Clash of the cameras
iPhone cameras and digital cameras have been competing for the spotlight in the photography world. Courtesy of Brooke Wilkens ’16
Courtesy of Brooke Wilkens ’16
The reign of Nikons and Canons winds down as the use of iPhones gains traction. The rising popularity of the iPhone camera threatens digital camera sales as consumers frequently choose the accessibility of the iPhone over the quality of the digital camera.
Since the iPhone’s launch in 2007, its sales have reached over 500 million, according to statista.com. With sales skyrocketing each year following new releases, consumers question how the sales of regular digital cameras and the careers of photographers will be affected.
“I always have my phone with me so it’s really easy to capture the moment,” Convent of the Sacred Heart senior Jen Esposito said.
iPhones are more convenient than digital cameras in terms of size and accessibility, but have not yet surpassed their digital competitors in terms of high resolution and clarity. According to The New York Times, since iPhones have so many different purposes and uses, it is hard for designers to focus on the improvement of the camera feature without neglecting other areas of the iPhone’s software. However, in recent years, the iPhone camera has both incorporated new features and enhanced quality.
“The newest version adds the capability of changing shutter speed. This is revolutionary. I am tempted for the first time to purchase one myself,” Upper School photography teacher Ms. Kev Filmore said.
Despite the ease of the iPhone camera, many Sacred Heart photography students still prefer using digital cameras.
“I like to use a real camera because the quality is better, but I do use the iPhone camera a lot because it is more convenient,” Sacred Heart photography student and junior Corina Gonzalez-Molina said.
Some aspects of the iPhone camera’s growing appeal include the effects, applications and camera filters that make editing photos easier. The camera application has the option of adding nine different filters that can be applied before or after taking a picture.
“Pictures are everywhere. That said, it is harder than ever to make memorable images that stand out as superior. The iPhone has added to the climate where everyone is capable of accessing a good camera,” Ms. Filmore said.
As Apple continues to innovate, as shown through the recent release of the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus, only time will tell how digital cameras will be threatened.
“I think people will still use digital cameras, but when the iPhone cameras get better then people will be buying and using them more,” Corina said.
– Brooke Wilkens, Staff Writer
margaret wilkens-peasback • Oct 18, 2014 at 9:14 am
Congratulations to Brooke Wilkens ! Her article was, indeed, very informative. I have never had a digital camera but certainly enjoy my I Phone for capturing instant memories of my four granddaughters.
Victoria Allen (School Archivist) • Oct 18, 2014 at 4:16 pm
I agree about the article. I have always loved Nikons, but, golly, I am at a stage in life where I just want convenience, light weight AND great pix!
Annie Hires • Oct 14, 2014 at 4:53 pm
Outstanding and well thought out article by Brooke Wilkens. I myself prefer my digital camera for its excellent quality and sharp prints.. But, my I Phone camera is so convenient that I am constantly using it to capture a moment in time.
Victoria Allen (School Archivist) • Oct 10, 2014 at 5:28 pm
Great article because it is informative. I am an amateur enthusiast of photography and I love my Nikon, and my new little Sony camera, but the convenience of the IPhone, particularly when traveling, is fantastic. Thanks so much for your info. VTA