Attached Link: What does the future hold?

Wondering if anyone else has thoughts.  I'm constantly after my daughter-in-law and daughter to put the phone down and take photos with a "real" camera but is the phone the direction cameras are taking?  I know it isn't time to think about switching from an SLR or DSLR to a Smartphone, etc., but maybe flexibility is in order and looking forward, we may find cameras changing.  Looking back, the changes over time have been remarkable taking us from large expandible boxes to simple accordian models and on to instamatic doo-hickies and now digital exposures. 

What can we realistically look forward to and in spite of how much we all love our current camera, perhaps we will be hanging on tightly to them as some photographers currently do with their 35mms.

Yup, that is the big question. I got exactly that camera for my birthday gift the 26th and I was really unsure, that I would be happy for it. I decided to give it a chance. My son was to blame for buying this together with my husband. Need I say my son is a computer freak? So he convinced my hubby that this was the last new wonder.

But honestly, why do I need a camera with a smartphone in it. I already got a stationary, a laptop, a tablet... AND a Galaxy note. SO why on earth giving me this little thing.  Dont know, but I am slowly begining to like it.  

I still dont use other than the camera function and I dont even want a sim card to it, as I almost never use the cell phone I already have, so why would I use one now?  I never asked for a camera... I wanted to be the one who decided which camera I wanted, I wanted a "Really" one. But maybe this IS a really one. It just has more than a camera. I have discovered this is a good little point and shoot. It has anti shake.  It has easy settings like any other camera has, just you find them on the screen instead of turning a wheel for macro and such. I can change to PRO, so that I can make my own settings. It can be used on a tripod if I like, It has a super zoom and a pretty good macro function too,   but it still looks like a toy to me.  

I guess, they have to invent new stuff all the time to keep up with the competitors to stay alive. Therefor this opposite of a smartphone with a camere. A Camera with a smartphone.  what will be the next.. One that can make coffee too?

I first learned how to program on a refrigerator sized computer in high school in 1967, bought a personal computer very soon after they first became available & spent over 20 years as an information technology specialist, so I have no problem with new technology. But I've never believed in adopting techology just to keep up with trends or friends. My rule of thumb is to determine whether the technology fits in with how I as an individual like to do things & whether it enhances my experience. That answer will be different for each person, which is how it should be.

The switch from 35mm to digital was a no-brainer for me. No more film to buy, no running out of film, no need to make prints & the ability to postwork & transform your photos in almost infinite variations. But I don't do Facebook & I've never even upgraded my cell phone to a smartphone. I probably spend too much of my time when I'm home online & the last thing I want to do is spend my time when I'm outside connected also. So cameras with phone & online connectivity have no appeal to me. I own a tablet, but I don't carry it around with me & only use it when I'm traveling to check the news & my email at night (it replaced a laptop only because it's smaller & lighter). And I got one of the few tablets that has a full size SD card slot, so I can easily review the day's photos on it's 10 inch screen.

My guess is that connectivity for cameras will be a passing fad, but I could be completely wrong - it certainly wouldn't be the first time...

I know I like knowing what I have in my hand - "this is a camera."  "This is a cell phone."  "These are my car keys."  And so on. I like items that have a single purpose. That way if one function goes on the fritz, I'm only out the one thing and it doesn't mess up a whole gizmo. (Please don't let my "tech-talk" confuse you...)  It's like when they came out with the TVs with the built in VHS player in it...If the TV went out, the VHS player was trash even if it wasn't broken because what could you watch the movie on? I like things that FEEL substantial as well because it makes me feel spending 6 months worth of my savings on it really BOUGHT me something and not some flimsy toy.

*I've been one of the worst when it comes to moving up with modern technology because I don't understand why you need something "better" when you already have something that fits your needs and works well.  I may be changing my mind though if I lose support for the electronics I own... Sort of like that VHS player..........................

What ever people switch to you still need to find a nice location, compose the image and process it. Or in the case of something like portraits you still need to select the most flattering lighting. The use of smartphones is OK for anyone who just wants to snap away. If you are serious about photograhy then a decent camera and lens is currently the answer. I say currently because maybe one day techonolgy will advance and the "latest gimic" will be both able to offer top quality and be affordable.

But this is coming from a guy who doesnt know how to text, couldnt give a monkeys about the likes of Facebook or Twitter and see the modern phones and ipads as glorified toys that seem to consume a ridiculous amount of time that could otherwise be spent in a more enjoyable way. Nothing irritates me more than to be in some beautiful location and see people walking around with headphones on being unable to take in the beauty of nature or people either contiually texting or playing soem mind numbing game.

 

Jessops one of the large companies selling cameras and photographic equipment, here in the UK, has just gone to the wall so you are probably correct in your thinking.

No pity for Jessops. Another one of those companies that expanded and put all the private shops out of business. All those lovely shops with helpful staff and the personal touch, and once they had gone then most of the Jessops shops could hardly be bothered to serve you and the selection of goods reduced to a few cameras and a couple of tripods and manned by 10 year olds who just wanted to get through the day.

Like Olan Mills who put many good photograghers out of business they wont be missed.

Interesting link PK.

God Bless.