Why are DSLRs still used so often ?

First, I am a DSLR (Canon 6D) photographer myself and never use the camera of my smartphone. I consider the 6D as a mobile device as well as I take it with me on my trip, so that is 'mobile photography' as well.

But now I read many stories about the superb quality of the modern cellphone cams like the iPhone 6S or 7, Huawei P9 or Samsung Galaxy S7 / Note 7.

Of course, sensor quality of DSLRs improve the same way: the Canon 1DX Mk2, Nikon D5, Sony A7R Mk2 blow away all other DSLRs in sensor sensitivity and dynamic range, but all these weigh more than a kilo each, body only.

The phonecams are much less bulky, why are the DSLRs used so often my reporters ?
Reporters don't make astrophotos (very low light), don't need zoom.
Is it still the much smaller (absolute in millimeters, not f/ value) aperture of a phonecam ?

--
Ricoh KR-5 ... Pentax ME Super ... Canon T90 ... ... ... 40d ... 7d ... 6d

I think there's so much more versatility in terms of focal length as you have interchangeable lenses.

Add to that the fact you can adjust the aperture for whatever effect you are trying to achieve, plus the obvious increase in image quality and of course the ergonomics of a 'proper' camera which makes shooting easier.

Mobile phone cameras have come on leap and bounds but they are not a patch on a good interchangeable lens camera, be it DSLR or mirrorless.

One reason is IQ. Although these up to date smartphones have far better built in cameras than what it used to be in the past, they still fall short of the quality of a DSLR or mirrorless when it comes to IQ. Simply put, the sensor and lenses on smartphones are miniature in comparison. Physics still applies when it comes to sensor size and IQ.

Another reason like others have stated is focal length. For capturing shots from a far, ie sports or in situations where it may be impossible to get close, telephoto lenses become very useful. Smartphone cameras tend to be either ultra wide or wide angle focal lengths which is best suited for landscapes, general street shooting, and group photography in tight spaces.

Yet another reason why DSLR and ILCs still have their place for professional work over a smartphone is user controls, and ergonomics. Having physical direct access buttons and dials for aperture, shutter and ISO and programmable function buttons is essential for quickly changing settings to adapt to the photographic style and changes in scene. Smartphones may have similar manual controls that match that of a DSLR, but to access them via touch screen and sub menus can be tiresome.

Lastly there is the deal with autofocus. Although Samsung has one of the best AF in a smart phone in their S7 and S7 edge, it still pales in comparison to the DSLRs designed for sports ie 1D series cameras.

markyboy81 said:

Mobile phone cameras have come on leap and bounds but they are not a patch on a good interchangeable lens camera, be it DSLR or mirrorless.

Click to expand...

I would prefer to compare to a high end compact. I've been testing an iPhone 6s using the camera+ app. Against a Samsung EX1 in challenging lighting conditions it actually produces a better image.

Francis E said:

markyboy81 said:

Mobile phone cameras have come on leap and bounds but they are not a patch on a good interchangeable lens camera, be it DSLR or mirrorless.

Click to expand...

I would prefer to compare to a high end compact. I've been testing an iPhone 6s using the camera+ app. Against a Samsung EX1 in challenging lighting conditions it actually produces a better image.

Click to expand...

hmm the EX1 was released in 2010, plus the sensor size is tiny. If you want to compare against a descent high end compact, try the Sony RX100

bigley Ling said:

hmm the EX1 was released in 2010, plus the sensor size is tiny. If you want to compare against a descent high end compact, try the Sony RX100

Click to expand...

Yes, good point. Unfortunately the RX100 is only on my wish list.

I've been lent this iPhone 6s to try out the camera. My previous iPhone has been a 4, which doesn't compare at all.

With advancing age I've tended to leave my DSLRs and mirrorless at home when I travel overseas.

Something like the 6s has appeal for travel.

My 'best' camera is Sony A7, but I haven't done any comparisons with it.

Francis E said:

markyboy81 said:

Mobile phone cameras have come on leap and bounds but they are not a patch on a good interchangeable lens camera, be it DSLR or mirrorless.

