iPhone 4s or 5s for photography?

I dont belong to any other photo forums and dont want to sign up for any, so while its obviously not Canon, I'd like to get peoples thoughts on this. Ive been hitch hiking and climbing mountains a lot lately, and I want to start shooting that more, but Id like to leave my expensive SLR stuff at home. Hence, an iPhone, but only for photography (and maybe email, maps, and a few other logistical features), without hooking it up to a service plan even (as I understand, I can then use it for wi-fi, just not 4G). It seems like the 5s camera is noticeably better, but also costs more on Ebay. Is the price justified, in that the 5s is just that much better for photography? Or are there other, non-photo features that make it more expensive? Remember, I only care about the camera, for still and and video. I wont even be making phone calls with it!

Thanks from someone who has never owned a smartphone!!

G

Seriously? The iPhone camera is a joke. IF you aren't using anything else on it get a compact camera

I have no problem shooting iphone, when I don't have a camera or I'm out of film it's what I use.
it works great for street shots when I don't need to print bigger than 8x10


if in doubt, look at kevin russ instagram page
http://instagram.com/k​evinruss

this is one of my favourite shots and it was taken with my iphone5

IMAGE LINK: https://flic.kr/p/oxMo​Uz

78962 wrote in post #17202360
Seriously? The iPhone camera is a joke. IF you aren't using anything else on it get a compact camera

Tell that to this guy
http://connect.dprevie​w.com …32175/nat-geo-5s-scotland

Look, I want something that does my photos, but also does email, and if im lucky, an app exists that allows for a road atlas without internet connection for when Im hitch hiking. I dont know of any compact cameras that do all of that.

I'd get the 5 or 5S. There are map apps that allow you to download the maps into the phone, there's also some trick to cache the google maps, I forget how that works, but google will tell you. Will only be a partial map, but maybe enough. I have at least one app that would allow me to download topo maps for the US and other countries if I think I'll be out of phone service reach.

I've printed very nice 8x10 photos from my iphone 5, easy as good as a decent p&s and you can find tons of apps to edit your photos in just about any way imaginable. Fun stuff.

I think you could even get one of those prepaid phone plans so you could use it as phone if need be, then turn data via phone net off again. Might be a good idea.

From what I recall, the camera in the 5 was a good upgrade over the 4/4s, 5s over 5 was not that different and I'm still holding off changing my 5 to the 6 as I'm hot convinced yet that it's that much better to justify the cost.

gregpphoto wrote in post #17202478
Tell that to this guy
http://connect.dprevie​w.com …32175/nat-geo-5s-scotland

Look, I want something that does my photos, but also does email, and if im lucky, an app exists that allows for a road atlas without internet connection for when Im hitch hiking. I dont know of any compact cameras that do all of that.

To the guy that does those photos in that link: the iphone is a joke, use a real camera.
Of course, he probably does.

Had them both, I'd get the 5s. Here is a writeup, you can find lots more

http://www.imore.com/i​phone-5-vs-iphone-4s-camera

5s camera is far superior.

That being said though, buying a phone just for the camera is a bit silly, IMO. For $500, the cost of a 5s, there are SO many pocketable point & shoot options that would be better.

The bigger question is, why not just switch to an iPhone as your phone too? Or better yet, you can buy a 5s and swap sims out when you wanna go out and take photos for the day?

jmai86 wrote in post #17202759
5s camera is far superior.

That being said though, buying a phone just for the camera is a bit silly, IMO. For $500, the cost of a 5s, there are SO many pocketable point & shoot options that would be better.

The bigger question is, why not just switch to an iPhone as your phone too? Or better yet, you can buy a 5s and swap sims out when you wanna go out and take photos for the day?

Im not paying for a service plan, too pricey. And Im not paying full price for the phone either. Ebay!

phantelope wrote in post #17202518
I'd get the 5 or 5S. There are map apps that allow you to download the maps into the phone, there's also some trick to cache the google maps, I forget how that works, but google will tell you. Will only be a partial map, but maybe enough. I have at least one app that would allow me to download topo maps for the US and other countries if I think I'll be out of phone service reach.

Are you saying the 4s does not have this feature?

78962 wrote in post #17202565
To the guy that does those photos in that link: the iphone is a joke, use a real camera.
Of course, he probably does.

Says the guy who doesnt shoot for NG. Run along and troll someone else, Im trying to figure something out here.

78962 wrote in post #17202565
To the guy that does those photos in that link: the iphone is a joke, use a real camera.

I presume you only ever shoot with a medium format camera.

gregpphoto wrote in post #17202318
I dont belong to any other photo forums and dont want to sign up for any, so while its obviously not Canon, I'd like to get peoples thoughts on this. Ive been hitch hiking and climbing mountains a lot lately, and I want to start shooting that more, but Id like to leave my expensive SLR stuff at home. Hence, an iPhone, but only for photography (and maybe email, maps, and a few other logistical features), without hooking it up to a service plan even (as I understand, I can then use it for wi-fi, just not 4G). It seems like the 5s camera is noticeably better, but also costs more on Ebay. Is the price justified, in that the 5s is just that much better for photography? Or are there other, non-photo features that make it more expensive? Remember, I only care about the camera, for still and and video. I wont even be making phone calls with it!

Thanks from someone who has never owned a smartphone!!

G

never owned a smartphone ?
I would go with the latest but don't miracles from cell phones pics

I have four and now five. And taking pictures. They are good for FB and Instagram, but you would have to lower your IQ expectations if you are DSLR user and want these pictures Full Screen.
If I don't want DSLR, but good pictures I take small, $40 P&S. It gives better pictures than 4 or 5 from Apple, because it has real lens in it and it is much more versatile because it is zoom.

Don't be silly. Want the phone from ebay? Get android with broken screen, get replacement screen from ebay as well. It will cost ten times less and camera with all aps in it is going to be the same if not better.

kf095 wrote in post #17203143
I have four and now five. And taking pictures. They are good for FB and Instagram, but you would have to lower your IQ expectations if you are DSLR user and want these pictures Full Screen.
If I don't want DSLR, but good pictures I take small, $40 P&S. It gives better pictures than 4 or 5 from Apple, because it has real lens in it and it is much more versatile because it is zoom.

Don't be silly. Want the phone from ebay? Get android with broken screen, get replacement screen from ebay as well. It will cost ten times less and camera with all aps in it is going to be the same if not better.

Im not sure im technically skilled enough to replace a screen on my own. Having worked on a literal mountaintop this past summer, I got to take group photos for people, so I got to try out the camera portion of just about every smart phone on earth. And I was impressed by the quality. Granted, I know at 100% or in print, it wont be so amazing, but Im willing to bet still good enough for what I do. I used to be a pro freelancer, and while I may still go back down that career path, I find myself now doing photo mainly for myself, but Id like to always have the option to publish what I do (hitch hiking selfies, anyone?). I could be wrong, but Im betting that the image quality is as good as the 20D I started with, no?

Again, I want wi-fi and maybe an app or two, and I want more than 5mp's that the ipod touch has.