Mobile Camera or Compact Camera, which is Better? - TravellerG

TravellerG · March 4, 2019, 2:46pm

Compact Camera or Mobile Camera – Which is ‘Better’?

Another Million Dollar question, no doubt. Since I use Mobile Camera & Other dedicated Cameras (equally), I will give my open ‘Findings’ – these should help you to take your own decision.

[We are considering ONLY the very important/ user critical (Photography related aspects)].

Mobile Camera:

Pros:

Extremely high portability; always with you.
Both Still & Video, even at 4K, gives decent results.
Some of the very advanced Mobile Cameras take very good ‘Low Light’ photos.

Cons:

Main & Important limitation is ‘Optics’:
1. Small Lens
2. No/Very limited Optical Zoom
2nd is Aperture: No/Very limited Aperture control (Poor depth of field/Bukeh)
Very small Image Sensor, resulting in very average Photos.
Very poor flash – very poor for night photography.
Poor screen visibility in bright light to Frame & Focus
Usually low ISO range

Compact Camera: (Compared with a decent [mid-range] Compact Camera)

Pros:

Much better Optics (by size, no of elements, Optical Zoom, etc.)
Aperture control = almost full manual controls.
Definitely better Image Sensor & powerful Processor.
Reasonable Flash to cover personal (Family/parties) night photography.

Cons:

Definitely, an additional gadget to carry, even if it fits in the pocket.
Additional Investment.

Other factors to consider are: (These are explained in the previous post [Here] & in the Next Post)

Viewfinder
Power of flash
Professional holding & mounting facility + stability on tripod.
Image stabilization
No of still shots / duration of video = Battery life.
Manual Controls, including depth of field.
Focusing system: Speed of focusing, accuracy, etc.
Power of the Image processor.
RAW format availability
Post processing.

Now, I will explain my experience: Most of the people, who have used a Compact Camera, retained the Compact Camera, even after they started using mobile Camera.

Where the balance lies?

Once you are used to a “Compact Camera’, & if you are attending an Event/Occasion, then you will carry the Compact Camera, along with your mobile.

Suggestion:

Mobile Camera Users, who are directly planning to upgrade to a DSLR or DML, should seriously consider buying a Compact Camera, before a DSLR/DML.

@sonnyNg @PoliMC @Rezgar @TheEagleEye @Venky_lightbug @Laofdez @Raphael-Mahumane @Samuelcamiloterres @imran1986 @mrmillennial

Rezgar · March 4, 2019, 2:55pm

Great!!!
Informative post.
Thank you, Bro, @TravellerG

Best Regards
Rezgar

davidhyno · March 4, 2019, 3:49pm

Actually, personally speaking, I have just forgotten my small compact and also the SLR: nowadays I find it much more practical to have a good optics on the smartphone and use only this. Although with the native app you do not have many possibilities, with third-party apps you can have the most complete mastery of your shot. Not to mention the possibility of correcting or retouching the photograph immediately without having to download it to the PC.
Then I do not even have to worry about the space in the smartphone: now we have very large capacities - 64/128/256 gigabytes of available memory - and especially large batteries that make you get to the end of the day even with intensive use.

In addition to the expense of a good compact camera, then you must face the expense of an excellent memory card, a robust travel case, an extra battery to use in case you do not arrive at the end of the day.

However for me it’s just a matter of practicality, as you said dear @TravellerG !
Bye,
David

imran1986 · March 4, 2019, 4:07pm

Thanks, @TravellerG for sharing and tagging.

I admit you are right about the facts. But I also want to add that mobile camera recent time improved a lot. A Huawei Mate20 or a iphone XS or Samsung S10 is better than many of the compact camera. Yes, it does not have great optics and sensor. But it can overcome its lacks by high image processing power. Yes, RAW captures still a great edge for compact cameras. But day to day use you can not always find a compact camera in your pocket when you see the moment in front of your eyes. So I prefer a good mobile camera with pro-mode and night-mode than a compact camera.

imran1986 · March 4, 2019, 4:12pm

Thanks, @TravellerG for sharing and tagging.

I appreciate and admit your points. Yet I would prefer having a good mobile camera with pro-mode and night-mood instead of a compact camera. Nowadays mobile camera has improved a lot due to its high processing power. A compact camera has good optics, big sensor, and optical zoom capability but you can’t always find them in your pocket. It can be a better option for a tour but a Huawei Mate20/iphone XS/ Samsung S10 is always a better companion to me.

