Will Cameras in iPods Replace P&S?

[jgrindal]

http://www.wired.com/gadgetlab/2009/...ods-game-over/

Interesting to think about. The fact is, most people don't have a concept for quality of picture (look at the volume of 'mirror shots' or 'hold the camera above your head and take a photo shots' on facebook).

Could the widespread availability of crappy cameras attached to phones / iPods replace the P&S market?

[Daniel Bates]

What, they haven't already?

[crackhead]

the iPod option inside of iPhones has replaced regular iPods already.

[janikphoto]

will digital replace film? Will the automobile replace the horse and buggy? What does the future hold? Yeah, average people want an all-in-one wonder for everyday shots.

[toverman]

The iPhone has shown us what little can be combined into one device, just makes sense because you're more likely to have your phone on you than a camera (unless you are a member of this forum).

I was thinking the other day how the touch-screen interface has come such a long way recently. There's at least one larger-format digital camera system (I think it's Phase One) that offers a back with touch-screen menus. It's only a matter of time before digital SLRs have the same interface, replacing all the buttons with a monster screen. It's about the only way the LCDs can get bigger in a manageable package.

[jgrindal]

Originally Posted by toverman

The iPhone has shown us what little can be combined into one device, just makes sense because you're more likely to have your phone on you than a camera (unless you are a member of this forum).

I was thinking the other day how the touch-screen interface has come such a long way recently. There's at least one larger-format digital camera system (I think it's Phase One) that offers a back with touch-screen menus. It's only a matter of time before digital SLRs have the same interface, replacing all the buttons with a monster screen. It's about the only way the LCDs can get bigger in a manageable package.

That could be a problem for me, as I routinely jam my nose up against the LCD. I can just picture the 'Erase All Images?" Menu option being RIGHT THERE.

[toverman]

Originally Posted by jgrindal

That could be a problem for me, as I routinely jam my nose up against the LCD. I can just picture the 'Erase All Images?" Menu option being RIGHT THERE.

Will probably have a lock like the iPod/iPhone where you'd have to "unlock" the screen to make it functional. But this is just a guess.

If you haven't, you might consider an eyepiece extender to give your face more room behind the camera.

[janikphoto]

One large screen might be easier to seal up than a bunch of tiny buttons. It might make the cameras more weather resistant. Not a bad idea...

[toverman]

Originally Posted by janikphoto

One large screen might be easier to seal up than a bunch of tiny buttons. It might make the cameras more weather resistant. Not a bad idea...

I wish I could patent the idea, but I have a feeling it's already been worked on. The thought came to me that on some DSLRs with 3-inch screens now, the buttons have had to be relocated on some of them that borders on making the cameras hard to handle. The touch screens could allow photogs to organize the buttons any way they want on the interface, and covering nearly the entire back of a camera allow multiple images to be more easily viewed. Maybe even show the results of in-camera image stitching. Sealing one screen does seem more reliable than multiple buttons and an LCD screen.

Stay tuned!

[ggeen]

My guess is not until the quality gets better. I was at the Dallas Auto Show back in February. We were standing next to the concept car. This girl and her boyfriend liked the car but did not bring a camera. BF said, "I can just use my iPhone." Her response was classic: "No, they always look like crap."

[crackhead]

Who knows how these touchscreens will hold up over 4,5, or 6 years of use. I know it's de facto to upgrade phones/cameras/computers/everything every 1.5 to 2 years now but I like to hold on to my equipment for upwards for 5 years

[laanba]

I wasn't wild about my point and shoot anyway so for me, yes, my iPhone is going to replace it. At least I'm going to try it out that way for a while. It is definitely a very convenient video camera as I discovered on the 4th of July.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/laanba/3689347154/