More / better smartphone cameras? Good for pros?

Nikon AF-S Zoom-Nikkor 24-120mm f/3.5-5.6G IF-ED VR

09/13/2012 12:56:43 PM · #1

I have been a big proponent of the iPhone camera. Being pretty much limitless in terms of editing and sharing on the fly, in addition to being a decent camera in its own right, it has made it the go to day-to-day pocket camera.

SO here's my (somewhat optimistic) thought of the day:
The more the average Joe/Jill relies on smartphone cameras, the more amazing pro photos will look in comparison and perhaps pros will be called upon more than ever to do their job.

WHY?

1: Smartphones are "good enough" for most people to start using them exclusively, but won't be DSLR-quality any time soon.
Some great shots of sunsets and family snaps, but no nice bokeh, soft flash, or poster-sized prints are going to be happening for most users.

2: The easier the devices are, the less people know - or want to know, about taking "pro" type photos.

3: No zoom!
Have you seen any great sports photography from an iPhone, Doubt it. A lack of decent cameras heading to football games means pro photos will look that much better. Not sure they ever had any concerns on this front, however.

4: Cost: Maybe, just maybe, people will perceive that they are saving money by no longer worrying about a nice camera to do their family portraits or kids' sports photos. And maybe, more $ will be put toward the work of a pro?

As always, I could be wrong ;)

littlemav

Nikon D90

09/13/2012 01:03:46 PM · #2

NO ZOOM???? OMG... I just got an iphone, like Monday... although I haven't fooled with the camera much, I did notice it would shoot in HDR... But NO ZOOM... wow my friends cheap samsung has zoom on her's... pic quality is really lousy... mine?? well I've taken 2 pix seem to look good... If I could figure out how to up load it to my profile, I'd show you.. LOL Most things got er figured out the kinda ez stupid things like ohhh scrolling back to change a letter that is wrong Still can't do ....

My camera is in NO danger of being replaced!!!

Canon EF 24-105mm f/4.0L IS

09/13/2012 01:06:52 PM · #3

to clarify, there IS a digital "zoom" but not an optical zoom. So you can zero in on things at a distance, but the quality isn't much better than if you cropped a non-zoomed version of it.

scalvert

Canon EOS-5D Mark III

09/13/2012 01:09:06 PM · #4

On the other hand, the nice thing about a camera phone is that you're more likely to have it with you, and therefore more likely to get that amazing shot when the opportunity presents itself.

09/13/2012 01:09:25 PM · #5

I assume you got a used iphone 4 or 4s??

Originally posted by littlemav:

NO ZOOM???? OMG... I just got an iphone, like Monday...

Nikon AF-S Zoom-Nikkor 24-120mm f/3.5-5.6G IF-ED VR

09/13/2012 01:16:02 PM · #6

Exactly - the benefits of having a camera in your pocket may make it unnecessary for many people to have a mid-level prosumer camera that might otherwise take the place of hiring a pro - to let's say, shoot your family for example.
So I'm thinking maybe more business in the long run for pros. Merely a theory though.

I, for one, use the iPhone 90% of the time now.

Originally posted by scalvert:

On the other hand, the nice thing about a camera phone is that you're more likely to have it with you, and therefore more likely to get that amazing shot when the opportunity presents itself.

littlemav

Nikon D90

09/13/2012 01:20:54 PM · #7

Originally posted by tate:

I assume you got a used iphone 4 or 4s??

Originally posted by littlemav:
NO ZOOM???? OMG... I just got an iphone, like Monday...

Wellllll it wasn't used, It'a new 4s... Just heard about all the hook ups for the new 5... I had all the stuff for my other devices...they told me the new 5 or what ever it is would be out, but this is my first time with a phone that does something besides ring.. I choose to stay w/ the 4s thing... Not to mention I've got all the hookups from all my hubby's I-stuff ... pad,nano,touch, toliet paper or any other I thingy there is.. EXCEPT he had to get his phone thru his buisness and it's a Droid!! LOL... he told me to get an Iphone and NOT a Droid!