Pretty much every time I get out my phone to take a picture I realise how handy it is to just carry around my phone and being able to share a beautiful moment instantly.
I’m a person that goes for the option of leaving my camera at home most of the time because it’s too heavy and relying on my phone’s camera instead. Not something I recommend, though ;) I should definitely have my camera with me all the time, no matter where I go - you never know what might happen.
So, that’s point number one. A DSLR can be pretty heavy. Also, you probably want to use a camera bag to carry and protect it, rather than just your handbag. Another point - I don’t like carrying around too much stuff with me.
On the other hand though, a DSLR camera with a good lens can capture things in a way that no phone can. Just thinking of depth-of-field for example. I definitely feel more like a ‘photographer’ when I use my DSLR camera. It feels like you ‘snap’ a picture with your phone’s camera, but you ‘make’ a picture with your DSLR camera.
This also relates to the way we share images - photos taken with your phone go up on Instagram straight away (most of the time at least). I love being able to share a moment of my life, without having to write much about it. Just keeping it simple, and sharing small impressions/snippets of life (that sometimes are a lot more personal than what you blog about) is what makes Instagram such a cool app.
Well, there are pros and cons to both options. I wouldn’t want to give up either of them - it’s great being able to use them both, each for their own purpose and at the right time.
What are your thoughts on Instagram/taking pictures with your phone vs DSLR?
Photo taken with my phone.
Oh, I know exactly what you mean! As a photographer myself, I rely on my camera's phone too much whenever I am out. Like you said -- with a DSLR you have to lug around a huge camera bag and even though my bag is stylish... it's huge. And heavy, lol.
ReplyDeleteI always feel so awful when I capture moments with my phone when I could be using my camera but then again... sometimes it's just easier. :|
Yep, I'm so with you! Good to know there are others out there having the same 'issue' ;)
DeleteI feel the same too. My DSLR is so heavy, and it feels like an 'event' if I take it out with me. If I just use my phone I can capture little moments without too much fuss, and save my back too. But, I do wish I took my camera out more with me. In fact, I'm out for a coffee and a walk and I have packed my camera in my bag :) x
ReplyDeleteOh, that's great. I guess if you know where you're going and how long you'll be out for etc. it makes it easier to take your camera - you kind of know how far and for how long you'll be carrying it around with you ;) x
DeleteI can't even begin to tell you how many times I've been in this predicament! I always thought that over time I'll just know when to take which camera, however, I still regret not taking all of them!
ReplyDeleteStill, if I have at least one camera with me at all times, I'm good. :)
Sounds like you're doing alright if you have at least one camera with you.
DeleteWell, it seems like this issue will always be a bit of a compromise ;)
Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Tana.
I love to use both all of the time! I have a micro-four thirds camera, its probably the best thing I ever bought because it is so portable and durable but still has amazing lens options. The only downside is that there is no viewfinder so it can get tricky looking at the screen in sunlight. The phone is so great for just whipping out and snapping away without having to adjust settings etc etc... Actually I often find I will photograph the same thing using both phone and camera to get the different views, maybe that's a little overkill :)
ReplyDeleteSounds like a great camera to have. And definitely a good idea to take pictures with both the camera and your phone - I'm sure it's interesting to see the different results, and as you said - both are great in their own way.
DeleteInteresting that there's no mention of intent here, which I would have thought is the primary issue behind this kind of decision. Do people not look at their artistic intentions when they decide which camera to take out with them?
ReplyDeleteA full frame DSLR isn't something I would take out as an afterthought. I wouldn't take an iPhone to a client's shoot or on a journalistic project. People seem to forget that the best camera there is, is the one you have with you. If you can't pull off a clean and ordered image on a camera phone, are you likely to fare better using a larger piece of equipment?
I agree, a camera is just a tool and it's up to your creative skills and your eye, so getting a flash camera won't necessarily help to achieve a great photo. Thanks for stopping by.
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