My friend Nick Quaranto is in the market for a new camera. A few days ago we discussed the pros and cons of various cameras (DSLR, mirrorless, iPhone, etc) in our Campfire chatroom. He was overwhelmed by all the options. Where do you even start?
I asked in our “SvN Post Ideas” Basecamp project, and notified the rest of our company:
What kind of camera do you have? Do you prefer DSLR, Mirrorless, or iPhone? Something else? There are so many options out there it’s overwhelming…
The most popular answer was iPhone. However, some of us are enthusiasts who must capture moments the tiny sensor in the iPhone can’t quite get. Here are the answers I got in Basecamp:
Jamie Dihiansan Fujifilm X100S and Nexus 4
I just got a Fujifilm X100S. I really dig it. Been waiting for a while to get one. I like the fixed focal length (35mm equivalent) and the low-light image quality under high ISO (6400). I also use the Nexus 4 for Instagram, Facebook, casual polaroid type shots.
Mig Reyes Panasonic GF-1 and iPhone
I have a Panasonic GF-1, with the pancake lens. The chip inside the body is fried, so I don’t have a working camera. I’d like to invest in a new body that can still make use of my pancake lens, and would love any suggestions.
So, for now I just use the camera I always have with me; iPhone.
Ryan Singer Nikon D7000
I have a Nikon D7000 w/ a 35mm prime lens, which ends up looking like 50mm because of the D7000’s sensor size. I like the D7000’s high ISO and how optically faithful the 35-50mm range is.
I bring it with me on trips and to major events, but I still find myself leaving it in the bag because I don’t like having it around my neck or in my hand on all time. I inevitably take some photos with my iPhone.
I’m usually disappointed with my iPhone photos when I load them on the computer. The colors and res are sharp, but the wide angle distorts close-up subjects and creates lots of empty space in landscape/scenery shots.
Shaun Hildner Canon 5D Mk II
Canon 5D Mk II on a Redrock Micro Field Cinema Deluxe DSLR Rig with an Ikan 7” monitor and a Rode shotgun mic.
Canon 24-105mm f/4L
Damn right you need all this shit!
Anton Koldaev Canon 7D, GoPro Hero 3, iPhone
I love to capture extreme sport events especially in summer. I have Canon 7D with wide-angle lens and GoPro Hero 3 Black Edition. Unfortunately I don’t always have time for video editing, so most of my videos are in raw format.
The most often used camera is iPhone anyway.
Jason Fried iPhone
The only camera I own is the iPhone 5. It does everything I need it to do, and it’s always with me.
Jonas Downey Nikon D40 and iPhone
I have an old Nikon D40 we still use for special occasions. But I rarely carry it since the iPhone is good enough for most of my Instagrams of pancakes.
Taylor Weibley Canon 5D Mk II and Panasonic TS1
Canon 5D Mk II now that I gave away my T2i to an aspiring photographer. I usually shoot with my f1.4 / 24-105 l glass. I wish I could afford some new prime lenses.
I also have a Panasonic TS1 that I carry on the beach / around the water. It’s “water proof” to 10ft and takes a great photo outdoors.
Jason Zimdars iPhone
My iPhone has the nicest camera I’ve ever owned. I have no need for a stand-alone camera.
Scott Upton Nikon D70s and iPhone
I have a Nikon D70s with a 50mm/f1.8 lens, but I don’t use it as often as I’d like. Despite all the cloud storage options out there, media management still feels like a chore and I usually just fall back to my iPhone + Instagram.
John Williams Canon T1i and Canon Elan7
Lately, I have found myself going back to film. I have a Canon Elan7 that I love. I have been shooting mostly Ilford HP5 400 because it has a nice grain when pushed. I find myself using my 50mm 1.8 EF (held together by electrical tape) or 88mm 1.8 EF most of the time. I like the delay in gratification that I get from film.
As for digital, I have ~3yo Canon T1i. Lugging around the T1i is much easier than my elan7.
