Best Camera to Have

The dictum is true: the best camera is the one with you. 

There is no point having an expensive (large/heavy) camera, only to leave it sitting in your dry cabinet.

My journey in Photography really started with my iPhone 3GS, which I got in 2009, before it getting stolen in 2010 (sigh).
(For me) the iPhone changed the paradigm for mobile photography, and it isn't the camera built in - which was ok, but not fantastic.

Why do I like the iPhone?
Firstly, it's with you at all times.
And within one device, you can take a picture (discretely), process it (with more apps than you can possibly learn), then upload it immediately.

I loved the iPhone for that versatility, and had great fun. Here's just a few examples of my mobile phone pictures.

1.Candid - Tourists

This was a picture taken in Forbidden City. The iPhone allowed me to stealthily take this candid shot (I snapped this from the hip, and kept walking) of a bunch of tourist taking a rest. 









2. Landscape - Lake District

The phone shoots well (like most cameras will) when the light is good. 







3.Architecture - British Museum

Mid day harsh light - but good indoors. I love the British Museum (both content and architecture) - and this is good play on lines and shadows - and the light gave a nice hue to the glass ceiling. Not the best quality picture, but for my purpose - good enough job. 

 4.Apps - Philippines
I took this one lunch time, looking up, I liked the pattern of the lamp shades, snapped - then processed it on the spot (I don't remember which free app I used), and uploaded it to facebook.





5.Apps - Singapore National Day parade

Another fun thing I did.I went to the NDP, and shot with my iPhone. One the apps allowed me to do this "Inception" like effect.

6.Apps - Beijing


This is my favorite App for all: tilt-shift generator, which makes your pictures look like miniatures. I had great fun, and used this lots! The best... US$1.99 spent.




Summary
There are limitations to a camera phone. I was not happy with it especially in low light. I'm sure the latest iPhone 4S has decent resolution now, and slightly bigger aperture - but it just can't compare with the bokeh (out of focus bits of the picture) and low light ability of a DSLR. Then again, a DSLR cannot compare with the portability/use of use/stealth of a mobile camera.


I hope to share with you, that you don't need an expensive camera to take (good) pictures. Cameras don't take pictures, people do. You cannot compensate a "bad eye" with a good camera.

Whatever (camera) you have with you, know its limitation, then use it to its strength! 

Most importantly, keep your camera with you, and keep shooting.