Weekend Open Forum: Do you use a dedicated camera?

you guys (above) just explained it to me
thanx and get the better /shot/equipment/time/
shot
ofc that matter

No but I'd like to. I'm in the market for a good used dslr

If I want a quality picture I do, if I just want a picture my phone works fine.

To add to that..."if you shoot with nothing but an all in one lens, by a digi-superzoom, you don't need a dSLR.

[quote="Guest, post: 1216984"
Exactly. If you shoot auto with your DSLR, then you don't need a DSRL.[/quote]

"I also don?t understand why someone would want to remember timeless events like a graduation, wedding or family vacation with grainy, low-quality mobile phone pictures."

From a practical point of view, I very very rarely look at photos at all. And when I do look say at a black and white picture of my parents or myself as a kid or an off colour grainy video from those days I never think "I wish I had that in HD". It simply doesn't matter. The pictures I took with my first < 1Mpix digital point and shoot are just as valuable as those I take with my current 12Mpix (IIRC) camera. In fact I usually reduce the resolution of the camera, because I think anything over 5Mpix isn't really worth the space.

I still appreciate having a wide zoom range and decent light sensitivity, which is why I still think that having a camera outside a phone is useful, but in case when the phone works, that's good enough.

I can understand photography as a hobby, and why people might want really good quality cameras, but I think it's more about the satisfaction of getting good picture than how the photos might look a few years down the road.

(Wow what a bunch of typos. Where's that edit function?)

If you go into the forums, you can edit there. here's a [link] that'll take you to your post.

I'm no photographer, my Dad is one of them so I try to stay out of that area of expertise as much as possible however, I hav eto admit I have been rather impressed with my iPhone 4S's camera, for instance we went to an aqarium and the iPhone was taking pictures that even my Dad was supprised as to how well they came out for a phone camera.

So the answer is no, I don't bother with a separate camera, my Phone camera is awesome and I don't need another item in my pocket / something else I can drop and break.

I have been using my cellphone's 3MP camera just until last month. I decided to buy a Sony Nex 5n 16MP with the 18-55mm lens kit. Now when I look back at my old photos, I'm horrified at the amount of noise and motion blur. What was I thinking!? Apparently not clearly, no pun intended. I now have an urge to bring my dedicated camera everywhere!

Heck yes, photography is a great hobby. It gets you out from behind the computer where you can get a view of real life!
I started out with a 35mm film SLR when I was a kid (hmmm, that was a Minolta SRT-101...it's been a while...), and have gone through all sorts of medium- to high-end 35mm and medium format gear through the years.
Now I shoot a Canon EOS 5D Mark III, a fabulous piece of technology. It's more fun now than it's ever been!

uh.. I have 3 cameras: point n shoot pocket Sony for just fun; older Canon SLR fixed body/lens; and Canon 40D. Phone just used when don't have any of the others handy. Honestly phone pics are horrible no matter the brand; ok for getting "something" but can't even come close to a good shot through a DSLR or SLR 35mm

Used to try and carry my A200 DSLR round with me but it was so bulky we hardly ever used it, instead relying on my wifes trust Lumix point and shoot. Recently we sold all of them and picked up a Sony NEX-5N. Hands down the best tech purchase I've made, the quality of both photos and video is way above my old DSLR and the video means I've stopped using our dedicated TG3 AVCHD camcorder too. So nice having everything in one unit.

Three dedicated cameras for me: Sony point and shoot for poor weather and quick fun shots; Canon XTi DSLR for planned photos and as backup; Canon 7D with a few tele-zoom, zoom, wide-angle lenses for series work.
Love the Canon 7D - best camera I have ever owned. Best shots I have ever taken and HD shoots video too.

I got a canon 450d, I can't use my phone for a memory, I need to see it the way I remember it if not better

Definitely a dedicated camera user. I just bought a Nikon Coolpix AW100. Man, this thing is tough takes great pictures(up to 16MP) for a P&S. I have kept upgrading over the years as sensor, quality, and storage have gotten better. I'm not a pro and I haven't been able to afford a nice DSLR, but I take a lot of pics for work and play. I am really impressed with this new Nikon. As for camera phones, I've only used mine a few times for quick shots where I don't care about quality. And as for instagram and other such apps....All I can say is that people have sure ruined some good photos with all that crazy filter junk.

I've used my canon elf for years. Greatest camera ever. It takes great pics and it's small so you can take it anywhere.

Had a Nex-5 for a year and a half now. First camera I've had that's been more advanced than a basic point and shoot compact. Quite enjoy the extra manual control over aperture and shutter speeds. Higher ISO availability means it can take non flash over exposed pictures where a cheap compact can't. Really considered upgrading to a Nex 7 or a "real" DSLR, but think I need to push myself further with existing equipment before upgrading.

I'm a dedicated camera user. In fact, I'm an enthusiast and have three. Canon 5D Mark II, Canon 7D and Panasonic Lumix point and shoot. A bunch of lenses, flashes, tripods, filters, you name it. Each has a dedicated purpose. My wife, OTOH, uses exclusively her iPhone. She loves photography, she's very artistic, has good taste, however completely refuses to use any dedicated camera. I guess she just doesn't feel the need to share those pictures. She browses through her camera roll every once in a while and I believe those snapshots are enough to sort of jolt her memory and remind of certain nice moments she experienced. I print and share the pictures and I want to share my pictures in a way that they show my own experiences exactly as I remember them. Camera phone just doesn't cut it in that case.

Absolutely! After having a Canon EOS A2e (35mm) for years with a 400mm f5.6L and a 50mm f1.4 lens, the transition to a DSLR seemed a no-brainer. For what seemed like the longest time, I waited to make the switch to digital. However, I picked up a Canon EOS 7D about two years ago, and I love it. There are so many shots that I have been able to get with the 7D that I could only have dreamed of with a 35mm, and perhaps, earlier Canon DSLRs. IMHO, the 7D is an extremely versatile, water-resistant, and excellent camera that was well worth waiting for.

No, I don't need one