however good a phone - iPhone or any other - may be.. surely it truly cannot be compared with the use of and the LEANING that a serious photo enthusiast gets from a proper camera.
I'll agree that to properly learn photography one would need to be able to control far more variables than a simple phone would allow, however, phones and a majority of P&S Cameras suffer from some of the same limitation, most noticeably being DOF.
My son is only 8 and he's done quite well with P&S Cameras and where needed I work with him to discuss what he might consider good processing techniques, such as adding DOF or B&W Conversions. However all that said, a phone and a camera will ABSOLUTELY enable someone to learn composition, subject matter and even a good understanding of lighting and working within the limitations of what they have to remain creative.
It's easy to say that "times are changing"..they're NOT really.. or how do you think such as the top-line smaller cameras or certainly the dSLR type , are ever going to survive.
Personally I am putting money on multifunction devices continuing to cut into small pocket and P&S Cameras. That's one of the reasons why I think you're seeing manufacturers trying to differentiate themselves and the gear by introducing so many bridge cameras, mirror less cameras, etc...they see the writing on the wall about simple P&S. It's not the only reason, but it's a big one.
I cannot help but wonder..and say.. that the definitely improving phone-camera facilities are in many ways making a lot of people what I might call "lazy photographers"
I would say the opposite. I don't think many people with "interests" in a hobby become lazy at it. People don't typically become lazy at something they enjoy, they move onto something new. If anything, I think it's turning people who are normally were "interested" in photography are becoming more interested and aware of the enjoyment that comes from it.
Again, I don't think you see folks like me who shoot primarily with a dSLR for both fun and work put it down and use a phone. Actually, I would bet you see more people begin using their phone, look for more capability and outgrow it thus adding a nicer camera.
I think (I have no figures on this - just comon-sense appraisal) - that most of the camera-phone users are very much in the younger years.. few I'm sure of the golden years..or even just late-age years.
I agree but as you noted earlier, I think it has a lot to do with a multi-use need or desire. My parents in their 70-80's have zero need outside an emergency to have cell phone period, thus will never buy one even if it has a great camera. Others who do have a need or desire to carry a phone tend to carry one and show strong interest in ones that can do video and shoot pics. I don't think any stats are needed to see that.
Coming directly the those couple of apple-pics you posted to start this one.. frankly..I simply have to say that again.. they ARE good.. but honestly.. I can see a lot better clarity and IQ if it was shot on a really good but carryable CAMERA of MY type... !! Sorry but I just see it that way.. a LOT of years of camera usage (all sorts) and a striving always for what at least I try to get as "best I can" ...
Then it will be interesting to see your thoughts on my upcoming pics as to whether you can pic out an iPhone 4s vs a P&S vs a dSLR when I post them up in the coming weeks.
I'll grant you the right not to participate in the comparison, but that said, I would say I do have an expectation that given your keen eye, you might perhaps participate in my comparison study.
As I said in another post - let's draw the line on this - it was never intended to be a serious comparison this way - but just a personal statement that to my eyes and feelings anyway - I just prefer a CAMERA..to a PHONE ...
Fair enough and no worries. I never felt any ill feelings or will with your comments, nor did/do I intend any in return. I am however, always up for a contest/debate or robust discussion on topics that interest me.
Do true professionals regularly use camera-phones to take their pictures - I doubt it.. Good as the iPhone and others may be.. it is still not the best way to gather all that you can in photographic experience ...OR maybe the added pleasure from learning a few other skills from such as Photoshop or whatever similar.
I agree that those that earn a living don't likely use a phone to do their work, no different than race car drivers don't likely take their family sports car to their job either. However, just the same, they both enjoy their respective hardware to the fullest extent.
Just as the wedding photographer may use an iPhone to capture his kids at the zoo and lend a creative eye and knowledge to capture that memory and story; the race car driver / enthusiast no doubt enjoys carving out the twisty roads with his very capable, although not pro-level vehicle, by also applying his skills and talents to make the most of the moment they are in.
In both situations above it boils down to the person and their capabilities / skills far more than it does to the hardware. Thus the reason why I'm 100% confident that my abilities to participate in a contest using an iPhone where perhaps maybe, just maybe, someday, you'll decide to join in with the P&S of your choice.
Thanks for the continued discussion. I look forward to more robust dialog on the subject in the near future.
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Note my new Screen Name has changed due to some privacy issues I was having to deal with, but I'm the same old long time member. Email or Message me anytime though.
Look for images in the near future.