You have a DSLR, but an Elf Contacted You and Asked. . .

[ozziepuppy]

You have a Canon DSLR, but an elf contacted you and asked if you would like a "backup" camera in your cellphone. "Don't be ridiculous!" you replied. "NOTHING could ever take the place of my DSLR!" But then the charming little fellow informed you that there are several recently released cellphones with EXCELLENT cameras for the times you don't have your DSLR with you, but want to capture an unexpected moment or event.
Which ones did the height-challenged assistant suggest?

[va_rider]

take a look at what the folks @ C-Net had to say about the best camera phones:
http://reviews.cnet.com/best-camera-phones/?tag=rb_content;contentNav

[Jerrykur]

I use a Panasonic GF1 with 20mm f1.7 as a carry everywhere camera. I have an iPhone 3GS, but that camera is pretty poor in comparison.

[ozziepuppy]

I use a Panasonic GF1 with 20mm f1.7 as a carry everywhere camera. I have an iPhone 3GS, but that camera is pretty poor in comparison.

I looked that up--fairly expensive camera. Looks like it gets good reviews though. :)

[Lowner]

Never trust Elves.

[Apollo.11]

I don't trust elves either, but if he brought me a Panasonic GF1, I might change my mind.

[-MasterChief-]

check this out:

http://www.sonyericsson.com/cws/products/mobilephones/overview/c905a?cc=us&lc=en#a

review and test images can be found here:

http://www.mobileshop.com/blog/mobile-phone-news/sony-ericsson-c905-new-photos-prove-mobile-phones-are-better-than-digital-cameras/

[Apollo.11]

check this out:

http://www.sonyericsson.com/cws/products/mobilephones/overview/c905a?cc=us&lc=en#a

review and test images can be found here:

http://www.mobileshop.com/blog/mobile-phone-news/sony-ericsson-c905-new-photos-prove-mobile-phones-are-better-than-digital-cameras/


I'd say that tops the list so far.

[-MasterChief-]

i had the older version of that phone and you would be amazed at the IQ of the images. i wouldnt try to use it in low light though ... ;)

[birdfromboat]

Cell phones are for talking to people on, text messages belong on a computer sending what us old folks call email, and consarn it, cameras are not supposed to be in either one. cameras with phones- phooey. Carry a g10 or a powershot, if your too much of a nancy-boy to carry the DSLR cuz it's too heavy and bulky.
(Just adding the opinions of countless old curmudgeons like myself, most of whom are busy right now trying to get the VCR to record meet the press so they can sleep in on Sunday.)

[Cesium]

I've had my Nokia N82 for almost 2 years and the photos it takes are pretty impressive for a cell phone. 5MP sensor, Zeiss optics (more like plastic lens), and xenon flash. All in a candybar-style phone.

Makes for pretty useable images at typical webpage sizes.

[bsaber]

The Sony one is probably the best. I would recommend a G-series, SD series powershots, or the Panasonic GF1 with the 20mm f/1.7 though. Small, lightweight, and much better than any cell phone camera.

[friz]

I've been thinking of getting a used rebel and siggy 30 for a more portable solution and back up.

[ozziepuppy]

I just wanted something I would always have with me, no matter what. As long as I am probably getting a new phone, I was just wondering about this. I am not so much into texting or using the web or email apps, but GPS and a decent camera would be definite pluses. Sometimes people post images from phones that are quite amazing. And yeah, I AM considering downsizing, but if I do, I am not sure what to go to at this point. . .but trust me, it wouldn't be a camera phone as my main camera. That doesn't mean I wouldn't prefer a better one than a lesser one in my phone though.

[egordon99]

I've been thinking of getting a used rebel and siggy 30 for a more portable solution and back up.

That's my "pocket" camera :)


I'd love the GF1/20mm combo though.

The Canon S90 seems to get decent reviews, but it's still a small sensor.

[egordon99]

As much as I love my BlackBerry Curve, the camera sucks :(

I do use it to take photos once in awhile, and they're ok downsized to 320 pixels wide, but that's about it :lol:

[Andy_T]

Another idea might be the Sigma DP1 - Foveon 14 MP APS-C sensor, fixed 28 mm equiv. lens, sells new in Germany now for ~ 200 EUR - same price as a half decent compact.

Best regards,
Andy