Phones vs cameras
Jun 4, 2019 02:31:34 #
Yes, people in the general public are taking pictures than ever before. This is largely because of cell phone cameras, everyone has a camera in their pocket. In my opinion, this draws more attention to photography as a hobby, as more people are introduced to photography. While most will just use the cell phone camera for social media, and pictures of families and friends, there are those who develop a deeper interest, and are likely to purchase an advance point and shoot camera (such as a bridge camera), a mirrorless camera, or a DSLR. The lower cost of the hobby because of digital images also leads more people to get involved in photography. Dedicated cameras are necessary for the more serious amateur, a group that seems to be growing rather than declining. This alone will continue to fuel a need for dedicated cameras. Even as cell phone cameras have improved, they have caused a greater interest in taking excellent photos for those who have caught the "photography bug."
Jun 4, 2019 05:50:28 #
While cell phone cameras have vastly improved over the years, their main advantage is convenience. If people are happy with them, good for them. You and I know they have limitations. Just like everything else, the bar is lowered as time goes by for most everything. Serious photographers will always default to their "real" cameras.
Jun 4, 2019 06:19:56 #
miked46
Loc: Winter Springs, Florida
well at my age, I use the phone for calling, and my camera for photo's
Jun 4, 2019 06:38:25 #
salewis wrote:
Many of my friends argue that cameras are becoming obsolete. I don't agree, but I would like to know what arguments are best to convince them that cameras do a better job than phones.
I agree with you. However, there is no argument. The necessity of using a camera to take a picture has been replaced by the cell phone. The new mores of the people in their 20's and up do not revolve around DSLR's for taking pictures/memories. They do not stress over the BS. We went to The MET. on Saturday, I cannot tell you how many hundreds maybe thousands were using their cell phones VS the handful who used DSLR's.
The cell phone produces instant gratification and is sent to all their friends and family members. They don't give a rats behind if the ISO is wrong or shutter speed should have been this over that. They have moved on. They will never stress out over what lens or what camera to buy or schlep camera bags loaded with stuff around.
There will be DSLR's around. Not as many. Also, the target audience is shrinking. All the major camera companies will still produce cameras...just not as many. Sales are down. There may also a merger of two brands.
Jun 4, 2019 06:45:12 #
For the majority of people who take causal photos and snapshots, I agree 100% with this view point. Most people taking vacation or family snapshots do NOT want to learn about photography, much less carry
the gear with them. And with the newer phones they are usually much better than most of the lower and mid-range point and shoot cameras.
The other factor is people are addicted to their phones and in many cases will panic if they do not have them on their person at all times. So, their phone is with them constantly and therefore their camera is with them constantly, 24/7. Can you say that for your cameras? I cannot.
My wife and I travel a lot cruises, resorts etc. and the number of people carrying cameras has noticeably dropped over the years. Last year on a cruise excursion, I think there was only a couple of us on a bus of around 25 that were carrying cameras and gear. But everyone had their phones/cameras. When I got back I started shopping for a high end point and shoot and have not looked back since. I still have all my gear and when I shoot landscapes or even urban shots I use my DSLR or mirrorless. But for travel, the point and shoot is all I take. My wife has her iphone and she gets some great shots with it with little or no training or prep. I think that is what most people want.
the gear with them. And with the newer phones they are usually much better than most of the lower and mid-range point and shoot cameras.
The other factor is people are addicted to their phones and in many cases will panic if they do not have them on their person at all times. So, their phone is with them constantly and therefore their camera is with them constantly, 24/7. Can you say that for your cameras? I cannot.
My wife and I travel a lot cruises, resorts etc. and the number of people carrying cameras has noticeably dropped over the years. Last year on a cruise excursion, I think there was only a couple of us on a bus of around 25 that were carrying cameras and gear. But everyone had their phones/cameras. When I got back I started shopping for a high end point and shoot and have not looked back since. I still have all my gear and when I shoot landscapes or even urban shots I use my DSLR or mirrorless. But for travel, the point and shoot is all I take. My wife has her iphone and she gets some great shots with it with little or no training or prep. I think that is what most people want.
Jun 4, 2019 06:45:15 #
Two different animals, camera and phone. So not "versus," but how each performs to need or purpose. Time-waster to dwell on a false choice between the two.
Jun 4, 2019 06:52:04 #
lamiaceae wrote:
Is this going to be like Nikon vs Canon, Raw vs JPEG, DSLR vs MILC, an endless stream of pointless arguing where 1% of such posts might be interesting or give an original spin to the conversation? So here less about how or why to take an image. Please, actually do photography. To me it is an art and the tools are secondary. Yes, the Gallery area is different. But the repeated questions in the Main Section. Can we ever move on?
