iPhone competence vs the traditional camera

[Sparktrician]

If I'm just documenting something, I'll use my phone.  Otherwise, I grab the serious mirrorless G9 with some wonderful glass to do a credible job of capturing a good image.  I said bye-bye to DSLRs a couple of years ago after being a Nikon guy for 35 years. 

 

[greg mann]

After being a Nikon guy for almost 35 years myself, I just got back from the  Galapagos Islands where I took all photos with an IPhone XS Max. I am sure five years ago I would have argued there would be no way I would have left my DSLR behind. My reasons were based on changing priorities. The trip was a family trip, read grandchildren 6 to 13 yrs, that changed my literal focus away from photography and more to family interactions. Were I to be on my own the choice would have been different. That said, the cellphone allowed me to take wonderful pictures in the normal flow of the days and had I wished I could have used it while snorkeling as well. I have no regrets about the decision.

 

[Cheese]

Like others, I was a dedicated camera user. Lots of years ago I’d religiously visit the Virgin Islands every 2 years and sail for 2 weeks. There was no scuba diving done only snorkeling. I always brought with me a Nikonos underwater 35 mm camera.

The max depth the Nikonos was subjected to was probably 3-4 feet. It wasn’t much but there weren’t many underwater camera options at the time. The only other viable option was an underwater camera housing that was bulky and was in the $1000+ region.

So now the iPhone 11 Pro arrives on the scene and produces some stunning photos and it’s also water proof to the 6’ level for 30 minutes.

I’m really tempted to test the waterproofness of this phone. Again, this option quietly shows other camera options the door.

Whether SLR, DSLR or mirrorless these new iPhones usher in a world of convenience and picture quality unthought of just 2-3 years ago.

The only dedicated camera market that seems to be holding it’s own or expanding is the Leica group.