Cell phone camera abilities (Page 2): Actually no cell phone can sync to a flash yet.

BebuLamar

gvarner wrote:

They’re all-in-one pocket sized computers with so many features that most of us will never get familiar with but are being marketed for their picture taking abilities. So far, flash attachments and accessory lenses are limited at best, not so with other "dedicated" cameras.

Actually no cell phone can sync to a flash yet.

gvarner Loc: Central Oregon Coast

BebuLamar wrote:

Actually no cell phone can sync to a flash yet.

Agree. But for now you have to use always-on LED modeling lights. An external flash may come down the line but it’s always going to have to have some kind of clamp mount connection plus off camera capability. Technology will prevail.

Latsok Loc: Recently moved to Washington State.

kpmac wrote:

I only use my phone for calls and drone flying. I could care less about who makes the best camera. If you want quality images buy a camera and a cheap phone. That's just me, though. Most people disagree with me.

I know the feeling! I used to think the same way years ago when people started to switch from film cameras to digital. I swore that digital photography had no possible hope of being as good as films were, or that digital photography would ever catch on with most serious photographers. But things change, and eventually an old dinosaur like me, changed my mind as well. Now, after years of poo-pooing iPhone cameras, I find myself using my phone for snapshot and family gathering events photography. And,I must say, I'm quite happy with the results, and I'm less conspicuous at gatherings without my big Nikon around my neck. But -- - - that's just me and I'm sticking with it! 😜😜😜.

Wingpilot Loc: Wasilla. Ak

Current smartphone camera technology won’t be current in six months, and in a year it’ll be ancient. Who knows what capabilities these things will have a year or two from now. Dedicated camera technology evolves, too, but I think not to the degree as smart phone technology. Right now you just can’t beat a dedicated camera for producing amazing images, but it’s not out of the realm of possibility that eventually smartphone cameras will be up to the same task. In the final analysis, though, each one has it’s purpose. No professional photographer would just take their cellphone on a National Geographic photo gig, and not very many casual photographers would buy a $6000.00 DSLR or mirrorless camera to take selfies or birthday party snapshots. So to answer the question, YMMV, I suppose.

mwsilvers Loc: Central New Jersey

sippyjug104 wrote:

A grandfather was talking to his eight-year-old granddaughter about smartphones, and she said, "Grandpa, Iphones are for girls and Androids are for boys!"

Ha. I don't agree with differentiating the two very different technologies and their implementation by sex. However, I think that the point being expressed is that many iPhone (and Mac) users often have a less technical understanding of their devices while ta detailed understanding is often very useful for those using Android phones and Windows computers. It is not a criticism of iPhone or Mac users or Android and Windows users. A major focus of Apple has always been ease of use. The downside to that is that Apple devices are more structured and as a result offer fewer configuration options. I think it's great that we have choices.

Latsok Loc: Recently moved to Washington State.

Wingpilot wrote:

Current smartphone camera technology won’t be curr... (show quote)

👍👍👍

Nodak70 Loc: NorCal

In my humble opinion, only – even the best cell phone photos only look good when displayed in their intended target range – on other cell phones, tablets, and possibly computers. In my opinion, again, the lack of shadow detail and relatively low focal lengths available limit use in any serious application. That being said, the old saw that “the best camera uses the one you’ve got your hand” really applies. As long as it I accept the limitations that the cell phone cameras going to have, I use it for probably 50% of my photography.

JohnSwanda Loc: San Francisco

Nodak70 wrote:

In my humble opinion, only – even the best cell ph... (show quote)

I have seen some large prints from the best cell phone cameras which were very impressive.

Nodak70 Loc: NorCal

So have I. Matter of fact, I have some on my wall. . But you really have to pick your battles and choose your subjects.

delder Loc: Maryland

Hold on!
Interchangeable lens Smartphones are being teased right now in China.

The thin line between Smartphones and ML cameras will become even more blurred as time goes by.

DeanS Loc: Capital City area of North Carolina

mikegreenwald wrote:

Modern cell phones contain embedded high quality cameras. Apple, Google, and Samsung control the largest share of the market, and each of them claims to be the “best”.
How do we, as consumers, know which is which?
Is there an independent, knowledgeable test site that regularly makes meaningful comparisons of the strength and weaknesses of each of the above, and possible others?

“The best” is subjective.

Bluefish Loc: Berks County, PA

kpmac wrote:

I only use my phone for calls and drone flying. I could care less about who makes the best camera. If you want quality images buy a camera and a cheap phone. That's just me, though. Most people disagree with me.

Then why reply to this post?

Hydro47 Loc: NW Indiana

I just looked at a bunch of photos from my Samsung Galaxy S10+. If I look at properties on these pictures, the focal length shows either 1.3mm or 4.3mm. Seeing as the phone is a bit over 8mm thick, I would have to believe that any pictures taken with zoom would have to be pixel manipulation. Don't get me wrong, the pictures I took look great, but I don't see myself doing BIF with a long lens on a cellphone anytime in the immediate future.

JohnSwanda Loc: San Francisco

Hydro47 wrote:

I just looked at a bunch of photos from my Samsung Galaxy S10+. If I look at properties on these pictures, the focal length shows either 1.3mm or 4.3mm. Seeing as the phone is a bit over 8mm thick, I would have to believe that any pictures taken with zoom would have to be pixel manipulation. Don't get me wrong, the pictures I took look great, but I don't see myself doing BIF with a long lens on a cellphone anytime in the immediate future.

Nobody says cell phone cameras are great for every kind of photography. BIF is a good example of a subject that is better done with a dedicated camera with great autofocus and a good long lens.

mikegreenwald Loc: Illinois

DeanS wrote:

“The best” is subjective.

This note is usually correct. My point as OP though is to try to determine what differences, if any, exist between strengths and weaknesses of different brands and models of Cell Phone Cameras.
I don't plan to give up my Canon R5 and multiple lenses, but neither do I demean the very real advantages of Cell Phone Cameras in many circumstances.