Ramirez_1 · March 4, 2019, 4:37pm

Great post @TravellerG ,

I’ve always wanted to dive into more advance hardware when it comes to photography. But honestly my iPhone is just too convienent to try otherwise, it also fits better into the “backpacking” style I’ve been leaning towards.

TravellerG · March 5, 2019, 3:32am

Welcome dear bro @Rezgar - Thanks for your response.

TravellerG · March 6, 2019, 2:04am

I just thought of making the ‘balancing points’ clear - not here to say one is good or the other is bad - You know that as a Traveler-Photographer, heavily I use my Pro cameras, including 3D. But, I wrote this post, without any prejudice, honestly - especially for those who upgrade directly from mobile to DSLR, without knowing the details like: The body of a DSLR camera is only 40% (in general) and the Lenses takes 60% importance & cost!

Yes, for you “…However for me it’s just a matter of practicality,…” - you are fully correct.

I understand that the new generations mobile phones are really gearing up… but, as of now, (although I agree with few points of yours), Zooming & Shutter control (if needed) are missing in Mobiles, which as a critical analyst, I cannot hide.

“…In addition … expense of an excellent memory card, a robust travel case, an extra battery…” well it all depends on what is your use.

Thanks

TravellerG · March 6, 2019, 2:13am

I liked the way you have answered - great. Good analysis.

You are very correct to a great extend dear @imran1986 - You wrote "…optics and sensor. " - to this we need to add ‘Shutter’ control also.

I understand that over a period, the Mobile Cameras may include most of the features of a Mirrorless. But my discussions are current dated & without any prejudice.

I know many of the LGs who upgraded from Mobile to DSLR & even after a year has not completed even 100 photos - even they do not know what is ‘A’, ‘S’, etc. on the Mode dial! Then, surely a mobile is better.

Thanks (i will write detailed reply, tomorrow)

imran1986 · March 6, 2019, 3:24am

Thanks, @TravellerG . Looking forward to your details comments.

Venky_lightbug · March 6, 2019, 6:18am

Hi @TravellerG

Thanks for the tag and also for sharing the knowledge here.

“Mobile Camera Users, who are directly planning to upgrade to a DSLR or DML, should seriously consider buying a Compact Camera, before a DSLR/DML.”

I am sorry but I disagree to this point. There is no need in investing in a compact camera before buying a DSLR. Rather I would suggest to buy a basic DSLR and explore it. There are many apps for android and ios for shooting on manual mode. Though the options are not as wide as an advanced compact camera, but on gets the idea of controlling the ISO, Shutter speed and exposure control.

Here are few of my inputs for the article,

The image processing software in the mobile phones is superior to the compact cameras which lack firmware upgrades for longer times. (Ex: Pixel phones give great portrait shots with just one camera)
The mobile cameras have an option to add clip on lens for wide angle, fish eye, macro, ND and many more which is not quite feasible with compact cameras.
The mobile camera also provide easy & quick transfer and sharing options compared to Compact camera.
Many mobile cameras have ISO ranges upto 3200-6400 which is very much comparable to compact camera.
“2nd is Aperture: No/Very limited Aperture control (Poor depth of field/Bukeh)” The max aperture values are higher on many mobile cameras compared to the compact cameras on market. So the depth of field is better on mobile cameras theoretically.
“Professional holding & mounting facility + stability on tripod” Similar for both the cameras.
Mobile cameras apps have option to capture better panoramas and 360 degree photos which lack on compact camera.

I am sorry that I am contradicting your point of view but it’s just my personal opinion and I have used all the types of cameras and come to this conclusion keeping a amateur to aspiring photographers in mind.

TravellerG · March 10, 2019, 3:25am

[Sorry for the delay, due to hectic official travel schedules, dear @imran1986 .

EDIT:

I can clearly tell you, with the current technologies available, there are many features which a mobile phones cannot offer - the most important being Optical Zooming & Aperture adjustments.

However, your point is correct that many mobile cameras are improving on many aspects. If you critically view, as of today, a Mobile Camera & Compact (P&S) Camera stand separate.

Just as an example, say $300 - $400 P&S Camera Vs. Mobiles in that price - I think, my point is clear to you.

But for portability, Mobiles are far at top & will remain, at top. However, for a more serious photographer, many times, one will need a Camera better than Mobile - that is what I wanted to say, with my experience of more than 3 decades.