Click to expand...

I would prefer to compare to a high end compact. I've been testing an iPhone 6s using the camera+ app. Against a Samsung EX1 in challenging lighting conditions it actually produces a better image.

Click to expand...

My Canon G7X MkII pi*ses all over my iPhone 6S in every respect. And you can mount it on a tripod. No comparison really.

People who use phones as their primary camera are the selfie generation of people who are content with mediocre image quality.

scotthunter said:

scotthunter said:

o comparison really.

Click to expand...

People who use phones as their primary camera are the selfie generation of people who are content with mediocre image quality.

Click to expand...

Mmm. I would like some other opinions about that!

Francis E said:

scotthunter said:

Francis E said:

o comparison really.

Click to expand...

People who use phones as their primary camera are the selfie generation of people who are content with mediocre image quality.

Click to expand...

Mmm. I would like some other opinions about that!

Click to expand...

Whilst not agreeing with the (no doubt intended) disparaging description of such individuals, it's also my impression that most people who use the phones as their primary camera are not as bothered as most DPR readers as to photo IQ

But then again the IQ of higher end phones is just as good as most small sensor compact cameras of only a few years ago

Not everyone is looking for absolute perfection; not everyone is prepared to pay over £500 simply to take snap-shots ; & not everyone wants to be carrying around a camera when they have a perfectly good camera in their phone

And there are plenty of threads on these forums where DSLR users condemn advanced compact camera users for spending money on what they see as a toy, when a similarly priced DSLR will generate a better IQ

Paul

Yes, those are along the lines I would propose, too.

One of my friends who is an ARPS has just had an exhibition with an iPhone 5.

A620er said:

Francis E said:

scotthunter said:

A620er said:

o comparison really.

Click to expand...

People who use phones as their primary camera are the selfie generation of people who are content with mediocre image quality.

Click to expand...

Mmm. I would like some other opinions about that!

Click to expand...

Whilst not agreeing with the (no doubt intended) disparaging description of such individuals, it's also my impression that most people who use the phones as their primary camera are not as bothered as most DPR readers as to photo IQ

But then again the IQ of higher end phones is just as good as most small sensor compact cameras of only a few years ago

Not everyone is looking for absolute perfection; not everyone is prepared to pay over £500 simply to take snap-shots ; & not everyone wants to be carrying around a camera when they have a perfectly good camera in their phone

And there are plenty of threads on these forums where DSLR users condemn advanced compact camera users for spending money on what they see as a toy, when a similarly priced DSLR will generate a better IQ

Paul

Click to expand...

I think it's the way of the world at the moment. It reminds me the HiFi and MP3 debate. People are just happy to accept the quality of their phone camera because it's convenient, and for most people it's good enough. I have an iPhone 6S and yes, it may take impressive snaps for a phone camera, but IQ from such a tiny sensor never going to be as good as one inch sensor compacts such as the Sony RX100 or Canon G7X (which first started to appear 4 years ago by the way). However, the majority of people just want to share their photographs on Facebook using the Facebook apps on their smartphones, which adds a lot of JPEG compression, and therefore makes the IQ of the camera less important. Fewer people want to print out their photos these days.

i think there is a huge difference between smartphones and advanced compacts, but less of a difference between advanced compacts and DSLRs.

mermaidkiller said:

why are the DSLRs used so often by reporters ?

Click to expand...

do reporters often take selfies, group photos, or interesting things they see on a street?

scotthunter said:

scotthunter said:

but IQ from such a tiny sensor never going to be as good as one inch sensor compacts such as the Sony RX100 or Canon G7X (which first started to appear 4 years ago by the way).

Click to expand...

Click to expand...

Completely agree. In fact I bought my wife the RX100 M2 a year about 18 months ago. I said to her that there's no point in buying a 1:1.7 or smaller sensor, since other than the optical zoom & manual controls a smartphone is almost just as good

scotthunter said:

scotthunter said:

However, the majority of people just want to share their photographs on Facebook using the Facebook apps on their smartphones, which adds a lot of JPEG compression, and therefore makes the IQ of the camera less important. Fewer people want to print out their photos these days.

