Camera Phones

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Camera Phones

Postby rebapuck » Thu Nov 20, 2014 12:31 am

I've been looking at slim cameras that I can carry around in my purse. The screens are so small. Then I thought of a smart phone type. They have 5" or so screens. They are slim and hold a lot of pictures.

My question is... can they be used as just a camera with no phone service?
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Re: Camera Phones

Postby asianflava » Thu Nov 20, 2014 12:34 am

Yes you can, but if that's all you want to use it for, you may as well just pick up a used one at a pawn shop or something.
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Re: Camera Phones

Postby rebapuck » Thu Nov 20, 2014 12:35 am

That was my thought too. Or eBay.
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Re: Camera Phones

Postby MtnDon » Thu Nov 20, 2014 12:41 am

Good question, but I'm not sure. My guess is that a used phone should still be usable as a camera. Your best bet might be to look at craigslist or whatever and find someone selling a phone with a decent camera. Ask to see the phone and see if you can take pictures and download to your PC. I suggest used as if you buy a new one without a contract it'll cost a fortune if it is a decent model.

And FWIW, buying a used phone has certain risks if you ever decided you wanted to activate phone service. Unless you have the carrier verify the phone is free and clear of any encumbrances from the carrier, it may be useless as a phone. But could do duty as a camera. It would also be good for 911 emergency calls even if not active with any phone plans.
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Re: Camera Phones

Postby rebapuck » Thu Nov 20, 2014 12:55 am

That's good to know about the 911.
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Re: Camera Phones

Postby Woodbutcher » Thu Nov 20, 2014 8:22 am

Personally, I would much prefer a small pocket camera to a smart phone camera. With the camera you can get a smoother longer zoom and choices of picture options, like panorama, low light and sunset. Many have screens that are large enough to easily view your shots.
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Re: Camera Phones

Postby MtnDon » Thu Nov 20, 2014 9:55 am

After using an DSLR and a "point 'n' shoot" compact for many many years I got my wife a top line smartphone this summer. The camera does take good pictures. However I find the DSLR still best for serious photography. The "point 'n' shoot" is close behind the DSLR in how much I use it. The camera in the phone is handy because it is with us almost everywhere we go. But If I know I'll be taking pictures I prefer one of the other two. Which one depends on other variables such as "do I want to carry an extra few pounds of DSLR?"
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Re: Camera Phones

Postby Woodbutcher » Thu Nov 20, 2014 1:31 pm

What Don said....he did better explaining it then I did. :applause:
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Re: Camera Phones

Postby tony.latham » Thu Nov 20, 2014 2:55 pm

I agree with MtnDon. It's great having my iPhone 4 with me all the time, and nice to be able to send the photos off quickly in a text or email. However it's lack of adjustment, (poor zoom, flash, lack of macro and self-timer) even compared to my Olympus point and shoot leaves much to be desired.

Perhaps the state of art Android or iPhone cameras are higher than what I've seen with my run of cell phones but I doubt it. I consider cell phone cameras to be much like the screwdriver on a Leatherman multitool. It's GREAT if that's all you have, but a real screwdriver works much better.

The screens are so small.
Most newer point and shoot screens are nearly as big as my iPhone 4 screen: http://www.amazon.com/Canon-PowerShot-D ... non+camera

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Re: Camera Phones

Postby jstrubberg » Thu Nov 20, 2014 3:05 pm

I consider cell phone cameras to be much like the screwdriver on a Leatherman multitool. It's GREAT if that's all you have, but a real screwdriver works much better.


Great way to put it.

I carry two cameras, the one on my iPhone 5 and a point and shoot Samsung WB150F. The Samsung is a VERY capable camera, but I have to admit it's not in my hand nearly as often as the iPhone is. Where the Samsung really shines is the higher zoom and better stabilization for those long range shots. Also, I look kinda silly trying to take a phone call on my iPhone when it's stuck to the top of a monopod...
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Re: Camera Phones

Postby mikeschn » Thu Nov 20, 2014 4:52 pm

My iPhone photos are not that great. I prefer a real camera. You say you'd like a slim camera to carry around in your purse. I have this one, and it makes really good photos.

You can probably get them on ebay really cheap, as this model is a few years old.

Canon Powershot SD990

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Re: Camera Phones

Postby M C Toyer » Thu Nov 20, 2014 6:47 pm

Ditto on what Mike said. I have the Canon Powershot ELPH 115 from Best Buy for $80. (may be even cheaper now the 135 has been introduced) Compact size, generous screen, and features well beyond what I need for everyday photography. Fits in my shirt pocket. For $20 online you can get two extra batteries, a 110AC and a 12V DC charger, and a mini tripod. Images are stored on a SHDC card which can be easily removed and inserted in most computer and other devices' card readers so you can view and edit the images in full size without the hassle of cords or software.
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Re: Camera Phones

Postby MtnDon » Thu Nov 20, 2014 8:07 pm

You need a piece of software from Samsung to d/l the images from the S5. It is called "Samsung Kies 3"

http://www.samsung.com/us/support/faq/FAQ00059171/81102


... and the cord of course :)
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Re: Camera Phones

Postby MtnDon » Thu Nov 20, 2014 8:12 pm

One further comment. Most folks don't print a lot of their images on paper anymore. Camera phones like the S5 are all HD format; widescreen. Those end up with lots of the long dimension cropped off when a std 4x6 print is made. Just something to keep in mind.
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Re: Camera Phones

Postby rebapuck » Fri Nov 21, 2014 2:40 pm

Thanks for all the replies. I bought a phone off eBay and expect it to suit my needs. I'm not into photography, but need to take a quick picture now and again. The slim profile of the phone and big screen were my first priorities.
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