genocolo Loc: Vail and Gasparilla Island

My original post on August 29 unintentionally and unexpectedly started a wide-ranging (15page), sometimes interesting, discussion. It was really meant only as an observation, nothing more.

That discussion confirms what we already knew, that most of us use BOTH mobile phones and dedicated, sophisticated cameras, generically described as “dslrs.” The choice often depends on a variety of factors, some of which are: “which is most readily available when the photo opportunity arises?”, “what is my target today?”, “is this a dedicated photo shoot?”, etc.

While obviously I am not arguing for or against the use of mobile phone cameras, I will say to those of you who dismiss a high quality mobile or cell phone camera as one only for “snapshots,” you should look at the results of the annual Mobile Photography Awards. Talk about “art” and “quality”! Also see Ken Rockwell’s extraordinarily positive review of the IPhone 12 Pro Max.

So, coming full circle and without trying to discover the EXIF data, which, IF ANY, of the four photos in my original post, do you believe were taken with an IPhone 12 Pro Max or with a Canon 80D with an EF 100-400mm f/4-5-6L IS II USM lens? For your convenience, I have attached the four photos again here.

After time for replies, I will post the answer if you are interested.

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Mac Loc: Pittsburgh, Philadelphia now Hernando Co. Fl.

There is no doubt that cell phones can produce beautiful pictures. Can cell phone cameras shoot in Manual Exposure? Can cell phone cameras shoot in Manual Focus? Can cell phone cameras accept quality Polarizing filters? Can cell phone cameras accept quality ND filters? If not creativity is limited with cell phone cameras.

genocolo Loc: Vail and Gasparilla Island

Your points are well made if creativity such as describe is important to you, but I am not saying that cell phone camera are better. All I am saying is that they are pretty damn good and that you usually can’t tell the difference. Have you looked at the Mobile Photo Awards? These show that one can take a stunning photo with a mobile phone, don’t you agree? Did you read Rockwell’s review?

Which if any of my four photos were made with a cell phone?

rmorrison1116 Loc: Near Valley Forge, Pennsylvania

Quite frankly, what effing difference does it matter?!

genocolo Loc: Vail and Gasparilla Island

None. I just thought it would be fun for everyone to give an opinion. Your anger is unwarranted.

Mac Loc: Pittsburgh, Philadelphia now Hernando Co. Fl.

As I said above, cell phone cameras produce beautiful pictures. If beautiful pictures is the focus of your photography, that’s fine, you’re doing a great job. I have seen Mobile Photo Awards, the pictures are awesome. I have a friend in Brooklyn who uses a cell phone camera, some of his artistic photos are definite wall hangers.
There is a saying, “Don’t shoot what it looks like, shoot what it feels like.” With the limited creative capabilities of cell phone cameras that can’t be done.

Ps if you click on quote reply we can tell who and what you are responding to.

rook2c4 Loc: Philadelphia, PA USA

Yes, cell phones can shoot in manual exposure and shoot in manual focus as well with the use of apps. And I've used a polarizing filter with my phone, although I did need to rig up a small diameter filter to the phone such that the filter could be held in position. By the same method, ND filters could be used.

Essentially, creativity is limited with any camera. Buy a top of the line camera today, and in 15 years from now you will think how limited it is compared to the latest available cameras. The trick is to be creative within a camera's limitations and not worry too much about what else is out there or will eventually be out there.

Delderby Loc: Derby UK

I decided, more than a decade ago, that I wanted a viewfinder on my camera, which cells do not have. I haven't changed my mind. With the sun behind them cells are next to useless. With the sun in front of them cells are still next to useless. I laugh when I see dozens of cells being waved at near arms length as their owners try to snap events and processions. Cells are best on a dull day. A dull day means a dull photo. Cells have created a craze for selfies - at least this has reduced the defacing of property etc with the message "Tom? was here". But the mentality remains the same. Yes - cells are good for instantly sending pics? round the world. But that is about all they are good for. Now that cameras have wi-fi that advantage is fast disappearing.

NikonRocks Loc: Sydney

The biggest problem I have using cellphones to take photos/videos - we call them "mobile phones here in OZ" - is holding the device steady enough whilst I fumble for the shutter release whereas a "dslr" is designed from the get-go to be held easily and comfortably in tricky positions. Its buttons are placed in functional areas of the camera body such that taking a photo is a no brainer.

After all, the cellphone's main job is to make/take calls and is designed to be held for that primary purpose. Nevertheless, the technology being built into them is simply amazing for doing other tasks alongside taking photos.

They are becoming the "Jack of all trades" and master of none!

joer Loc: Colorado/Illinois

Most phones will allow triggering with your voice.

Based on the people I know, none of them know how to set up their phone cameras and just use them in the default mode.

Celtis87

My guess is photo 2, of what appears to be a lake with a meadow on the foreground.

Morry Loc: Palm Springs, CA

I agree with you completely. Speaking only for myself . . . I too use my cellphone because of the convenience . . . but there still is nothing like a viewfinder for me! Especially for where I live which is in the desert where we have sun for more than 300 days a year (really).

genocolo Loc: Vail and Gasparilla Island

You have got to be kidding us.

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GLSmith Loc: Tampa, Fl

This is meant as an observation only, not a critique of which is better..i.e. DSLR/Mobile Phone.
Mobile Phones, Samsung, Apple, etc are thrown on front seats of cars, carried in back pockets, purses, dropped on counter tops.....There is literally NO care of the optical portion.
The "optical glass" is left unprotected to the elements ranging from finger prints, dust, dirt, small scratches. Do you inspect the optical port each time before you shoot an image?
Ask the vendor who makes your phone the following question "Who makes the "optical glass" for your phone?"
I carry an I~Phone 11 & have asked people in the local Apple Store, as well as sending E~Mail requests to Apple that question (largely unanswered to Go check our web page).
When I attach on of my lenses and attach it to my DSLR, I know what quality to expect

BebuLamar

viewfinder washed out is my least problem with cell phone. In fact I have less problem than a P&S without the eyelevel viewfinder. I do have a lot of problems using the cell phone as camera though.