Click to expand...

Click to expand...

Agree to some extent but whilst many people want to use fb & other social media exclusively to show their photos, others want to use fb etc in addition to being able to host their photos elsewhere - on photo web-sites such as this for example, or simply to show at home on a PC. And whilst it's rare, I do print occasionally

scotthunter said:

i think there is a huge difference between smartphones and advanced compacts, but less of a difference between advanced compacts and DSLRs.

Click to expand...

And this is where I disagree. There certainly is a big difference between smartphones & advanced compacts but in my opinion an even bigger difference between advanced (1") compacts & APS-C cameras (mirrorless or DSLR). And there's plenty of comments from DSLR users on these forums that DSLR's out-perform mirrorless even with the same size sensor

But at the end of the day it's what you want out of a camera & getting what you want out of the camera you have that's important - taking in all the following factors & more - price, IQ, portability, functions, adaptability etc etc

Paul

A620er said:

scotthunter said:

A620er said:

but IQ from such a tiny sensor never going to be as good as one inch sensor compacts such as the Sony RX100 or Canon G7X (which first started to appear 4 years ago by the way).

Click to expand...

Click to expand...

Completely agree. In fact I bought my wife the RX100 M2 a year about 18 months ago. I said to her that there's no point in buying a 1:1.7 or smaller sensor, since other than the optical zoom & manual controls a smartphone is almost just as good

A620er said:

A620er said:

However, the majority of people just want to share their photographs on Facebook using the Facebook apps on their smartphones, which adds a lot of JPEG compression, and therefore makes the IQ of the camera less important. Fewer people want to print out their photos these days.

Click to expand...

Click to expand...

Agree to some extent but whilst many people want to use fb & other social media exclusively to show their photos, others want to use fb etc in addition to being able to host their photos elsewhere - on photo web-sites such as this for example, or simply to show at home on a PC. And whilst it's rare, I do print occasionally

A620er said:

i think there is a huge difference between smartphones and advanced compacts, but less of a difference between advanced compacts and DSLRs.

Click to expand...

And this is where I disagree. There certainly is a big difference between smartphones & advanced compacts but in my opinion an even bigger difference between advanced (1") compacts & APS-C cameras (mirrorless or DSLR). And there's plenty of comments from DSLR users on these forums that DSLR's out-perform mirrorless even with the same size sensor

But at the end of the day it's what you want out of a camera & getting what you want out of the camera you have that's important - taking in all the following factors & more - price, IQ, portability, functions, adaptability etc etc

Paul

Click to expand...

I agree with most of what you've written apart from this comment. A high end mirrorless camera (such as the NX1) will produce equally good and in some cases better quality images than a DSLR.

markyboy81 said:

markyboy81 said:

t the end of the day it's what you want out of a camera & getting what you want out of the camera you have that's important - taking in all the following factors & more - price, IQ, portability, functions, adaptability etc etc

Paul

Click to expand...

I agree with most of what you've written apart from this comment. A high end mirrorless camera (such as the NX1) will produce equally good and in some cases better quality images than a DSLR.

Click to expand...

I think a lot depends on how you measure quality. If you are making huge prints, you do see it. But most people don't make huge prints. I have a friend who criticises my images by putting them up on a vast calibrated monitor. And I can see differences if I enlarge to 400% on my MacBook Pro. But he's been impressed by some of the images I've taken with iPhone 6s.

Of course it all comes down to sensor size, as another poster has said. I would sum my iPhone 6s up by saying that it takes highly acceptable images despite the tiny sensor.

Francis E said:

markyboy81 said:

Francis E said:

t the end of the day it's what you want out of a camera & getting what you want out of the camera you have that's important - taking in all the following factors & more - price, IQ, portability, functions, adaptability etc etc

Paul

Click to expand...