Lenses: Canon 50mm 1.8, Canon 85mm 1.8, Canon 135mm 2.8 With Softfocus, Canon 28-105mm 3.5-4.5, Canon 18-85mm 4-5.6
Joan Stewart iPhone and Canon Rebel T2i
My most frequently used camera is my iPhone 4. I have a Canon Rebel T2i that I bought a few years ago to take slightly nicer video.
Javan Makhmali iPhone, 35mm Olympic Sylus Epic, 120mm Rolleiflex
iPhone 5 is the only digital camera I own. By far, all of my favorite pictures that I’ve taken were shot on film. Digital pictures still look so perfectly digital to me. Film has character.
The two film cameras I use are a 35mm Olympic Sylus Epic and an old 120mm Rolleiflex.
Sam Stephenson Leica D-LUX 3 and iPhone
I’m not a photographer and don’t know much about photography. I have a Leica D-LUX 3, which I really like as an object. I generally use it when I need to take a photo for illustrative purposes.
Like others have said, I just use my iPhone’s camera on a daily basis. Usually to capture text that I don’t want to have to type.
Eron Nicholson Canon T4i and GoPro Hero
I have a Canon T4i and a few lenses. I use my 35mm prime, 18-135mm STM and 10-22mm the most.
I recently got a GoPro Hero Black for racing and flying purposes. I also never have enough time to edit the video.
Will Jessop Nikon D40x and iPhone
Nikon D40x with the 18-55mm kit lens + a Nikon prime 35mm lens
iPhone 4s. I almost never carry or use my Nikon now, mostly use the iPhone.
Emily Wilder iPhone
After I saw this thread, I went to go look for my camera so I could tell y’all what it is. I couldn’t find it. I shrugged. It’s probably been about a year since I’ve used it anyway.
My iPhone is always with me, so that’s what I take photos with. I don’t think to carry a bulky camera around with me anymore.
Merissa Dawson Canon Rebel T3i and iPhone
I have a Canon Rebel T3i that I got last summer, and I love it! When I’m not using that, I’m using my iPhone.
Jeff Hardy iPhone
I also use my phone for everything these days. Where I’m missing out is in being able to take shots from a distance. I’d love an SLR with a telephoto lens for taking long-range shots of the crazy wildlife I see out here.
David Heinemeier Hansson Fuji X100S, Sony RX-1, iPhone
I’ve been on the Fuji wagon lately as well and just got the X100S. It’s
really a great camera and a package that doesn’t feel bothersome to bring along.
80% of my favorite shots from the last five years have been with a 5Dm2/3 + 85mm 1.2L, though. Nothing beats that combination for sheer image quality, especially in portraits. But it’s a beast to lug around, so I never bother taking it anywhere unless the whole point of the expedition is a photo shoot.
I’ve also been using the Sony RX-1 lately. Full-frame in a tiny package.
Impressive camera, but I like the feel and the color rendition from the
X100S better.
Still also take tons of pictures with the iPhone 5. They look awesome as
long as you’re only looking at the on your phone. As soon as you even just transfer them to the retina iPad, they lose a lot of the glamour. Compare them back to back with a “real” camera like the X100S and the 5D and I often regret not getting the shot with one of those.
Jeremy Kemper Sony RX100
I take a camera hiking. I look for something that fits in a pocket without sagging down or snagging on things, doesn’t run out of battery in a week, and takes a flattering photo. Currently using a Sony RX100. Small, lightweight, easy to get great results.
Chris Joyce iPhone and Fuji Finepix S8000fd
I haven’t invested in a new camera for a while as I tend to use my iPhone 4S for the majority of my photo taking. It’s always there in my pocket, it snaps a picture nice and quick and the quality is great.
If we’re on holiday, or at a particular event where I want some better distance shots, I have a Fuji Finepix S8000 fd. It may be time to update that before the next holiday, though.
Michael Berger iPhone
I’m pretty happy with the iPhone 5, but during my trip to Europe last summer I decided that in the future I’d like to have a more substantial camera. I’ll likely go with a Fuji or one of the other mirrorless options.
