Camera or cameraphone?
Do you really need to buy a digital camera when a smartphone equipped with snazzy shooter serves the purpose equally well? Or does it? Consider your need and usage before you pick one
To paraphrase a quote from a Hollywood film, ‘with greater convergence comes greater debate’. When it comes to tech, this inevitably means having to decide between a device that does everything and opting for separate devices to conduct different tasks? The debate becomes particularly heated when one has to choose a digital camera. After all, the current breed of smartphones is coming with increasingly powerful cameras, which, according to the manufacturers’ claims, rival digital cameras (check out the hype being built around the 41.0 megapixel sensor of the Nokia PureView 808). So why not invest in a more versatile device rather than go for one that can only carry out a single task?
The decision is not as simple since each device has its benefits and drawbacks and, ultimately, the choice depends on your requirements. So here are the things you should consider before taking the plunge.
Type of photography
It may seem obvious, but your choice of device will depend on the type of photographs you want to click. If most of your work is likely to be of a casual nature in informal circumstances and in good light conditions, then a decent cameraphone will be more than sufficient for your needs. However, if you are aiming for more complex shots, such as landscapes, action shots, low light shots and extreme close-ups, it makes more sense to opt for a digital camera.
Viewing medium
How do you intend to view your images? If you still print out photographs, then digital cameras are the best option for you because they generally produce more print-worthy images compared with their cellphone counterparts. However, if you view the images mostly on a phone, tablet or a computer (whether it is on social networks or just online image galleries), you will find that a cellphone with a good camera will do the job just fine.
Image quality
For all the megapixel counts of cameraphones, the fact is that very few can match the image quality of digital cameras (see box). The latter come with more shooting options, usually bigger sensors, better flashes and optical zooms, allowing them to deliver far better pictures than most cameraphones. If it is just image quality that you are gunning for, then digital cameras are definitely the better option.
Convenience
Cameras might be much sleeker and lighter today, but there’s no denying that they are still an additional gadget to carry, complete with accessories like charger, expansion card, and card reader. The same applies to usage—a mobile phone is always on, while you need to switch on a digital camera (unless you are immune to battery drain) and then take a shot. Similarly, editing an image is much easier on a smartphone compared with that in a camera. If it is simplicity you seek, without the hassle of carrying an additional device, a cameraphone should be a better device.
Connectivity
While an increasing number of cameras is coming with Wi-Fi and GPS, they still cannot hold a candle to the connectivity options in most cameraphones. One of the greatest strengths of a cameraphone is that you can share your pictures and videos on mail, social networks and the cloud, literally within seconds of shooting them. In the case of a digital camera, you will, in most cases, have to either find a Wi-Fi hotspot or transfer your images to a computer or tablet before being able to send them over to the Internet. So, if you are likely to be in a shoot-and-share mode, the cameraphone is a better option.
Cost
When it comes to price, the bottom line for many people, cameraphones have some way to go before they can seriously challenge the digital cameras. Most of the cameraphones that are capable of taking really good, printworthy photographs, cost a pretty penny. In fact, one can buy a decent mid-segment phone and a DSLR for less than the cost of some of the high-end smartphones in the market today.
Finally, it boils down to what you need. If you take your photography very seriously, then most digital cameras still deliver better results than those seen on phones. If, however, you are just collecting memories that you wish to share as soon as possible in the most convenient manner, then you can grab a phone that sports a good shooter, and many of them do these days. So take your pick and click away. Calling the shots: Phones that challenge cameras
Nokia N8
The 12 megapixel cameraphone might be considered too old by some, but it still takes dazzling photographs. The interface remains quirky, though the apps are limited.
Apple iPhone 4S
The 8 megapixel snapper on the Apple’s phone takes very good pictures and, when allied with the apps on the iTunes App Store, it gives you amazing tweaking options.
HTC One X
In terms of response speed and quality of images, the HTC One X’s 8 megapixel camera delivers stunning results and the large screen is great for editing them.
Sony Xperia S
The 12 megapixel camera on the Xperia S might not be as good as the one in the Nokia N8, but it is great when it comes to capturing detail and sheer speed, and comes with a large, colourful display.
Nokia PureView 808
Expected to arrive shortly in the Indian market, the PureView 808 with its staggering 41 megapixel sensor could redefine phone photography and, if priced right, could well kill the pointand-shoot cameras.
Nimish Dubey. 120528
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