iPhone camera vs DSLR

[Oracle1729]

Here is a larger one. I posted in response to someone saying that it was impossible to capture the spirit of Cartier-Bresson with an iphone. Too bad, we'll never know whether or not he thought iphones were merde.

EDIT: PS - this was taken with the iphone5. I upgraded to the 6 and it's much better imho

Wow. I would have used that as a perfect example of why the iPhone camera is complete garbage and should never be used to take pictures. I am not criticizing your artistic interpretation, but that picture is total crap. It's so blurry it hurts my eyes to look at, the contrast is lousy, it has tons of noise. The foreground subject is so dark and poorly exposed there is nothing in the picture to draw ones eye. It is just an eyesore. And a better camera probably would have been able to capture what you were trying to create. It's like trying to look at a picture through a sheet of wax paper. Cartier-Bresson would spin in his grave to hear someone compare that merde to his work.

I get you can't use a DSLR in that situation, but with something like a Canon G16, a Nikon 1, or a little Leica you'd have a decent picture. And those are 3 very different cameras.

---
Edited to add:

This is by Cartier-Bresson. See how it's actually properly focused and the subjects are sharp? See how it has proper contrast? See how the focus draws in your eye? Your picture lacks all of that, and it's because of total lack of technical quality.

Here's another one. See how nice and sharp it is? Well yours isn't.

Doing a google image search for Cartier-Bresson, I can't find one blurry picture like yours.

 

[sarge]

You guys really do crack me up. The only thing rolling in Cartier Bresson's grave are his eyes.

 

[sarge]

Gotta run out and shoot some video w/my DSLR. Let's hope I don't start a whole other discussion about that not really being a true video camera

 

[Meister]

Like mentioned, this thread provides some nice examples how folks make use of the iphones advantage (stealth portability) and work around it's obvious shortcomings (everything else). Iphones are a nice supplement to dslrs, but they can not replace them. But I think it is obvious that they are replacing P&S.

----------

You guys really do crack me up. *The only thing rolling in Cartier Bresson's grave are his eyes.

Here is a larger one. I posted in response to someone saying that it was impossible to capture the spirit of Cartier-Bresson with an iphone. Too bad, we'll never know whether or not he thought iphones were merde.

EDIT: PS - this was taken with the iphone5. I upgraded to the 6 and it's much better imho

Thx for sharing!

 

[Clix Pix]

From what I have been observing on photography-oriented sites is that cell phone cameras are replacing P&S cameras and that mirrorless cameras (four-thirds and others) are replacing DSLRs in the hands of many. One big reason is undoubtedly that the smaller, lighter-weight cameras and lenses are a whole lot easier to tote around. Also, again, it's a situation of "the camera you have with you...." If someone is on the train or is in some other situation and spots a really cool photo op and all he/she has is the iPhone in his/her pocket, well....... there we go. Better to have some sort of image than no image?

 

[Oracle1729]

You guys really do crack me up. The only thing rolling in Cartier Bresson's grave are his eyes.

iPhone 6 that time? It's a bit sharper. Subject is still way too dark to have any detail and way to blurry to be a useful pic.

 

[Meister]

From what I have been observing on photography-oriented sites is that cell phone cameras are replacing P&S cameras and that mirrorless cameras (four-thirds and others) are replacing DSLRs in the hands of many. One big reason is undoubtedly that the smaller, lighter-weight cameras and lenses are a whole lot easier to tote around. Also, again, it's a situation of "the camera you have with you...." If someone is on the train or is in some other situation and spots a really cool photo op and all he/she has is the iPhone in his/her pocket, well....... there we go. Better to have some sort of image than no image?

You are right, but M4/3 sensors are tiny and give your images a different look,and more noise in lower light.
I guess a lot of folks are ok with that. For me the 3d-look and other technical quality difference out of larger sensor cameras is stagering.