DHH’s Bonus Tip Corner
These two books are the best I’ve read as a basic introduction to understanding photography. Especially the triangle between ISO-Exposure-Aperture, which are the three key manual controls you get to play with on a “real” camera:
Understanding Exposure
Learning to See Creatively
So, what kind of camera do you have? Do you prefer DSLR, Mirrorless, or iPhone? Something else?
Miha
on 11 Apr 13I have Canon 5D II with the standard 16-35/2.8, 24-70/2.8 and 70-200/2.8 IS which I use when I go to a dark-ish places like concerts or parties. But day-to-day iPhone beats everything. There was a quote by someone (forgot the name) – the best camera is one that is always with you. The moment itself is in 90% of the cases worth much more than the quality of the shot.
Jason Green
on 11 Apr 13I used to be in the “I have an iPhone and it’s all I need” camp. But then you go on awesome trips, and you have kids that are growing up, and you realize none of your memories are in good, print and keep, quality. I’ve been a DSLR guy for 5 years now.
Don Schenck
on 11 Apr 13Windows Phone, specifically, the Samsung Focus Flash. Takes terrific pictures “for a phone”, and I’m in no way “into” photography, so why not?
Janne Jääskeläinen
on 11 Apr 13Some while ago I sold my Fuji X100 (very nice camera) & Canon DSLR and bought a used Leica M8 with a 35 mm lens. I prefer iPhone for regular daily use, because it is “always” there, and Leica when I have more time. Best of both worlds, I think.
Doug Yun
on 11 Apr 13Disposables are always in style.
Andrew
on 11 Apr 13This is a hard question to answer – it depends. But let me add two cameras: the Ricoh GRD4 and the new Nikon Coolpix A. Both fixed 28mm cameras and both are outstanding. The APS-sized Nikon A has better IQ. Either one is always with me just like the iPhone. You can do pretty much anything with this focal length IMO. I’m a serious “hobbyist” photographer and IQ and malleable files matter.
My wife uses the iPhone 5 and so many of the photos don’t turn out well.
Yuri
on 11 Apr 13Taylor Weibley mentions 24-105/f1.4 Canon lens. There is 24/f1.4 or 24-105/f4, but not 24-105/f1.4 as far as I know.
Tapan Karecha
on 11 Apr 13I use an entry level Canon Rebel DSLR with a 50mm fixed focal length lense. After 15 years of trying out various lenses and SLRs, I think I am happy with what I’ve got now.
Elle
on 11 Apr 13I always like to have 2 cameras and neither is a phone of any kind. I’ve been very happy with several Canon powershot point and clicks, small enough to slip in the pocket of even a girls jeans, and nice enough photos that I don’t regret using it later. The other has been the Canon Rebel DSLR which I use for less spontaneous shooting. I’m in the market for another DSLR or one of the new mirrorless cameras. As for phones, although I’ve had iphones and today have a galaxy SIII which has a great camera, I just can’t get behind using it for regular picture taking. I find it extremely clunky to take photos with a phone and although I know there are techniques to using them better, I’ll stick with my point and shoot.
Jim
on 11 Apr 13Most of the time I’m happy to use my iPhone 4S for taking pictures. Day to day it’s fine.
But when I go on holiday or want to get really nice shots I use the same combo as Mig. As good as the iPhone pics are, the difference between it and the GF-1 are night and day.
If I was to upgrade I’d be going for the newer GX-1, which is the camera I always recommend to those who want something more than a cameraphone.
jonathanwthomas
on 11 Apr 13While it’s nice to always have the iPhone in your pocket it’s not acceptable as a primary camera. The quality is just not there, especially if you get prints. It’s terrible in low light and if you have kids (like I do), they also move too fast for the sensor for a decent picture. Nothing beats an SLR and a good lens. The iPhone’s camera is a technological compromise to fit into a phone.
