I just don't get the stubborn attitude that only a DSLR will do. They've done so much to improve phone cameras that they are now leaps and bounds better than that 6mp camera you paid how for in 2000? You have in your pocket a 12mp camera with autofocus that's capable of 4K video should you want to use it. And the color depth and lack of noise are amazing considering the size and weight. Read this article and tell me if this stubbornness is really justified. I know, I shouldn't try to confuse anyone with the facts.

http://www.businessinsider.com/iphone-6s-camera-specs-and-features-2015-9/#apple-also-improved-its-front-facing-facetime-hd-camera-upgrading-from-12-megapixels-to-5-megapixels-for-more-detailed-selfies-15

And iPhone 8 and X will be even better.

Thanks for this post, it is interesting and provides value for those people that are receptive. Much of the resistance to smartphone cameras is based on ignorance, prejudice or both.

Smartphone cameras are mostly excellent, extremely capable, and almost ubiquitous. No serious photographer should be without one, but they do have limits and are not a replacement for other gear. Like any camera equipment it takes time to learn to use well.

A few weeks ago we had massive wildfires and smoke filled skies across the Bay Area of California. A couple of days where the sunsets resembled a Turner painting or the skies over Mordor.

My wife was travelling home from work when everyone had to get off the street car. The sky was spectacular, the smartphones came out 'cos "everyone" that was in any degree photographically inclined wanted to capture the moment. The unanimous comment was that the phones couldn't capture the image in their heads. My wife didn't have her DSLR with her for some strange reason.

My neighbor (with a decent Lumix) and I with a DSLR were getting images at the same time.

I'm very happy with my smartphone, but there is a time and a place for everything. I seldom go anywhere without my smartphone, can't say that about the rest of my cameras.

..the one you have with you. Since I always have my iPhone 6s and most of the world has something comparable or even a little better, I offer this tip.

There are apps that can make that camera perform like a "real" camera. Up to a point, anyhow.

My newest favorite is ProCamera which is available on the iTunes App Store. I briefly looked at the stuff available for Android and there are lots of them as well.

My app allows me to save as raw, raw+jpg, tiff or jpg. It allows moving the exposure point and the focus point independently. It allows PASM and intuitively easy exposure compensation. It even zooms a bit. Notice the histogram with the red warnings at either end. How cool is that?! I chose a shot that reveals that, purposely. The attached phone screen shot shows the settings display on the bottom half but that is only showing when you want it to. If you press the "settings" icon on that display you get a whole additional page of choices.

It won't replace my real cameras but see above. I take many more photos with my phone than any other camera just because it's easy and the opportunities are there. Best $5 I've spent in quite a while.

There is a lot more that I have not even mentioned including a very good manual, format choices, editing tools and so on.

PS
I also use 645 Pro and find it to be excellent. I just find this newer (for me) one a little friendlier. The 645 has some special features such as emulating different formats and films. It also has an extensive manual built in. I am happy to have both on my phone.