 

[Clix Pix]

Exactly. Which is why, when a couple of years ago, choosing a mirrorless camera, I went with the Sony NEX 7 (best available in the Sony line at that time).... Larger sensor works for me. Tiny little sensor, nope, doesn't work for me. To this date I have not let go of a DSLR, though, and the various quality lenses to mate with that kind of body......

I've seen some very nice M 4/3 images and I've seen some not-so-nice images.... IMHO people are paying a big price (photographically speaking) for such a small sensor. I am not a professional photographer but for the kind of stuff I like to shoot I want a decent-sized sensor to give me more flexibility, especially when it comes to Depth-of-Field. If I want to pop off a simple snapshot, fine, my iPhone 6 Plus will do the job or if I happen to have it with me, my older P&S camera that I use very rarely. If I am intending to do something a little more serious and a little more thought-out than a fast snapshot, that's when I want to have a DSLR or my NEX-7 and a decent lens or two with me.

In going to the theatre or concerts, since a lot of theaters do not even allow cameras with removable/interchangeable lenses to darken their doors, then that is when it is handy to have a P&S or the iPhone camera on hand to fire off a couple of quickie shots of the theatre environment, fun photos of the friends with whom you're at the theater, that kind of thing. Some people like to hang out at the stage door after a performance, too, in order to grab shots of the performer (that's not my deal).

While mirrorless cameras are grabbing a lot of attention in the market these days I think that there are still a lot of serious photographers who are picking one up (along with lenses) to use not as a substitute, but rather as an adjunct, to their DSLR equipment and lenses. They're going to assess each and every excursion and choose their equipment accordingly.

 

[robgendreau]

I know you're new to this 250+ post thread and you're not going to read it before posting, but before you give your pathetic smart-ass reply, can you please at least read the original post back on page 1 so you know what we're talking about?

kkthx

First post a month ago, in this thread. Perhaps you haven't read the whole thread?

I am sorry you reacted so badly to it, but it was, in fact, a legitimate question. This, however, is me commenting on your smart-ass hypocrisy.

 

[mwhals]

iPhone camera vs DSLR

There is more to it than image quality. With a DSLR, I can use lenses of varying focal lengths, blur water falls, use fill flash, light a dark room with flash, print to large sizes, etc. I can do none of that with a cell phone.

 

[bhtwo]

First post a month ago, in this thread. Perhaps you haven't read the whole thread?

I am sorry you reacted so badly to it, but it was, in fact, a legitimate question. This, however, is me commenting on your smart-ass hypocrisy.

Yes... a lot of crap on this thread.

 

[VI™]

Doing a google image search for Cartier-Bresson, I can't find one blurry picture like yours.

The seconds one isn't very sharp and you don't find more because he didn't go posting every photo he took on Flickr.

 

[Attonine]

Try a bit of Daido Moriyama!

 

[Symtex]

For a lot of people a Toyota Corolla is an acceptable method of transportation. For others, they want a little more performance out of their cars. Iphones are perfectly acceptable P&S camera. I used it a couple time and I thought it was alright. It will never replace my big camera but its useful to have a decent camera in your pocket.

 

[Traverse]

I am about to pick up a Nikon D3300 DSLR. Generally, I have been disappointed in the iPhone 6 camera quality over my iPhone 4S still, here are my thoughts:

For smartphones, the iPhone has an amazing camera. Even some professional photographers have gotten impressive images with them (albeit with extra equipment). There is value in the expression "the best camera is the one you have with you. The iPhone is great because it's always with me and I can whip it out and usually take a decent shot (which is better than nothing).

That being said, my friend is an art major and has a nice DSLR. Comparing the shots she gets with those of a smartphone show that there is no contest. The iPhone can focus pretty well on a subject (or group), but you don't come close to the depth of field focus of a DSLR that can capture the subjects and the background with amazing clarity. I love nature shots in both low and good light. I took some pictures of tree tops with the 4S that came out decent when viewed at normal size, but zoom in at all and you quickly see that detail in the leaves and wood is lost to noise and noise-reduction tech. Also, and this may be just me, as iPhones get smaller and thinner they get hard to hold. Trying to take a shot on my 6 can actually be harder than my 4S because it's rounded design and my hands shake. DSLRs however have good grip and more effective OIS.

