gvarner Loc: Central Oregon Coast

For me, it's a matter of looking at it primarily as a system issue. I can expand a DSLR system according to my needs, almost without limitation. I don't think you can say that about cameras in phones without being pretty restrictive on your needs.

xt2 Loc: British Columbia, Canada

They are two different worlds. Why compare? They both offer pluses and minuses, but are not comparable.

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

To me there is no contest. (D)SLR wins.
My phone is my backup or when I don't have my DSLR; quick pano and geotagging camera.

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

Ken0west

Depends upon which camera you choose to install into your phone. Go to Google Play and check them out. Some give many features others not so great.

Dedo Loc: NY, Uruguay

Apples and oranges. May as well compare a Rolls-Royce Ghost with a Ford Fiesta.

Rich1939 Loc: Pike County Penna.

What is the conundrum? It's like choosing between a Harley and a Schwinn

Tomcat5133 Loc: Gladwyne PA

My 2 cents is the argument about DSLR's and smart phones is strange. No one has mentioned the ergonomics of holding the edges of
an 800 dollar iPhone and trying not to drop it. Yes the newer phones of very good photography and video. Yes their are lens and things
you can attach to the iPhone. I am amazed to see people leaning over a cruise ship rail shooting with their phone. Yes I use my iPhone
for photos and recording important moments and my own license plates. Their is a group a while ago that shot a commercial and
a movie was made with a cell phone that won awards. But they rigged it up with film equipment. If you can give me a cell phone that
can do what my sony a7s II and a zeiss lens can do I am in.

AndyH Loc: Massachusetts and New Hampshire

"Conundrum"?

As in the conundrum "Fork or Screwdriver"? Entirely different tools for entirely different purposes. I'm pretty sure I could eat a steak with only knife and screwdriver or tighten a screw with the back end of a fork, but why would I?

Andy

Wingpilot Loc: Wasilla. Ak

In my opinion, for what it's worth, there is no comparison between a smart phone camera and a dedicated, sophisticated camera. I put it this way because the discussion can't include DSLR's exclusively. I believe that, however capable a cellphone camera is, and they are very capable, especially when coupled with some of the APP's out there, it's really meant for capturing a moment, while a dedicated camera such as a DSLR or mirrorless of any brand is meant for more serious photography work. Yet I don't think the cellphone camera should be dismissed as a mere toy. Selfies are not the only thing these things can do, although there are some out there that that's all they use a cellphone camera for.

rgrenaderphoto Loc: Hollywood, CA

Absolutely not true. A camera, any camera, is a tool for your imagination.

gvarner Loc: Central Oregon Coast

Thanks for all the feedback and I understand all the varied positions. But looking at the amount of accessories you can add to a DSLR system, it's potential far outstrips what a phone camera can offer. Looking strictly at subjective photo quality, I suppose that's where the conundrum comes in for some folks. Most all cameras can take a prize winning photo. There are so many specialized niches in photography, from portraiture to scientific microphotography, that I just can't envision a phone camera being the right tool. That's why I call DSLR's a system.

AndyH Loc: Massachusetts and New Hampshire

I look at my iPhone as being the equivalent of the old Rollei 35 I used to carry with me at all times for an opportunity shot. I got some great pictures over the years, but if I wanted to go out seeking photo opportunities, I'd take a more purpose-suited tool. Amazing that I now have a tool the size of a pack of playing cards (and less than half as thick) that provides a more capable equivalent today, as well as a mini computer, address book, day planner, calculator, set of maps, etc. etc. etc. Oh, and it's a mobile telephone as well!


I am not one of those senior citizens who bemoans the "good old days" in any way.


Andy

Peterff Loc: O'er The Hills and Far Away, in Themyscira.

I consider my iPhone to be a part - a small part - of my camera systems. On the other hand my cameras are not part of my communications system. I seldom go anywhere without my iPhone, I have to consciously decide to take my camera equipment. These are not exclusive decisions, it's like the old line, "If your only tool is a hammer...."

Wingpilot Loc: Wasilla. Ak

When it comes to what camera for who, we have to remember that we are a whole community of photographers, ranging from the most casual to the most professional. Discussing which camera, type, brand, format, etc., it becomes rather subject on the part of each individual. Some have little experience and some are very experienced, and abilities range from being able to snap photos on opportunity to those with tremendout artistic ability and insight. For many, a smart phone camera suits their needs just fine, and for others, a high end sophisticated camera system is what they need, and both are satisfied (it would seem) with their equipment. I suppose that is why the industry provides cameras to address every level of need. My brother is a very good photographer, and for years, he shot with a Nikkormat and a Nikon, in 35mm film. His digital camera was a D90 when it came out, but recently he got rid of all his DSLR stuff and opted to simply use his iPhone camera and is happy with it. He also has a Canon point and shoot that he occasionally uses. So one can see that needs can change. While some of us climb up the equipment ladder, others will take a step down. In the end, there is no singel right or wrong camera. Rather, there is one that suits the need of every individual involved in photography. At least that's the way I see it.