DSLR versus mobile photography
I ‘attended’ a seminar with Jim Richardson last week. The subject was DSLR (Digital Single-Lens Reflex) versus iPhone photography. I caveat the word attended as it was an online seminar. The beauty of having access to technology to continue learning during the current period.
Jim has an incredible portfolio. As a National Geographic photographer, his work takes him around the world. My particular favourites are his collections on Scotland, and Celtic Lands. They remind me of magical childhood holidays to Wales and Brittany. And a never to be forgotten honeymoon to Scotland and some of the islands off the west coast.
But Jim wasn’t presenting the session to talk about his work, as such. He was discussing the merits of DSLR photography versus mobile photography. He focussed on the iPhone as that happens to be his mobile device; but the talk was valid for all mobiles with cameras.
The comment which Jim made which stuck with me the most was that the mobile telephone is the most important camera of our age. Mobile telephones can capture videos and images which are shared internationally, without censorship, immediately. Think about recent news events and videos. In particular the absolutely horrific and heart-breaking footage of George Floyd’s final moments, which have understandably provoked global outrage. It is circumstances such as this which render the mobile telephone so important.
There are also some practical aspects to consider. Mobile telephones are easier to transport than DSLRs. People are generally more comfortable if someone aims a mobile telephone camera towards them than a full-bodied multi-lens camera. Many people will have a mobile telephone with them at any given time, on hand to capture unexpected moments. They are, in many ways, much more versatile.
Take a recent trip out with our son and dogs. I didn’t take my DSLR as it’s a lot to carry when also concentrating on keeping a toddler and our canine family safe. But without my mobile telephone, I would have missed this beautiful moment, as a pair of butterflies danced before us.
Towards the end of the talk, Jim shared some apps, which he recommended for use with a mobile telephone camera. I haven’t used any of them … yet … but they all receive good reviews from customers. In no particular order, and with links which I hope are helpful:
Snapseed (free editing – in app purshases)
Afterlight (free filters – in app purchases)
Unfold (free story templates – in app purchases)
Storyluxe (free templates and filters – in app purchases)
Mojo (free story templates – in app purchases)
Hipstermatic (£2.99 plus in-app purchases of full professional camera control, filters, darkroom editing, and much more!)
Whether or not you consider yourself a photographer, with a mobile telephone camera, you have access to a powerful piece of equipment. As Jim said, the most important camera of our age.
Thank you for sharing. Quite a thought and, to some extent, diffucult to ditch the feeling that ‘real’ cameras are bound to be better!
It is hard to overcome that feeling, yes. The main point in the talk was the concept that the mobile telephone camera is the most important camera of our age – as opposed to necessarily being the best. The ability to share instantly without censorship was particularly relevant. Thank you for reading and commenting!