Peer Allan
on 11 Apr 13I picked up Sony alpha NEX-F3 (mirrorless) at Christmas. We put it through its paces with the family at Disneyland in February. We are extremely impressed with the quality of the pictures. They are some of the best photos I have ever taken. We have the 18-55mm lens that came with the camera, but we are not seriously considering getting the telephoto and/or portrait lens. My wife was very concerned about the low zoom (about 3x) but after using it for a week those worries went away. If the picture is too far out, just zoom and crop on your computer. The image quality is so high you can get away with it. Its not a camera you can just throw in your pocket, but its not overly bulky like some SLRs.
CJ Chilvers
on 11 Apr 13If you believe you need anything more than your phone, consider that the tradional masters of photography usually used cameras that were lucky to have a simple light meter…a lot were just boxes with a lens.
I wrote an ebook about this, which I turned into a blog post for sharing: http://alesserphotographer.com/blog/a-lesser-photographer-a-manifesto
Randall
on 11 Apr 13@Mig:
- It looks like you can get a used Lumix GF3 body for about $100 via Amazon. Not bad. - The Olympus E-PL1 with zoom kit lens is like $300, and a Lumix with zoom kit lens is about $360. Neat thing about those options is then you have a zoom lens that’s great for outdoors/bright light (f/3.5-5.6), plus your existing f/1.7 pancake for when there’s less light or you just want to carry less around. The E-PL1’s pics may be just slightly clearer when you zoom all the way in and stare (better sensor, better JPEG engine), but honestly nobody’s gonna see the difference onscreen. - In the way-out-of-my-budget dept., the Lumix GF6 (announced but not released yet, $don’twannaknow) has an f/3.5 power pancake zoom, which is a super-neat trick. The Olympus E-M5 is well-regarded but I don’t know much about it. The Lumix GH3 is M4/3 but built a little more like an SLR (with more handy physical controls but for more dollars).
Angela Bowman
on 12 Apr 13Hi Jamie! My only camera is my iPhone 4S. I’d say I use the thing about 98% for taking photos, then 2% for phone/email. Although, I’d like to get a DSLR for some higher quality shots for my blog and to get some good zoomable shots of the kids during Jiu Jitsu and Ballet.
Cliff
on 12 Apr 13The traditional masters didn’t have our sensors, but they did have comparable glass (lenses), and that makes a huge difference. They also shot medium or large format, which means they had the film equivalent of a crapload of megapixels.
So, about that Rollieflex pic… did you get permission or just plop the photo up there and ignore the copyright?Mig Reyes
on 12 Apr 13@Randall — Hey, thanks for the suggestions!
Ninja
on 12 Apr 13Lumia 920 all the way
Larry Gebhardt
on 12 Apr 13I own way too many cameras. But, if I go out to take pictures I’ll bring a Hassleblad 501CM if I’m with others, or in the city where a larger system is in the way. If I have time I like to use a Canham MQC 5×7 view camera. I also use a Nikon D800E for when I want the speed, or to shoot in low light; the quality is great, but I still like the results from film better if I plan on making prints. I’ll use my iPhone 4 too, but only if I don’t have another camera with me.
As far as what to recommend to someone looking for a camera, start out with your phone (or a good point and shoot like the Panasonic LX7 if you know you want a camera other than a phone). When you find the limitations that bother you, then figure out which other systems address them. Then look at the compromises you will need to endure, such as cost, size, speed, etc. There is no perfect camera.
Denis
on 12 Apr 13The question originally asked by Nick needs to be followed up with the classic and concise question of what does he want to shoot? That’s where you start. We all have opinions and experiences that shape is one way or another, but Nick’s intended results are what matters most.
I’m a advanced hobbyist who’s been shaped by his pro-photographer dad who has his own Leica and Nikon kits and lights and darkroom supplies and blah blah blah, but what he needs is different from what Nick may need.
The iPhone is great, but shutter speeds and responsiveness may be the compromise depending on the subject matter, for the win of always having it in your pocket.
Fujifilm, Canon, and Nikon all make great cameras at different price points and feature sets. I’m not shooting a wedding with my iPhone, but I’ll happily go with a Digital Rebel (b&w) and 5D3. Prime lenses are great depending on the desired outcome too.
