Smartphone vs. Digital
In recent years there have been some technology commentators who have suggested that smartphone camera technology will eventually become so good that people won’t need or want a mirrorless or digital single-lens reflex (DSLR) camera. That is a bold claim. So let’s consider some important facts about the difference between smartphone and digital cameras.
I have been a photographer for more than 20 years. I started in the real estate business photographing house interiors and exteriors for my mom, who was a realtor for Jon Douglas in Hancock Park in Los Angeles, and in the Desert Area in Rancho Mirage, California for more than 25 years before she retired last year. I moved my way up to the advanced photographer and took three years of photography school at the community college in Palm Desert, California. I also took one online photography course.
I do have an Apple iPhone XS Max (just upgraded from iPhone 7 plus), and a Canon DSLR i6 and 7D Mark2. I use both my professional cameras and my iPhone. However, of course, it is easier to use my iPhone when I need to take the pictures right away. At the same time, I do not have to take out my bulky camera (Canon DSLR) for small things, like taking pictures at a party, family fun, and going to restaurants. There is a difference between taking pictures quickly vs. taking the time to set up the perfect shot.
There is also a difference regarding the lenses. iPhones and other smartphones all have small lenses compared to the lenses that use on a DSLR is bigger, better zooming, better focus, and clarity. Pictures taken on a smartphone do not come out as ideally as you might expect when zooming in. The picture quality is reduced when you zoom in more than 2x zoom. An exception is if you use more than 2x zoom feature on the newer phones, however, if you zoom in further than the 2x, quality will not be as sharp. So, when zooming more than 2x in on the iPhone, about half the time, the picture did not come out, and I was very disappointed.
I have done my homework going back and forth between smartphones and digital cameras. I have spoken to several photographers, and we all have the similar type of issues we contend with between using a smartphone and carrying a bulky camera. Since each photographer, like myself, has certain specialties in the field of photography, we each run into reasons why a smartphone might not work in our area of photography.
For example, since there is some shutter speed adjustment on a smartphone, it is difficult to capture the necessary shots in Sports Action photography. However, on a Digital camera, you can make the shutter speed adjustments to show movement or to freeze the action, etc. However, I can make an adjustment on F-Stop from 1.8 to 22.0.
I use the bulky DSLR for special events like weddings, portraits, family portraits, sports actions, and landscapes. I also use my iPhone to take pictures. However, mostly for landscapes. I find my DSLR works best for the other types of photography.
Another difference between a smartphone and a digital camera is the resolution. Digital cameras have a much higher resolution with a much higher pixel rate. The digital cameras have 24 pixels or higher. The higher the pixel number, the better it is. From an iPhone 6s/6plus to my current iPhone XS Max, all have had 12 pixels with lower resolution. Apple iPhone has not increased in pixels for a long time, but the digital cameras have increased from 24 pixels to higher pixels, it depends on the cameras. However, the iPhone has improved so much on the colors and the lenses, however, keep in mind that iPhone and others smartphones all have small lenses. It means it cannot zoom more than 2x. iPhone and other Apple devices have 4k and 5K.
One thing, that I have learned just recently, first of all, I am not a big fan of video. I do not know why. I will try to start using on it on iPhone. The greatest thing about Apple products, the products is so tremendous with colors for photos and video. Keep in mind again, iPhone have 4k, and others devices have 5k. Apple has always been famous for the highest in colors.
To me, it is just rewarding to have a great team and work together for what is best for each of our clients, for example, weddings. I will be doing the photos for the Groomsmen and my partner Maile will do the photos of the bridal party.
Like Sports Events, Special events such as Academy Awards, Musician Awards, the White House Press, most photographers used the highest quality digital cameras with biggest lenses to take the highest quality photos for magazine and others specials.
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