So, in closing, I think the iPhone is a great point and shoot for the masses that can take amazing shots...within a limited realm of conditions (light, steadiness, subject movement, background). Try to take a fine detail shot from a distance or in less than optimal light and you'll quickly see their limitations and loss of detail. They're great for the masses who post compressed images to Facebook or show their images off on an iPhone, but load them up on a rMBP and zoom in (which I often like to do to appreciate detail) and you may be disappointed.

I love to take pictures as a hobby and tried to get along with just and iPhone and an old P&S. The tipping point for me was when I tried to take some night shots with my iPhone 6 of close up (2 feet away) christmas lights in a hedge. I knew it wouldn't be great, but I thought I'd try. After 10 minutes of shots I only found one acceptable (not great at all) shot with no detail. Unless their is a huge innovation in sensors that allows DLSR quality in a tiny package, smartphones won't be able to compete with hobbyists and professionals. The focus of a smartphone just isn't photography, it's creating an all-in-one, do-everything device and that will require compromises. Like I said for the masses it's great and has replaced stand alone cameras.

So it comes down to fine for the masses, insufficient for people beyond that...hmmmm...sounds a lot like Apple in general lately....

 

[sim667]

The seconds one isn't very sharp and you don't find more because he didn't go posting every photo he took on Flickr.

Im pretty sure Cartier Bresson didn't actually post any photos he took on flickr

 

[VI™]

Im pretty sure Cartier Bresson didn't actually post any photos he took on flickr

Not even the Flickr Alpha?

 

[Traverse]

I think I am being a bit misunderstood by some.

Your original comment did come off poorly, but I get what you mean. When you look at what cameras used to be, the iPhone is amazing. When you look at what the iPhone is, it's amazing; phone, communication device, internet, gaming, music, video, camera, etc.

The goal of an iPhone isn't to be a great camera, it's to be an outstanding all-in-one device, and that comes with compromises. You can get some impressive pictures with an iPhone, but it's more difficult and flaky than it should be for a real camera. For the masses, those compromises are fine and "good enough" is fine. It depends on your standards.

You are right, take an image with an iPhone and a DSLR and I can't think of a single instance where the iPhone would surpass a DSLR. In terms of pure picture quality, the DSLR wins, but many people are considering other factors as well, such as convenience. When you way all the factors, the compromises may be acceptable for you, but not others.

Do you get what I mean? This thread really isn't [purely] about an iPhone vs DSLR as a camera. It's about which device is better as a whole. For some people like the OP the all in one package of the iPhone and the iPhone's camera quality may be sufficient to replace a DSLR, for you that's not the case.

 

[sim667]

;20463991]Not even the Flickr Alpha?

He wasn't even on photobucket

 

[Meister]

Your original comment did come off poorly, but I get what you mean. When you look at what cameras used to be, the iPhone is amazing. When you look at what the iPhone is, it's amazing; phone, communication device, internet, gaming, music, video, camera, etc.

The goal of an iPhone isn't to be a great camera, it's to be an outstanding all-in-one device, and that comes with compromises. You can get some impressive pictures with an iPhone, but it's more difficult and flaky than it should be for a real camera. For the masses, those compromises are fine and "good enough" is fine. It depends on your standards.

You are right, take an image with an iPhone and a DSLR and I can't think of a single instance where the iPhone would surpass a DSLR. In terms of pure picture quality, the DSLR wins, but many people are considering other factors as well, such as convenience. When you way all the factors, the compromises may be acceptable for you, but not others.

Do you get what I mean? This thread really isn't [purely] about an iPhone vs DSLR as a camera. It's about which device is better as a whole. For some people like the OP the all in one package of the iPhone and the iPhone's camera quality may be sufficient to replace a DSLR, for you that's not the case.

