Point & Shoot Camera v. Smartphone Camera

[RamblingRose]

Do I need a camera?

I am not an avid photographer but like to pictures on vacation.

I was looking to replace my old Cannon point & shoot camera with a new one but my husband says it would better to get a new iPhone/Smartphone since their picture quality is just as good (I currently have a 5s).

I guess I'm old fashioned and feel like I need a separate camera, kind of like I prefer to read a physical book. I also have a fear of running out of memory.

My budget for a camera would be under $300.

Any suggestions?

[Dr Hobbitstein]

1. If you're using point and shoot cameras,

Then the built in camera on iPhone 6/7/8/X will be FAR superior than a $300 P&S.
And more convenient.

I still shoot film on my old Pentax SLR, and used to keep a P&S in the car for candid shots. I can honestly say I shoot way more pics on my iPhone 6 than I ever did on my P&S.

[left-of-center2012]

2. "I also have a fear of running out of memory"

At 71, I have the same fear.

[Sherman A1]

3. The best camera you have is

The one you have with you. That said I would have both the p&s and the phone camera.

[hlthe2b]

4. If you are going to rely only on iphone, get a battery back up...

At least on mine, shooting a lot of photos really runs down my battery quickly.

Iphones are convenient and the latest ones really have incredible photographic features. But, if you know or want to learn more about the technical side of good photography, I think there is no doubt that a separate high quality camera--even some of the small ones, can give you the most versatility.

As for storage depletion, you can share with an ipad or upload to icloud and clear the photos each day if you shoot that much (though with tons of apps, most of my music collection and lots of messages and photos, 64 mb has been fine for me, though I will probably go for 128 mb on my next phone).

[flamin lib]

5. Just use the phone. My bedroom is decorated with

photos my took with her S7. 13x19 prints look great and you can count leaves on trees.

What it won't do is telephoto for wildlife and sports. So if you want the kids/grandkids playing soccer you'll be out of luck.

[LakeArenal]

6. I like my Canon Pro Shot better than my phone.

[3Hotdogs]

7. The most money I made selling photos, was one I took with an iPhone 2.

It is of Barnegat Lighthouse, by moonlight.

[northoftheborder]

8. Using phone outside in bright light is hard for me, because of the glare on the glass surface,

although it's the one I use most often. My camera has a view finder; also it does a longer zoom.