incorrectly? Thoughts?

Quixdraw Loc: x

Danger! Danger! The Phoneographers will swarm around you. ;-)

GeneV Loc: Lampasas, Texas

Love the new terminology! I just wigh they would turn the @$#%^& things to horizontal when the situation calls for it.

Genev

rmorrison1116 Loc: Near Valley Forge, Pennsylvania

I don't own an Iphone. Never have and never will. I do own a smart phone that uses the android operating system and it does have a decent little camera in it, but for most photographic purposes, I prefer using a dedicated digital camera. Heck, even my tablet has a built in digital camera. But, these cameras are not the same as a dedicated digital camera with a better, larger image sensor and in many cases, interchangeable lenses.

Cell phone/smart phone cameras are indeed small digital cameras and many of them today are quite good. What they lack in optics is usually compensated for electronically and these cameras are capable of producing excellent images, although their capabilities are somewhat limited by the size of their lens and sensor.

People who believe Iphone cameras are the greatest cameras available aren't thinking or speaking about dedicated digital cameras and are more familiar with point and shoot style cameras. They are extremely convenient and quite capable of good images. In recent years a great deal of development has gone into the cameras in smart phones because as advanced as the phone portion may get, it's still just making a phone call. Yes, yes, I know there's the whole data thing, and the fact that these devices have evolved into mini computers but, when it comes to marketing, the manufacturers all want to make a point by offering the most camera features they can pack into these devices.

Bottom line, cell phone/smart phone cameras are indeed small and often well featured digital cameras and are capable of high quality images, but, they are not in the same league as a D850 or a D500 or a 5D mk IV, all of which I own. They are not the best or even better, just different.

rmorrison1116 Loc: Near Valley Forge, Pennsylvania

My, my, such language. You wigh? I do agree with the horizontal/vertical thing, most definitely. And, I find it odd and sometimes annoying when people bring their tablets to take photos at shows. They really need to buy a much smaller dedicated digital camera.

rmorrison1116 Loc: Near Valley Forge, Pennsylvania

Beat them back with a tablet.

kpmac Loc: Ragley, La

I think I have taken maybe 4 or 5 cell phone pics in my life. Deleted them all.

Architect1776 Loc: In my mind

Depending on what you are doing
Smart phones of all kinds run circles around the outdated D850 and D500 when doing video and subject tracking.
As far as stills there is little difference from the iPhone and the above cameras within the optical limitations of the iPhone.
Long and wide lenses are the only area those cameras still hold the advantage.

Alphabravo2020

The next generation cameras will basically be an Android operating system in a mirrorless body. The subject tracking of the D850/D500 for video is admittedly poor, and a proper operating system is needed to supply the required AI.

There are many other metrics where any professional rig beats the cell phone. Aperture size and control being the main feature missing from cell phones. Also sensor size, focal length control and availability, lens character, filters (ND/CPL), battery life, remote flash control, write speed, boot time. Just battery life is a deal breaker for any extended shoot using a cell phone. They are resource hogs and you will spend half your time waiting for it to charge up at the worst possible moment. With replaceable batteries and a power efficient battery, a full frame will always be ready to go.

Fstop12 Loc: Kentucky

OnDSnap Loc: NE New Jersey

If it doesn't work for you, you don't use it. If it works for others, why question it. I don't understand the point in wasting time questioning it.

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

A print made from a camera with a 1/1.3-inch sensor can easily be differentiated from a similar print using a D850 - there is a world of difference.

rmalarz Loc: Tempe, Arizona

If I'm doing photography, I use my cameras. If I wish to communicate, I use my iPhone. The only reason my iPhone gets involved with photography is one application that runs only on an iPhone and nails exposure/processing every time.
--Bob

DoyleY Loc: Worland, Wyoming

DoyleY Loc: Worland, Wyoming

How are cell phones at stopping action?