Jun 4, 2019 06:58:25 #
JohnSwanda wrote:
Most casual snapshot shooters are better off with a phone. Today's phone cameras are way better than the film point and shoot cameras most people used to use. They won't get any advantage with a camera they won't want to learn to use effectively. Photographers who aspire to more than shapshots and want more control will still use cameras.
There you go. Spot on. There have always been point and shoot cameras, and also more complicated cameras for those that want more control. If people are happy with what they get from their phones, then the niche is filled.
Jun 4, 2019 06:59:02 #
jdub82 wrote:
Yes, people in the general public are taking pictu... (show quote)
I do not think people who take pictures with cells view this as a hobby. They are just doing it. They and the cell are joined at the hip. They talk they text and they take pictures. There is no hobby. it is what they do 24...7. The whole process is part of of what they do. Not what they choose to do.
Jun 4, 2019 07:08:07 #
Reading some of the other comments on this subject I also see a couple of other reasons that they phone is so pervasive in photography.
First, as I mentioned in a previous post is convenience. Many people are never without their phone/camera.
Second, one thing that has changed for many people is how they view their photographs. People want their photos seen immediately by their family and friends. So most are sent out over the phone immediately after they are taken to various social media, photo websites or directly by texts. Very few (if any) print the photos out and put them in albums. Today, with their huge storage capacity, many people use their phones to keep all their photos with them at all times. Remember the days when one would invite people over for several hours of viewing slides or photo albums of their vacation or family events. I even had a friend once who invited me over to view 6 hours of VHS tapes of his Alaskan vacation!
Third, is the quality. I worked in a quality assurance position for many years and one principle I learned the hard way is that "perfection is the enemy of good enough". Do not misunderstand that, excellent quality is a must but the pursuit of perfection is an expensive and in the end an unobtainable goal. You may get to 96% or 97% perfect but those last few percent of improvement will break the bank. I think for most consumer part-time photographers the phone camera is "good enough" for their purposes and they are satisfied with their photos. Also, I was in a Photoshop class recently and one lady was showing us her phone that she had installed a photo editing app. It was impressive, she was able to adjust many of the parameters that we do on our desktop for photos. All in the palm of her hand. In less than 5 minutes she took a photo, adjusted several aspects of the photo and sent it out to her facebook page. Try that with a DSLR!
First, as I mentioned in a previous post is convenience. Many people are never without their phone/camera.
Second, one thing that has changed for many people is how they view their photographs. People want their photos seen immediately by their family and friends. So most are sent out over the phone immediately after they are taken to various social media, photo websites or directly by texts. Very few (if any) print the photos out and put them in albums. Today, with their huge storage capacity, many people use their phones to keep all their photos with them at all times. Remember the days when one would invite people over for several hours of viewing slides or photo albums of their vacation or family events. I even had a friend once who invited me over to view 6 hours of VHS tapes of his Alaskan vacation!
Third, is the quality. I worked in a quality assurance position for many years and one principle I learned the hard way is that "perfection is the enemy of good enough". Do not misunderstand that, excellent quality is a must but the pursuit of perfection is an expensive and in the end an unobtainable goal. You may get to 96% or 97% perfect but those last few percent of improvement will break the bank. I think for most consumer part-time photographers the phone camera is "good enough" for their purposes and they are satisfied with their photos. Also, I was in a Photoshop class recently and one lady was showing us her phone that she had installed a photo editing app. It was impressive, she was able to adjust many of the parameters that we do on our desktop for photos. All in the palm of her hand. In less than 5 minutes she took a photo, adjusted several aspects of the photo and sent it out to her facebook page. Try that with a DSLR!
Jun 4, 2019 07:14:57 #
billnikon
Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont
salewis wrote:
Many of my friends argue that cameras are becoming obsolete. I don't agree, but I would like to know what arguments are best to convince them that cameras do a better job than phones.
I take 30 sec. to 1 minute exposures on a tripod. Try that with a phone.
Jun 4, 2019 07:15:16 #
miked46 wrote:
well at my age, I use the phone for calling, and my camera for photo's
I use both. I always have a date for Saturday nights.
Jun 4, 2019 07:18:41 #
10MPlayer wrote:
You can't zoom in with a phone like you can with a 600mm lens on a real camera.
Very true. That audience has shrunk, the want is waning.
Jun 4, 2019 07:29:48 #
That is true. But, hump that 600 mm lens, DSLR, bag and accessories all day at Disney World for 10 hours at 85 degrees or all day on a cruise excursion climbing in an out of a crowded bus or tender boat and you may have a change of heart.
There is also the issue of security. Someone carrying a large camera with expensive lens and camera bag is the instant target in many parts of the world (including the US).
There is also the issue of security. Someone carrying a large camera with expensive lens and camera bag is the instant target in many parts of the world (including the US).
Jun 4, 2019 07:29:59 #
I'll quit using cameras when I die.
(Cell phones are good for when I don't have either camera.)
(Cell phones are good for when I don't have either camera.)
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