TravellerG · March 10, 2019, 5:47am

[Delay, due to hectic official travel schedules, dear friend, @Venky_lightbug - Sorry ]

Firstly, thank you for your involvement by contributing a reply in detail.

“…sorry that I am contradicting your point…” = we are here to express our views and I feel that your reply gave me another opportunity to explain the topic further. My only request is to understand the Topic as ‘whole situation’ {ie. Mobile Vs Compact + not DSLR, directly} & consider the points - hope you got it… I shall explain.

" …There is no need in investing in a compact camera before buying a DSLR…"

Points;

Since you have used Interchangeable Lens Cameras, you know that for an average use, one needs Lens/s in the range of 24mm to 200 mm - is it not? then,

a. Then, usually you need at least 2 Lenses - 24 - 70 & 70 -200, right? What will be the cost ?

b. Who will guide the aperture sizes of the lens? the company ? - You know the quality of a KIT LENS, I hope!

c. You know that, to use a DSLR needs (even in Auto Mode), there is some basic knowledge needed. I know, many of my friends, who bought the DSLR, they not even use it, for its complexity.

d. If one buys a compact camera, first & to upgrade from a mobile camera to a compact camera is comparatively very easy & very less expensive.

e. If one uses a compact camera for a while (seriously), one can learn enough of adjustments of Aperture, Shutter & ISO (mainly), to a great extend.

f. Get to know more about Image Stabilisation, etc.

g. Gets an OVERALL IDEA about What type of Camera Body & Lenses can be best suited for his use.

Sorry, to me, for the other point wise answers given by you, I want to stay with my experience & knowledge; if I again answer by point wise, that may not look good, here.

In the same price range, (say $300), the ‘Parameters/ Feature’ will not be able to be matched by a Mobile Camera with a Compact Camera. (of course, not to mention a DSLR in this price). Even if we go to a $900 Mobile, still the Optical Zoom will be lacking, along with many other features like, shutter adjustments, ISO, etc.

As a Technical Consultant, I still stand with my points, as of now - I will never say that tomorrow, the technology may catch up - Rather I am sure, the age of DML is ON (Digital MirrorLess), where we will see many new technologies, in the coming few years. Eg: Phase detection Focusing in DML, etc.

Still, appreciate for expressing your views, thanks.

Venky_lightbug · March 13, 2019, 2:21pm

Hey @TravellerG No need to be sorry for the delay. I myself was caught up with a lot of travel and work for the past few days, so can totally understand.

I understand your point of view for this post.

If a person is interested in photography there are hundreds of tutorials on internet to learn about aperture and manual control but still if the person is not investing his time, then he is clearly not interested. If the requirement is not to print large size canvas or photos, the mobile cameras in $300-$400 range are capable enough to achieve the same (except the zoom) as a compact camera costing the same. Here the mobile camera also provides many other features along with being a camera for the same price.

No offense but these are just my views.

I do appreciate your effort to provide the knowledge to the user Cheers.

TravellerG · March 17, 2019, 12:01pm

[once again sorry, I’m late (I know won’t mind, but, still) - Being March, professional commitments consume lot of time].

hi dear friend @Venky_lightbug ,

“…tutorials on internet to learn…” - here we are a very small group of LGs & I tried just to share my humble knowledge, here. That is all,

“…No offense…” = not at all, by God’s grace I know that, I am here to share goodness, I do not collect ‘stress’ - thanks for your concern & kind heart.

Regards

afrademon · March 19, 2019, 10:13pm

Great post!

keep going…

TravellerG · March 20, 2019, 12:43pm

Thank you very much dear friend, @afrademon - I shall be doing the next few more posts on DSLR, MirrorLess & Auto-focusing, etc…

Gurukrishnapriya · May 30, 2019, 4:14am

Hi @TravellerG

A great post. Previously I use to carry my compact camera regularly. Gradually reduced taking it after buying my smart phone 3 years back. Hereafter I make it a point to take it.

Thanks for giving such nice points.

TravellerG · May 30, 2019, 7:19am

Hi dear @Gurukrishnapriya , [This, my opinion is AS OF TODAY - TOMORROW THE TECHNOLOGY MAY CHANGE] if you are a slightly more “serious” Traveller-Photographer, then, YES, you need to carry a dedicated camera.

Regards