How Phones Are Changing the Camera Industry

Smartphone cameras have dramatically impacted the way people take pictures. Not too long ago, if you wanted to document an experience in your life, you had to have a camera on you, have film loaded up, and snap your picture knowing you’ll be waiting several weeks before you can even see the results.

That’s no longer the case. Now, all you need to do when you want to record a memory is simply grab your phone and take a high-quality pic you’ll be proud to share on Instagram.

That’s why it comes as no surprise that some believe smartphone cameras may render traditional cameras obsolete for the average consumer in the near future. Although professional photographers may still require specialized equipment, most people will be more than satisfied with the picture quality they get from a phone.

It’s also worth noting that there are many apps which enhance a smartphone camera’s existing features. Users like being able to edit their photos as soon as they take them. As companies continue developing iOS apps and Android apps, these capabilities should expand as well.

Again, professional photographers will still opt for professional-quality equipment. They need large sensor cameras to get the results they desire. Current smartphone cameras don’t feature large enough sensors for their needs. However, that doesn’t mean professionals are completely unimpressed by the technology.

Consider how Eric Adams reacted to the performance of several smartphone cameras. Adams is a professional photographer who tested the cameras on the Apple iPhone 7, a Google Pixel XL, and  Huawei Mate 9 by using them to shoot a car in various lighting conditions. He also shot the car with the professional camera he typically uses. While it still delivered more impressive results than the smartphones, Adams was surprised to find the smartphones performed better than expected. This was true even in low light.

That means smartphone cameras almost certainly meet the needs of the average consumer. A smartphone camera is also a more convenient product than an individual camera. Instead of bringing a separate device with you every time you think you might want to take pictures, you can spontaneously take quality photos with your phone. This gives amateur photographers greater freedom to develop their skills and experiment with different techniques.

These points solidify the argument that smartphones will replace traditional cameras in the near future. While they may not take the place of professional photography gear anytime soon, they will make cameras unnecessary for most consumers. Developers can take advantage of this trend by creating apps that make smartphone cameras even more useful.