Simple questions usually have simple answers and the answers are usually wrong without asking more questions.
Devan
on 12 Apr 13Great thread – I am going through the research phase of getting my wife a decent DSLR and am learning a lot from here.
Slightly OT – But what is that app that is shown running on all the pictures of the iPhone 5 above? Looks intriguing.
Christopher Robin
on 13 Apr 13My daily goto cameras are split between my iPhone 4s and a Fujifilm X-Pro1. That said, the pictures that I treasure most of all come out of a Polaroid 110a that I converted to use Fuji instant pack film. It’s a fully manual rig with a remarkable lens and coupled rangefinder. The instant prints seem to carry more memories than my gigs and gigs of digital shots. Maybe because they require a ritual to produce, maybe because they truly are an analoge reproduction of what I saw. Either way I treasure them. Funny how with all the tech available in photography, we find ourselves emulating the look and feel of dated analoge photography.
Benjy
on 16 Apr 13When I bought my first digital camera in 2001, I got a (at the time) tiny Canon Elph, which could (sort of) fit in a pocket. As I wanted more control, I kept buying bigger cameras to get the better features I wanted, first a mid-range Canon point & shoot, and then a Canon G9, which was their top of the line point & shoot. Last year, I finally decided I wanted to make the leap into DSLR and bought a Canon Rebel T3i. No regrets on that at all, because of the photo quality I’ve gotten out of it whether shooting pics of Chicago’s incredible architecture, my brother’s puppy, or shooting the Blue Angels during the Chicago Air Show.
I also take a good number of photos with my iPhone. In many cases, it’s is a great camera, thought not in low light or subjects in motion. It’s true that there are times I wish I had my DSLR with me and don’t because of its size, but the iPhone has also freed me from needing a compromise camera that does enough and is small enough, but not really as small or capable as I’d like. I have something to take a photo at all times, and then I have a good camera for when I think I might want to get the best possible shot.
Jeff
on 16 Apr 13As a few have said, it all depends on your needs and your level of interest (and really, budget) in taking the plunge on higher levels of photography. I certainly use my iPhone for the fleeting everyday moments with my kid and around town. But if I have even a second to think about the quality of capture I run for my Canon 7D and a f/1.4 or f/2.8 piece of glass. In 20 years will I look back more fondly on the Instagram-filtered shot of my son running by in a blur? Or a focused, time-stopping grab with depth of field centered on his expression while the background is melted away? There’s a possibility I capture the former, of course. But the odds of the latter grabbing my attention and capturing the moment forever is far greater.
I absolutely respect that others don’t have the time/money/patience/interest. But if you have one or more of the above, a DSLR will be a massive improvement over an iPhone.
Al
on 18 Apr 13Whether you’re a camera nerd or not, it’s hard to disagree that the best camera for your money is the one you’ll actually carry around with you.
The camera nerds (of which I am one) can and will argue brands and specs all day long, and guess what, none of them are wrong. The top models that float to the top of conversations are doing so because they ALL have their strengths. It’s like arguing with friends over what the sexiest part of bacon-wrapped anything is. Answer: everywhere there is bacon.
I suggest picking what you find is the most versatile among those great models. Something easy to use out of the box but still offers all the “knobs” in case you want to turn them.
The Panasonic Lumix LX7 is a great balance between portable and powerful. Not as versatile as micro-4/3 format, but that format’s smallest lens still costs ~ $300 (on top of $500 – $600 bodies) and isn’t nearly as portable. That $300 lens is a prime lens which means if you want to zoom even just a little bit, you have to use your feet.
The LX7 ($400) has got the knobs, a really great piece of glass on the front and is dead simple to use if you want it that way.
I lost mine in NYC in a cab. The camera nerd in me was destroyed, but then I walked by some store that had bacon wrapped dates and forgot it even happened.
Until now. Thanks for digging up old wounds you guys.
This discussion is closed.