Is your phone your camera too? [poll]

So, last week I asked you about using your phone as a phone.  Today, after spending a great day out with the family yesterday for Family Day (I hope you got to celebrate it as well), I seriously debate whether or not that my phone can act as both.

Now, I don’t want this to boil down to a “well, your phone has X camera, my Y phone, has a Z feature…”, I’m purely talking about the ability to serve a true dual purpose.

Backgrounder

I have a history in retail sales for the electronics.  As much as we loved to try to sell people things, I also tried to inform people about the perils of all purchases, and then they would purchase based on a true understanding, just the educator in me.  Part of my ‘shtick’ in those days was that I was known as the guy that hated ‘dual function’ items.

A DVD/VHS combo unit was something I quickly shied people away from, same went for those TV/DVD combos.  Not to say that I wouldn’t sell one, nor was it bad for EVERYBODY, but it was my opinion that trying ot cram a lot of functions into one device was horrendous for the overall usability.  Getting a device that was specifically designed for that function was always better.  More expensive, but better.

It also has the upshoot that if something went wrong with one feature, and it needed to be repaired, just that one item would be out of commission.  If your DVD lens needed replacing on your TV/DVD, well, you’re out a TV while it was repaired.  Nobody liked finding that out after the fact.

My choice yesterday

So, fast forward to yesterday, when I was heading out the door; checking all my stuff.  Boots, mitts, hat, skates, etc… for our day of fun.  I had that decision — should I bring my camera, and all the bulk that comes with it; or should I just subsist on my Galaxy Nexus.

Ultimately for me I chose my Nexus, and that’s a common theme as I like being minimal as possible (hence my whole switch from a DSLR to a mid-line point and shoot).  But I wonder if it was the best choice.  I’m no professional photographer, and I would put myself just below the ‘hobby/amateur’, but I do know what’s good, and like to take good shots for the most part.

It was nice to have something quick at hand.  But using the phone as a camera is not the easiest thing, especially with gloves on.  So, from a compositional standpoint, it’s a sacrifice for quick shots that I can live with.

Having looked at the photos after the fact, I’m a little disappointed – again, not from a colour stand point (I’ve got some PS skills, I’ll play around later), but they look hastily taken.

Verdict

I can’t say this is final, but for now, I’m not liking using my phone as a camera. It’s a newer feature for me really (as something that I could reliably use), and maybe I’m just old, but I’m not ready to start trusting it with my memories, BUT it is nice to have something ALWAYS with me.

Poll

Now, what’s your opinion about using your phone as a camera?