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

[colyn1353]

$800 DSLR cameras aren't for taking snapshots

In reality most DSLR users only take snapshots with it. It was the same back in the high end film camera days too..

Many people buy these cameras more as a status symbol than for actual use..

 

[Hbomber110]

Facts
-The sensors size limits the possibilities of artistic blur (out of focus). Larger sensor have a shallower depth of field with an equal aperture
-Smartphone sensors will never get near the size of the dedicated cameras
-Limited low light performance
-Fixed wide angle lens gets boring after a while, can't change it.
-longer focal lengths are so much more adequate for shooting people
-electronic shutter means rolling shutter and fewer possibilities to use flash a nice way (sync)
-for some reasons you cant get an off camera flash to trigger even with an optical slave...

Opinions
-A real camera feels better in the hands, using a viewfinder and turning knobs feels just right
-a bigger camera is better to mount stuff on like a bigger lens or a flash
-you look like you might know what you are doing with a dedicated camera system
-will be a while until you can get your raw files into light room to play with it



I want to see more smartphone stuff in cameras but i don't need it in a one size fits all package

 

[Saar Avr]

I use both.
For "day to day" pictures, I'm using my Nexus 5 camera, but for more complex pictures (i.e dark, fast, or any other special needs) I"m using my Nikon DSLR.
Saar

 

[Rakkety]

What about disposable cameras? Are those still around?

 

[sting7k]

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.

The issue with trying to photograph the moon with your phone isn't really that it lacks optical zoom. The problem is the sensor is just too small to be effective in that situation. Even if you mounted your phone on a tripod and did a long manual exposure you still would not be able to get enough light to the sensor to take and effective shot. For the average person they are never going to need all the features that a DSLR can provide them. They just are just walking around taking photos not really thinking; that is perfectly fine.

If you want to do advanced photography and get into being able to mess with lightning and depth of field you need a DSLR. For a vacation where you are just snapping photos you don't need a fancy camera.

 

[nessinhaw]

well...if you want quality in smartphone cameras, you'll have to go for flagships or the Lumia line!

and some flagships cost 600 dolars off-contract...aint that almost the price of a DSLR? and the quality still wont beat one!

so it all end up to each one choices in the end...i think there is no right or wrong in this case!

 

[LeoRex]

some flagships cost 600 dolars off-contract...aint that almost the price of a DSLR? and the quality still wont beat one!

True, but try to check your email or make a call with that DSLR.