Are Smartphones Killing Digital Cameras? An Android Poll
What prompted the question
A conversation at work led the author to think back on events of the previous two years, such as fireworks, the aquarium, parks and beaches. Almost nobody carried a dedicated digital camera any more. Smartphones had taken over, and the author wondered whether that was good or bad.
Where phones fall short
- Action shots still tend to show motion blur on most phones.
- Lower-quality phones also suffer from shaky hands, since they cope less well with movement.
- Camera quality varied a lot between brands, with some being more stable than others.
Where phones win
- Instant sharing to social networks, by MMS and to online galleries.
- No USB cable or computer sync before sharing photos.
- On newer Android phones, editing, touch-ups and filters right on the spot.
The poll
Readers were asked a single question: has your smartphone replaced your digital camera? The results are not recorded here.
Status today
This is a snapshot of opinion from the early smartphone years. Phone cameras have improved a great deal since.
Frequently asked questions
What was the main weakness of phone cameras then?
Motion blur on action shots, plus shake on lower-end phones.
What was the main advantage?
Sharing and editing instantly, without cables.
Did the poll give a result?
The post only asked the question. Its outcome is unknown.