Smartphone vs Point and Shoot Camera - Do you need an "actual" camera? | Bergen County Photographer

Smartphone cameras have come a long way. They have features that are very compatible to “actual” cameras, images are sharp and best of all it is always with you.

So, do you need that camera? The answer is it depends. Point and Shoot cameras (particularly high-end models) can have better image quality, optical zoom and wider dynamic range (meaning they perform better capturing and preserving details in dark shadows and in highlights).

Smartphone cameras tend to make up for these features with software, meaning they simulate the zoom, for example. That does not mean they are bad; it does they job and if your goal is to take a snapshot of your family and send to friends right away, it works very well. However, if you are looking for better sharpness and detail, high-end point and shoot cameras tend to be better especially since their sensors are usually larger, meaning more information is contained on the image file.

At the end of the day, the best camera is the one you have with you. If you don’t have the space e or budget for expensive and heavy equipment, the smartphone does the job and does it beautifully!