Phone or camera

[Pamnkevin]

I have a decent camera...nothing fancy, and I have a nice phone...Samsung Galaxy Note 4.

Do you think I should bring the camera or just rely on my phone for pics and video? I have a 64GB micro SD card in it and also a spare battery.

 

[havoc315]

A good smart phone camera can be superior to many very basic cameras. The main advantage of bringing a basic point and shoot, is that the point and shoot likely has some optical zoom.
If you are comfortable with the wide angle shots you are taking with the phone, then there really is no reason to bring a basic p&s.
You'll have many advantages of using just the phone -- including being able to instantly share photos, apply filters, etc.

 

[Pamnkevin]

Thanks...that is what I was thinking. I just wanted some opinions since I've never gone on vacation and ONLY relied on my phone for pics and video.

 

[xlxo]

I bring both....

• does the phone do optical zoom?
• is the phone flash good enough for you? Love my DSLR flash.
• how does the camera image compare to the phone image ON THE COMPUTER SCREEN?
• are you prepared to hand over a $700 phone to a stranger for a picture? I guess you'll be packing a selfie stick (if they allow you to use it)

 

[photo_chick]

I know a lot of people who are perfectly happy with using their phones 100% of the time. However, I'd stick the camera in a suit case just in case if it were me. Better to have it and not need it then to need it and not have it.

 

[RustManFan]

I love the zoom that only a camera can offer!

 

[ChosenBelle]

I took my phone ONLY last year & didn't completely regret it (mainly because we had the memory maker) but this year I am definitely taking my nicer camera. I missed a lot of moments like the character meals & my daughters reaction to everything. I documented it with my phone but nothing really print & frame worthy.

 

[jec6613]

You gain three major benefits by bringing your camera:

1. Zoom (as mentioned), and generally better optics and smaller depth of field.
2. Low light capability ... even a 7 year old point and shoot is better (though not by much) in low light than the newest cell phones.
3. You're not killing your cell phone batteries taking photos all day.

And one smaller benefit, cameras are generally better to use (ergonomically) as cameras than your phone. So long as it's small, I'd bring it anyway.

 

[havoc315]

You gain three major benefits by bringing your camera:

1. Zoom (as mentioned), and generally better optics and smaller depth of field.
2. Low light capability ... even a 7 year old point and shoot is better (though not by much) in low light than the newest cell phones.
3. You're not killing your cell phone batteries taking photos all day.

And one smaller benefit, cameras are generally better to use (ergonomically) as cameras than your phone. So long as it's small, I'd bring it anyway.

1 is correct... In terms of better zoom. Good smart phones though have wider apertures than most p&s cameras.

2 isn't so true. The iPhone 6 and 6+, for example, with their advanced processor and wide aperture lenses, can actually do better in low light than many p&s cameras. Or at least do less badly.

I've gotten to the point where if I'm not going to carry a massive full frame dslr, I'd rather just stick with my phone. Though in most cases, I do carry my massive full frame dslr.

 

[eds04]

My suggestion would be test it out while you are at home. Take the same type of shots you plan to take on your vacation, whether it be landscapes, action shots, or people... but take them with both your camera and phone and compare the two.

You will learn based on your phones and camera's functionality, as well as your use of each, the better way to go.

The other option is what type of trip you are on and whether you plan to carry a back pack or purse. I find that if I know I am going to be carrying a backpack for jackets, drinks, etc. that I would rather have my digital SLR with zoom lens for use.

Good Luck in whatever you decide and have fun!