Nowadays more people are now using their smartphones to capture special moments. A lot of them say they are using it because it is compact and has the same qualities vs regular compact cameras. Since some of us are used to taking photos to post for social media everywhere we are, even in streets or crowded places, we are quite aware of the cumbersome effect of bringing in a DLDR or a compact camera, especially in densely populated areas. Unless you are a professional photographer, it’s unlikely you will leave the house with an actual camera. A smartphone is with you all the time so it won’t be difficult to take it out once you need it.
Smartphones and compact cameras have a lot in common. But they also have qualities which make them different. While they can both capture the same particular moment, they have different technologies which can make it difficult for people to decide which one is the best. It all depends on your needs.
If you are looking for a (now) inexpensive option for sports and action videos, there is a third option: using a sports action camera. These are now very small, very durable, and have come down significantly in price. They can mount onto a helmet, bike, skateboard, boat, canoe, surfboard, motorcycle, vehicle — anything really. But that is a very specific need, and one more for fast action/activities or sports/adventuring. This article will focus on the main question: Smartphone or Compact camera.
In choosing Smartphones
If you only want something convenient and handy; a smartphone is the right choice for you. But there may be other considerations before choosing this over a regular camera. You don’t want to ruin captured moments right? So you need to check all the basics before you choosing this one carefully.
Smartphones have become an essential part of our daily lives. From social media updates through internet browsing, to communication via call or instant messaging, taking pictures and even using the smartphone itself as a power bank to charge other smartphones.
Size and Resolution. If you are the type of person who has often used their smartphones for pictures and videos, you must consider the resolution. We all know that one of the reasons for images and videos is for making social media updates.
If quality is above all else, you may not be satisfied with your smartphone resolution (although they are constantly improving).
The size also matters for a smartphone, and if you are carrying 6 inches wherever you go, it might be difficult and awkward to bring around. Bigger phones are intended for people who frequently used their phones for checking e-mail, chatting and watching videos.
Camera Resolution. Having a higher megapixel doesn’t mean that your smartphone is better. There are other factors to consider when it comes to choosing the right camera. Specification on ISO levels, pixel size, autofocus and more are essential components. Having a higher number of pixels normally means that the size of the image is bigger which becomes more sharper in the screen.
Storage. Ample storage is needed on your smartphone, especially if you are using a higher megapixel feature of the camera. Having a 16gb is not enough, so it is recommended that you go for 64gb or 128gb or better yet buy a smartphone that supports large micro SD cards if you will be swapping (funny that the smartphone companies are trying to steer us away from SD and towards their deemed memory needs).
Battery Life. Smartphones are known to have a short battery life. If you go for this alternative vs camera, you might need to consider having a compact battery pack. Capturing moments especially thru camera and video takes a lot of your battery life. Better be safe than sorry.
In Choosing A Compact Camera
Your personal preference when it comes to buying smartphone matters. You need to consider the design, performance and of course budget. Simply because, now that smartphones are now present, the compact camera no longer becomes a necessity but a compulsion.
Sensor and Size. The size of a camera matters since it is no longer a necessity it is unlikely to bring it everyday and anywhere. A camera sensor according to bt.com is a rectangular array containing millions of tiny micro-sensors, the greater the number of these sensors, the higher the potential detail in any image. The lighting condition and sensor make the right combination, thus having these two should be considered when it comes to buying a camera.
Action Photography Feature. If you are the type of person who needs the camera for immediate action to get great shots of fast-moving objects, you need to look for a feature a quick shutter speed, autofocus that helps systems to be able to track a moving object successfully.
WiFi connectivity. A smartphone can be readily connected over the internet because of its functionality. Nowadays, compact cameras come with built-in WiFi; this allows you to link to your phone or directly go to social media for sharing.
The Reason Why A Compact Camera Is Still The Best
Smartphones continue to evolve as the primary tool for photography because of its convenience and connectivity, these two features that a compact camera cannot match.
But there are several reasons why a compact camera is still the best.
Optimal Zoom. All smart cameras have the ability to zoom. However, these are just created on a program to make it seem like you are also taking a zoom. A compact camera has the capability of optical zoom which can produce better-looking images. Smartphones can also zoom however they are limited due to size limitation.
Interchangeable Lens. A camera can have several looks due to the interchangeable camera lens. Making use of the glass, creates a fish-eye, zoon, macro and even a wide-angle effect.
Sensor. A camera sensor according to digitaltrends.com is what’s used to capture a photograph. The more pixels a sensor has, the higher the resolution. A larger sensor means more light can be obtained which is also important for low-lighting shooting. Similar to the optical lens, smartphones can’t accommodate huge sensors. Simply because they don’t have a lot of non-camera parts to make the compact. A compact camera may be bulky and not handy, but they have the room for large sensors.
Longer Battery Life. Smartphones for all we know when used for a long time can drain the battery. With a compact camera, battery life can be 12 hours or sometimes last a day. Taking videos even can’t drain the battery life after all, and you can still use to capture all the moments that you need.
More Storage. Since some of the smartphones are not built to have more massive storage, you need to prepare a micro SD that supports your phone. This is to prevent running out of storage situation during those magical moment times. The compact camera, on the other hand, has a larger capacity and can even support video files.
There are pros and cons to each, and in the end, it will really come down to what features and functions you prioritize. Either way, go on out there and capture something and share it!