I agree with most of what you've written apart from this comment. A high end mirrorless camera (such as the NX1) will produce equally good and in some cases better quality images than a DSLR.

Click to expand...

I think a lot depends on how you measure quality. If you are making huge prints, you do see it. But most people don't make huge prints. I have a friend who criticises my images by putting them up on a vast calibrated monitor. And I can see differences if I enlarge to 400% on my MacBook Pro. But he's been impressed by some of the images I've taken with iPhone 6s.

Of course it all comes down to sensor size, as another poster has said. I would sum my iPhone 6s up by saying that it takes highly acceptable images despite the tiny sensor.

Click to expand...

IQ is not only good for huge prints, but also when doing digital cropping or post digital zoom. The aim is to achieve better signal to noise which larger sensor cameras with larger pixels achieve this.

bigley Ling said:

IQ is not only good for huge prints, but also when doing digital cropping or post digital zoom. The aim is to achieve better signal to noise which larger sensor cameras with larger pixels achieve this.

Click to expand...

Yes, good points, thanks. As a matter of interest I've compared cropping my FF A7 (210mm on APS-C capture) with shots taken with Coolpix P900 (tiny sensor) in bird photography. The FF crops are only better up to point.

Francis E said:

bigley Ling said:

IQ is not only good for huge prints, but also when doing digital cropping or post digital zoom. The aim is to achieve better signal to noise which larger sensor cameras with larger pixels achieve this.

Click to expand...

Yes, good points, thanks. As a matter of interest I've compared cropping my FF A7 (210mm on APS-C capture) with shots taken with Coolpix P900 (tiny sensor) in bird photography. The FF crops are only better up to point.

Click to expand...

There are other advantages of a larger sensors apart from pixel image IQ, but also for dynamic range. It seems to be attributed to larger pixels. That being said, as the forum thread states, that sensor technology has improved to a point where small sensors are getting more capable of capturing better images with the smaller pixels than they did in the past.

Depending on the lens aperture capability, the FF A7 shot even captured in APS-C crop mode should have better subject isolation (back ground defocus) in certain scenes when compared to the small sensor Coolpix P900. This all comes at a cost of having to carry a larger kit!

bigley Ling said:

bigley Ling said:

Depending on the lens aperture capability, the FF A7 shot even captured in APS-C crop mode should have better subject isolation (back ground defocus) in certain scenes when compared to the small sensor Coolpix P900. This all comes at a cost of having to carry a larger kit!

Click to expand...

Click to expand...

Indeed, The nearest thing I have to an all round small high grade compact, with a decent reach (200mm optical zoom) is a Leica C Type 112.

Portability and weight are paramount concerns especially when travelling.

To go back to the OP's question, I would not buy a DSLR today. It's only my opinion, but I think the Sony FF range puts them into the shade. I've only gone as far as the 'original' A7 which meets all my needs.

And despite the critical post a few back, if I'm going to carry a smart phone, I would rather one that takes decent pictures which is why I'm upgrading my iPhone 4. (I think I mentioned that the 6s I'm using is borrowed)

Francis E said:

bigley Ling said:

Francis E said:

Depending on the lens aperture capability, the FF A7 shot even captured in APS-C crop mode should have better subject isolation (back ground defocus) in certain scenes when compared to the small sensor Coolpix P900. This all comes at a cost of having to carry a larger kit!

Click to expand...

Click to expand...

Indeed, The nearest thing I have to an all round small high grade compact, with a decent reach (200mm optical zoom) is a Leica C Type 112.

Portability and weight are paramount concerns especially when travelling.

To go back to the OP's question, I would not buy a DSLR today. It's only my opinion, but I think the Sony FF range puts them into the shade. I've only gone as far as the 'original' A7 which meets all my needs.

And despite the critical post a few back, if I'm going to carry a smart phone, I would rather one that takes decent pictures which is why I'm upgrading my iPhone 4. (I think I mentioned that the 6s I'm using is borrowed)

Click to expand...

Is it not worth waiting a little for the upcoming iPhone 7? There is rumours one of the models may have a dual camera option.