DSLR vs iPhone Cameras

In this day and age, mobile phones can do just about anything. However, it can be hard to recreate a quality photo like a DSLR camera does. Though with this in mind, more and more people are sticking to their iphone camera to snap pictures and film videos. Read our DSLR vs iPhone guide to learn more about the benefits and weaknesses of both DSLRs and iphone cameras.

Pros of DSLR Cameras

Autofocusing

When trying to take a photo, one of the worst things that could happen is it being out of focus. DSLRs are built to auto focus, particularly when shooting videos - it’s autofocus captures quick, sudden movements with ease. This is helpful if you are filming a sports game or car race.

Longer Shooting Times

DSLRs are made to last with longer battery power and therefore longer shooting times, unlike iPhones whose battery life is limited to less than 24 hours. This is helpful if you have a long shoot that goes over a few days and you don’t have a place to recharge your camera. DSLRs also have the option for multiple batteries, meaning you can simply put a new battery in if your charge is getting low.

Different Shooting Modes

An obvious advantage of DSLRs is also the ability to shoot in different modes (iPhones are still limited in this area). Different modes give photographers a choice as to which elements of exposure—aperture or shutter speed—they wish to control. This in turn creates a quality image that you might not otherwise achieve with an iphone camera.

Cons of DSLR Cameras

Bulky Design

Though DSLRs have some clear advantages, they tend to be bulky as they house a mirror and prism. They are heavier devices by design than iPhones, meaning lugging them around is more of a task, as opposed to putting an iPhone in your back pocket.

Expensive

Along with a DSLR camera comes a lot of accessories. Adding accessories to a DSLR setup is significantly more expensive than any lens or app purchased for the iPhone.
Complexity

DSLR cameras can be quite tricky to work with; you will need to invest a lot of time to learn what the main features are and figure out what each button does. Oftentimes, it’s easy to get frustrated with the process. You need time and patience to work with DSLRs.

Pros of iPhone Cameras

Multitasking

IPhones can pretty much do anything, and taking photos is no exception. IPhones make it easy to take pictures and then edit and post them straight away (as opposed to DSLRs where you would need to upload them to your computer etc).

IPhones create a seamless process of snapping, editing and uploading. DSLRs also don’t offer the opportunity to take pictures whilst you are texting, on social media, or making a phone call.

Ongoing Maintenance

The cost of maintenance on a DSLR is much higher than on an iPhone camera. For example, the camera sensor can get dirty and dust can get into lenses. The cost of repair on DSLRs and lenses can then become very expensive. You will have to learn how to care for your camera and lenses to prevent dust accumulation and other mechanical problems.

Fast, Easy and a Time Saver

IPhones are easy to use, fast to snap a quick photo and saves you a lot of time. Phone cameras are mostly, if not completely automated. Thus, if you are not a trained photographer using a camera phoneis a great choice, because it doesn’t require any special training. Once you learn the easy editing tools on your phone and on Instagram, you’re basically all set.

Cons of iPhone Cameras

Limited Quality

There’s only so much you can achieve with the automated settings of an iPhone. There are also certain lighting situations where a quality photo is almost impossible. Depending on your iPhone, the best quality you can achieve may not be good enough to create beautiful photos. For camera quality, this is where iPhones fall short.

Low Resolution

If you are using your photos for Instagram only, low resolution is passable, but if you need photos for your website or blog, low resolution might not be good enough. This is important if you want to show off your photos on a photography blog, or if you have a physical portfolio.

No External Storage and Limited Memory

On the iPhone, you can’t use an SD card which means it’s hard to keep your photos secure and take a lot of photos due to limited storage on iPhones.

DSLRs and iPhones both have their advantages and disadvantages, but ultimately it's up to you to decide what’s best for your photography needs. If you want any advice, ​​contact Harrison Cameras on ​​ 0114 2859854, or come into our Sheffield store