Of course I get what you mean. That was my point, too.

 

[mwhals]

The iPhone camera is no comparison to my Nikon D800 36 Mp DSLR.

 

[JDDavis]

 

[v3rlon]

I will relate a story and you can infer what you'd like.

My partner and I took his nephews to the zoo for the day. I took my DSLR (Nikon D3100) and, of course, I had my iPhone 5s with me. The DSLR took some really good photos, mostly of animals that were far away. I had my whole camera bag (backpack) with me, with an 18-55mm lens, fixed length 35mm lens, and a 55-200mm zoom lens.

For the first part of the day, I used the DSLR. I had to stop frequently to change lenses. They had to wait on me. It was cumbersome, and by the afternoon I was done with it. I was spending all of my time swapping lenses and little time being present with my family.

So I put the DSLR in the bag, and used my iPhone for the rest of the afternoon. This allowed me to be present in the experience, and still capture the moments I wanted to remember or share with family and friends. No, I didn't capture any great close-up shots of far away animals with the iPhone's admittedly limited digital zoom, but I did get acceptable photos that perfectly captured the moment.

The iPhone won't replace a high-end camera for the serious hobbyist or professional, but ultimately the best camera is the one you have with you. And in my experience, that's always my iPhone. The iPhone, when compared with a DSLR, is also the less intrusive option. I can be part of the fun or action more with my iPhone, whereas the DSLR makes me more of an observer or documentarian.

While I think iPhone is ok for such things, this is really not a fair comparison at all.

You were swapping lenses - why? You couldn't do that on the iPhone. How did you handle that? Did you swap phone cameras? Did you zoom with your feet? Zoom digitally in post?

You could have done similar things on the D3100 and chose not to. So you put the Nikon in an unfair position.

Also, given your selection of lenses, you could have gone with a wide range zoom (18-200 nikon VC, or Tamron 18-270 VC) and not swapped at all while still maintaining the full range. Your shooting habits are not a plus or minus for either platform.

Also, outside in daylight is an ideal situation for current iPhones. It will do less well in low light.

 

[Miltz]

Hello guys,

just a note to understand this a bit better. The way things are slowly going look like soon we may not need DSLR at all? (unless you are professional).
I have D90 with 50mm 1.4 lens and kit lens and I enjoy taking it to weddings etc. to take awesome photos. For me its an occassional hobby but I wondered how long will it take for iPhone to over take it and I'll be fine with just a phone? I know that professionals will always have DSLR and will rely on good lenses but can iPhone soon replace DSLR for people like me who are not professional photographers? What do you think?

The iphone will never be able to replace a DSLR, ever. The physical limitations of optics and sensors will always be a factor. iphones always get thinner... Why do you think the iphone camera overall hasn't changed much since the iphone 4S? They try to add whatever they can but with less space every year to work with don't sell you D90 just yet.

 

[v3rlon]

The iphone will never be able to replace a DSLR, ever. The physical limitations of optics and sensors will always be a factor. iphones always get thinner... Why do you think the iphone camera overall hasn't changed much since the iphone 4S? They try to add whatever they can but with less space every year to work with don't sell you D90 just yet.

"Never" is a very big word. As I said much earlier in one of these threads, while the DSLR will always have more room than a phone, the phone camera will eventually get good enough that it will not matter to our eyes. Yes there are optical limitations, but Apple, Sony, and Samsung are spending serious money looking for ways around this.

Earlier, I suggested using two or more cameras and interpolating the data to get a better image in that form factor. A while later, Apple purchased a company that had developed a way to do so and I posted that link also.

I think DSLRs are safe for now, even from mirrorless, which are much, much closer. But the day is still coming, and missing out on obvious features like wifi control or deliberately limiting the shutter speed won't help there case any. The iPhone is great at taking snapshots in bright light. Give it that, and it will look really good. More challenging situations will reveal weaknesses.