Is it truly fair to compare a high-end digital SLR camera, costing around $3,000, to a cell phone camera, like one found in a $500 Nokia device? At first glance, the comparison seems absurd. However, when you examine the advancements in mobile photography, the lines begin to blur. Consider these two photographs: can you discern which was captured with a professional Canon 5D equipped with a 50mm F1.4 lens, and which was taken with a Nokia N82 cell phone camera?
To truly appreciate the nuances, visit my Flickr account and explore the album dedicated to this comparison. By selecting the “All Sizes” option, you can view the images at their full resolution, enabling a more detailed assessment. This deeper dive reveals a fascinating truth about the capabilities of modern cell phone cameras.
Nokia N82 beach sunset photo
Upon closer inspection, it’s undeniable that images produced by a professional SLR camera still hold a quality edge. Yet, this isn’t the core message. The crucial takeaway is the remarkable progress in cell phone photography. The most regrettable photograph is invariably the one left uncaptured because your camera was absent. While dedicated photography enthusiasts, like Thomas Hawk, might carry their professional cameras everywhere (he is known for using a Canon 5D), for the average person, a cell phone is a constant companion. I personally carry my cell phone at all times, whereas my 5D accompanies me only a fraction of the time. Consequently, a cell phone is far more likely to be on hand to seize spontaneous and interesting moments. In a related vein, Thomas Hawk recently shared insightful posts: ten lessons learned from Ansel Adams and twelve strategies to ensure you never miss a photo opportunity.
How does the Nokia N82 stack up against its predecessor, the N95? The N82 boasts an improved camera, and overall, it’s a preferable phone. However, it does have a significant drawback: incompatibility with AT&T’s 3G network. This limitation impacts features like video streaming on platforms like Qik, making the experience less seamless on the N82.
