The case against DSLRs - Do you need a stand alone camera?

[JeffDenver]

Gizmodo did a story comparing DSLRs to smartphone cameras, and basically concluded that the convenience of a smartphone camera outweighs the relatively minor advantages in DSLR quality.

The $800 Camera I Didn't Use To Share My Hawaiian Vacation Photos

Although I actually agree, I am still shopping for a DSLR this christmas. There are some things a smartphone camera simply cannot do and may never do. Optical zoom is a big one. Try taking a picture of the moon with your smartphone..it's just not the same. And digital zoom is borderline useless.

 

[rrballer11]

Gizmodo did a story comparing DSLRs to smartphone cameras, and basically concluded that the convenience of a smartphone camera outweighs the relatively minor advantages in DSLR quality.

The $800 Camera I Didn't Use To Share My Hawaiian Vacation Photos

Although I actually agree, I am still shopping for a DSLR this christmas. There are some things a smartphone camera simply cannot do and may never do. Optical zoom is a big one. Try taking a picture of the moon with your smartphone..it's just not the same. And digital zoom is borderline useless.

I doubt a phone will ever beat a real camera.

 

[colyn1353]

One of the reasons I like my Nikon DSLR's is because I can use older manual focus lens with them. You can do a lot more with a DSLR than you can with a smartphone camera so there really is no case against it..

 

[fastcarve]

Maybe I'm missing something, but the article linked is talking about a smartphone vs a digital point and shoot, not a DSLR. There's a huge difference in capabilities between a digital point and shoot vs a DSLR.

I agree that for most people a phone is a good enough replacement for a compact point and shoot, and that's been the case for years.

 

[JeffDenver]

I doubt a phone will ever beat a real camera.

Not in quality...it's already beaten cameras in portability.

 

[JeffDenver]

One of the reasons I like my Nikon DSLR's is because I can use older manual focus lens with them. You can do a lot more with a DSLR than you can with a smartphone camera so there really is no case against it..

The problems are:

1) They are bulky, which limits their portability

2) Because of their bulk, they are more likely to break or get stolen, especially in "busy" environments.

3) They are a lot more expensive, and this is a problem because of #'s 1 and 2.

My Smartphone is within easy reach virtually 24 hours a day.

 

[colyn1353]

The problems are:

1) They are bulky, which limits their portability

2) Because of their bulk, they are more likely to break or get stolen, especially in "busy" environments.

3) They are a lot more expensive, and this is a problem because of #'s 1 and 2.

None of these are problems for me. I've been a photographer for nearly 50 years so again no problem..

My Smartphone is within easy reach virtually 24 hours a day.

I agree... That's why I have my phone everywhere I go..

 

[I Can Be Your Hero]

The reason people buy DSLR camera's is because they want higher photo quality. No phone will ever be able to match the photo quality of a dedicated DSLR. The physics and technology of these cameras cannot be ported into a phone while keeping it compact.

So arguments about bulk and portability are all null, because the goal of DSLR cameras is photo quality. People are willing to put up with different lens attachments, bigger bodies, less 'social' features (sharing etc) but be able to take better images.

A phone will never replace a dedicated camera to me. Sure phones are convenient and when you're out with friends or something, yeah it's better to have a decent phone to quickly snap pics with, but if I'm on holidays or at an event, no way would I use my phone. Always going with a dedicated camera.

Everything is about image quality for DSLR's. And as long as they're the best image capturing devices, phones will never replace them.

 

[Bigballer]

I doubt most phones can even hold a candle to modern point and shoots.

No analog zoom, poor photo sensor, lack of storage capability for video recording, lack of fine settings, inadequate flash etc. etc.

For the average, sure a phone can replace their point and shoot

For the ameatur, doubt it

For the professional, hell no

 

[ultravisitor]

Where's the "a camera phone isn't as good as a DSLR, but I don't care because it's good enough for what I need" option?

 

[meyerweb#CB]

If all you're going to do is post snapshots to Facebook and other web sites, the image quality of most of today's phones is plenty good enough. But an good ILC (interchangeable lens camera) can simply do far, far more. Show me the ultra-wide angle or super-telephoto lenses for my camera? Show me the cell phone camera that can take pretty much noise-free photos (without detail-destroying NR) in light so dim you're shooting at ISO 6,400. Show me the camera phone with a large enough sensor that I can get very thin depth of field.

Sorry, but they just don't exist. Cell phone cameras are great for snapshots in decent light. They're nowhere close to replacing an ILC for serious photography.

 

[codyoehl]

Yeah and the people who use DSLRs don't mind the bigger camera
If you are out taking photographs in nature, it would be weird doing that with a phone
You're not going to go walking around town with a DSLR camera (cough cough except extreme tourists cough cough)

Posted via the Android Central App with my Galaxy S5

 

[LeoRex]

Where's the "a camera phone isn't as good as a DSLR, but I don't care because it's good enough for what I need" option?

I think that's the point. The cameras in phones have passed the threshold where they can accomplish their main goal with flying colors.

Vacations, day trips to the park, birthday parties, hanging out with friends... not every photo needs to win photography awards. And the utility of the device around that camera is hard to beat.

 

[someguy01234]

First option is wrong, smartphone camera is not as good as a DSLR especially from an experienced photographer. But smartphone camera quality from the OnePlus is good enough for me, something as good as that or better and I'm set.

 

[KingTongue]

It's all about sensor size. As it stands now sensors in phones don't stand a chance against larger sensors.

Posted via the Android Central App

 

[meyerweb#CB]

You're not going to go walking around town with a DSLR camera (cough cough except extreme tourists cough cough)

And serious photographers.

 

[URLauncher]

We use quite a few phones around here, and although it's insane how good camera phones are getting..they will never compete with a real DSLR. The inconvenience is of course the weight and hassle of the real camera (plus the fear of it getting stolen, at least for me since I'm forgetful), but when you get that good shot..worth it. Day to day life, though, yeah. Camera phone FTW.

 

[bigdaddytee]

Typical Gizmodo garbage.
$800 DSLR cameras aren't for taking snapshots, that's what phone cameras are for. They're for taking photographs.

Leave it to Gizmodo to not know the difference.

 

[Desertnate]

If I'm going to be in a situation where I'm serious about the pictures and the photos are important, I'll always reach for my DSLR. My phone does not come close to matching my DSLR when it comes to photographing my kids at events with a long a long zoom lense and/or in odd lighting conditions. The DSLR's speed is also far better than any cell phone camera I've ever used.

My camera phone is only used for goofy, spontaneous moments, or when I'm at the store and need to verify with my wife I'm getting the right item. Other than that, it's always DSLR.

 

[colyn1353]

First option is wrong, smartphone camera is not as good as a DSLR especially from an experienced photographer. But smartphone camera quality from the OnePlus is good enough for me, something as good as that or better and I'm set.

I have done several 20x30 enlargements of images taken with my Nikon DSLR and camera/phone and was unable to see any difference in quality.. You just have to know how to properly use what you have available... Talent also goes a long way in determining how well the image turns out..

The DSLR does have its advantages such as wide or long lens whereas with the camera/phone you are pretty much limited to the device... I can also use my 40-50 year old manual Nikon glass on the DSLR..