With the evolution of mobile phone technology occurring so rapidly, in an attempt to make our daily lives easier, it’s no wonder that older technologies are being replaced by new smartphone technologies. For instance, the cell phone has virtually eliminated the need for a landline telephone, beepers, and, for some people, even computers. It is hard to make the argument to keep all of these outdated technologies when we now have the convenience of having the world at our fingertips. But now, as another medium hang in the midst of virtual extinction thanks to evolving smartphone technologies, we have to examine the question of whether or not the smartphone camera is capable of replacing the DSLR cameras that we still use today.
Smartphone photography has taken the world by storm so much so that some colleges, including our very own Temple University, have designed courses specific to studying this new medium. Although, it is understandable that people are choosing the convenience of using the smaller materials they have on hand to capture moments rather than buying a more costly and bulky device for photography, the question of accuracy has always been an issue when dealing with smartphone photography. Mainly, can a phone lens accurately depict what is in front of you, or is the image distorted? Although we recognize that smartphones cameras are improving their accuracy, and the factor of the convenience of size and accessibility is also apparent, why do we still need DSLR cameras?
Let’s compare some images taken on a smartphone versus some taken on a DSLR and see if there really is a chance that the smartphone can replace the DSLR.
Can you guess which pictures were taken on with a Camera vs. Smartphone?
Camera: 2,4,5,6 Phone: 1,3,7,8
In my opinion, until smartphone developers come up with sensors that compete with those present in DSLR cameras, DSLRs will continue to reign superior in terms of quality images. Smartphones are a good contender, though. I can see a slight difference in depth in the smartphone photos versus the DSLR ones, making the smartphone a nice smaller, second option. But if I had to choose, I’m still more likely to reach for a DSLR.