[DrFlinn1]

I just got a new smart phone a few months ago and haven't touched my camera, poor thing must think I've abandon it. Well the phone is a lot smaller and easier to carry around and takes great pics. Does anyone have any suggestions to help me back to my old friend?
Thanks
Dennis

[stevebrot]

Give in to the phone and post your results here...

https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/76-non-pentax-cameras-canon-nikon-etc/170927-phone-club.html


Steve

[severalsnakes]

Participate in one (or more) of the Challenges on this forum. I recommend the Single In... challenges. :-) Not even half way through Single in December now. Jump in!

https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/26-mini-challenges-games-photo-stories/28...er-2014-a.html

[hray]

I got my smart phone a little over a year ago, but am not really happy with it as a camera. For point-and-shoot snapshots, it's great. But last year I also got a camera bag that doesn't scream, "I Am A Camera Bag" and in cooler weather, keep my Pentax in the car. Great for catching sunsets or sunrises or cool clouds or whatever else I see when I'm out and about.

I only had my phone with me a few weeks ago driving home from southern Colorado, and I tried to get some sunset shots. NOT a success.

So I'd recommend looking closely at some of your phone shots, and remembering how much better your "real" camera can do! It'll take you back, if you're nice to it...

Best wishes,
Hallie

[r0ckstarr]

Send me all of your Pentax gear. I'll do a long term evaluation and report back with the results in 5 years.

[mikeSF]

well at web sized dimensions, sure, but just zoom in a bit and you should be seeing a massive difference in image quality.

[TER-OR]

The smartphone cameras are getting really good, they'll kill the compact camera market.

I always recommend a sling strap - you can comfortably carry the camera and just get out and walk. Start taking it around and see what's around you.

[fstop]

The cameras found in today's phones are the egalitarianism of photography; every man/woman can be a photographer with instant results. There is no simple answer as to which is best, a phone within a camera, or an expensive SLR; they each have their purpose and the lines are blurred as to what that purpose might be. I Some with fragile egos will attack this, but the fact remains that the camera you have with you will always be better than the one you don't have. The type of camera that you enjoy using to capture singular images depicting the beauty and wonder of your world is never a wrong choice. Leave the mindless worrying and arcane instructions to others and follow your own thoughts; it's your world to enjoy as you see fit.

[gaweidert]

The problem for me and my smart phone is that it is really bad at is being a phone. All the ergonomics of a brick and as I do field service I would prefer a simple flip phone that would fit into my pocket and stay there. I want a simple number keypad with real keys. Everything else can be done with a tablet.

[r0ckstarr]

The cameras found in today's phones are the egalitarianism of photography; every man/woman can be a photographer with instant results. There is no simple answer as to which is best, a phone within a camera, or an expensive SLR; they each have their purpose and the lines are blurred as to what that purpose might be. I Some with fragile egos will attack this, but the fact remains that the camera you have with you will always be better than the one you don't have. The type of camera that you enjoy using to capture singular images depicting the beauty and wonder of your world is never a wrong choice. Leave the mindless worrying and arcane instructions to others and follow your own thoughts; it's your world to enjoy as you see fit.

Eastman would agree with everything you just said.

[severalsnakes]

The cameras found in today's phones are the egalitarianism of photography; every man/woman can be a photographer with instant results. There is no simple answer as to which is best, a phone within a camera, or an expensive SLR; they each have their purpose and the lines are blurred as to what that purpose might be. I Some with fragile egos will attack this, but the fact remains that the camera you have with you will always be better than the one you don't have. The type of camera that you enjoy using to capture singular images depicting the beauty and wonder of your world is never a wrong choice. Leave the mindless worrying and arcane instructions to others and follow your own thoughts; it's your world to enjoy as you see fit.

OP wasn't asking if it was morally acceptable to primarily use their cell phone as a camera. They were asking for tips to get back to using the DSLR. The convenience of cell phone cameras is overwhelming. I use mine to take pictures of the grocery list on our dry erase board! And that's about it. Because I carry a much more capable camera every where I go. Coming up with little projects to give you the excuse to have and use the camera is sometimes a good place to start, hence: Take part in any of the challenges or games on this forum.

[r0ckstarr]

I use mine to take pictures of the grocery list on our dry erase board!

I do the same thing!

[clackers]

I just got a new smart phone a few months ago and haven't touched my camera, poor thing must think I've abandon it. Well the phone is a lot smaller and easier to carry around and takes great pics. Does anyone have any suggestions to help me back to my old friend?
Thanks
Dennis

If all you do is selfies, food porn and landscapes in broad daylight, you probably never need go back to your camera, Dennis!


But why not deliberately choose to do some night shooting, sports, off-camera flash, focus isolation portraits, ultrawide, long tele and heavy RAW post-processing - the stuff the camera's weak at?

[Jacquot]

I shoot with my Iphone 5c regularly, but am always a bit disappointed in the quality. I still capture the event, and am glad for that, but am always wishing I had a better pocket camera--in my case the Fuji X10. Then sometimes that also leaves me lacking. The point is to get the shot and do it better the next time that opportunity arrives if that's what you need.
David