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Using Smart Phone as Camera?
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| Possibly related discussions | Replies | Views | Latest reply |
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| Help!! Smart phone or laptop? ... By HeatherM on 9 Jul 2012 | 3 | 1104 | 17 Oct 2012 |
chopin
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Hi all, I'm noob in camera, so please pardon my ignorance.
I'd like to ask if anyone here using smart phone camera while travelling? I know that a proper camera is definitely better but if budget is an issue, should I buy a good smart phone (with a very good camera), or keep my old phone (Nokia 5800) and invest the money to get a decent cam like Canon S100 or Lumix LX5.
The all important question is: with the recent progress in smart phones, can it replace a mid-range camera mentioned above?
#1 Posted: 19/11/2012 - 23:10
goonistik
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A newer cellphone gives you more megapixels but 3 megapixels is plenty. Look up the megapixel myth.
Since budget is an issue just use the Nokia 5800.
The answer to your final question is "No." Cellphone photography is convenient and reasonably good. But a P&S camera can have better technical image quality provided the lenses are good and there is a larger sensor than a cellphone.
#2 Posted: 21/11/2012 - 02:26
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chopin
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hi thank you. mosy likely i'll keep the phone and get a mid-range camera.
#3 Posted: 22/11/2012 - 20:33
somtam2000
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Generally I agree with Goonistik.
I carry a smartphone (iPhone4) and a Nikon D90 when I travel. iPhone is fine for happy snaps and quick moments in confined areas (like on a bus/plane etc) and I also use it a lot for daytime food pics. But in lowlight and photos where I'm actually thinking more seriously about what I'm doing, I use the Nikon. The iPhone (can't speak for Nokias) isn't such a good camera in low light -- again for adequate happy snaps, it is ok -- many of the pics you see on Travelfish have been taken with an iPhone, but if I had to pack only one camera it would be the Nikon.
To get an idea of pic quality on the phone, take a look at my Instagram feed -- they're all iPhone pics (excuse the many food pics - i eat a lot
#4 Posted: 22/11/2012 - 21:02
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chopin
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wow your iphone does make great pics, and yeah low light shows its weakness. while i might not get a DSLR, i think Canon S95 or S100 kind of cams will be my next upgrade.
#5 Posted: 23/11/2012 - 20:59
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Some of the micro 4/3 cameras are heavily discounted, especially the older models. Some of them cost no more than some P&S cameras.
Be warned the the Mk1 version of the Olympus 14-42 kit lens has been plagued with problems so it is better to get the Mk2 version.
Here is a tempting little number
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Olympus-E-PL3-Compact-System-Camera/dp/B0058GI38W/ref=sr_1_2?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1353805179&sr=1-2
#6 Posted: 24/11/2012 - 19:01
chopin
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this olympus E-PL3 sure looks great, but is it a micro 4/3? it looks as small like a p&s.
#7 Posted: 26/11/2012 - 07:22
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Yes it is a micro 4/3 camera.
http://www.four-thirds.org/en/index.html
The micro 4/3 cameras are among the best options for travelers who want a small, light, and flexible camera system. You can put it in full-auto mode and it works like a P&S camera. If you learn more about photography, than you can start customizing the settings as you want.
Panasonic is coming out with new models so some of their m4/3 cameras might be on sale.
I am advanced amateur so I would rather get a m4/3 camera than a P&S camera. So your preferences in cameras may differ.
#8 Posted: 26/11/2012 - 22:20
chopin
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hi,
how do i know if this olympus E-PL3 a MK1 or MK2? there is a guy selling his used gear in my country here:
http://forum.lowyat.net/topic/2518810/all
#9 Posted: 27/11/2012 - 06:36
goonistik
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chopin,
It is 14-42 mm olympus kit lens that comes in a mk1 or mk2 version; not the epl3. AFAIK the epl3 comes with the mk2 version of the lens.
#10 Posted: 27/11/2012 - 09:38
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chopin
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thanks for your great info.
#11 Posted: 28/11/2012 - 07:26
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I've got a Nokia Lumia 920 and it has an amazing camera - especially in low light. I'm really looking forward to using it next time I'm away.
I also use a D90 with a travel bag that allows quick access.
What's best for you depends on what you want to do with the pics really.
#12 Posted: 2/1/2013 - 07:20