Why are people so against iPad Photography?

[MH01]

The list of Pros and Cons actually misses the biggest issues it has in regards to photography, AF system and Lenses.

I do not think you understand what Photography actually is. Sure you can use it take a picture... in the simplistic terms.

When I think of Photography I think of.

Getting the shot. Yes thats very sports oriented.... but an Ipad will also suck Landscape photography, portraits... etc etc. The only time its good is when you have no other camera. The best camera is the one you have with you at the time.

Actually the best answer so far was, Its not a Camera.

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Prejudice, ignorance, preference (there is better control and ergonomics on many of the other options out there), tendency to blame lack of artistic skill on tools, etc. Does it really matter? Do what you like. There's no point in trying to change the minds of those who have already made it up and aren't going to reconsider.


Nonsense. Serious photographers tend to use DSLR's and such but there are pro photographers that use camera phones as well. Broad, sweeping, generalizations like this always fail at some point.


A lot of people only understand the world in dichotomies. As always, consider the source.

Yup the Photography and film industry are idiots for spending a fortune of very expansive gear. They should just hand out iphones 4S and ipads and tell everyone to get artistic.

I am not saying your clueless, but apart from not having a DSLR handy, and having just the iphone around when you need to get the shot, who would use an Iphone over a DSLR for professional work?? And a pro... ha ha ha ha.

I shoot with a 1DMark IV, to be honest I doubt you even know what that is, or why I would pay that much for a camera, the camera is throw away in time anyway, its the lenses that matter. When I make a living out of pictures, I ain't going to get a action shot with a silly phone or tablet.

Sadly alot of people have no idea what they are talking about. Professional photography IS NOT what you think it is.

 

[notjustjay]

When I think of Photography I think of (picture of camera with 2-foot-long lens)

I shoot with a 1DMark IV, to be honest I doubt you even know what that is...

Sadly alot of people have no idea what they are talking about. Professional photography IS NOT what you think it is.

I'm going to go ahead and say that I don't think it's what YOU think it is either.

Hint: it's not a size contest.

 

[Leonard1818]

We have a nikon D3100 (or D300 or something...) either way, it was EXPENSIVE AS *****. My wife likes to take pictures and knows how to do that stuff and I really don't. She sold me on the "investment" cause she was pregnant and wanted something to document our baby.

To be honest, it blows me away. Like I said, I'm not into photography but I consider myself an "Average" consumer of pictures. That camera really does do 110% of what the "Average" person is after.

With that said I got my 4S and we've now made TWO mass-mailing cards (christmas and birthday invitations) featuring my daughter and both times they were taken with my phone camera. I asked around to those who received the cards and they were BLOWN AWAY by the fact that the pictures on the cards were taken with my CELL PHONE.

the moral of my story is that cell phone cameras are adequate point and shoot cameras for 99.9% of people. I'm really REALLY pumped about the camera on the upcoming iPad. I think my wife will get some great shots of my daughter while using it. It's not always practical to go fire up the DSLR.

 

[MH01]

I'm going to go ahead and say that I don't think it's what YOU think it is either.

Hint: it's not a size contest.

When it comes to sports photography, hate to tell you mate it is. He with the biggest fastest lens and awesome AF gets the shot. Check out the sidelines of any sporting event.... yup no Ipads.....

If you think an Ipad can beat a DSLR for any photography, you have no idea. Probably one of those shooters that leaves thier camera on Auto mode.....

 

[erawsd]

No one is going to use the iPad's camera for professional work -- that's not what it was design for anyway. The camera is for capturing "those" moments in your life or uploading goofy crap to facebook/reddit, and it appears this new camera will do a great job of that.

 

[maclook]

The iPad video that shows the people taking video on the beach is like the worst scenario. Water, sand, and direct sunlight. Three things I keep my iPad away from.

 

[iBookG4user]

Eh? People actually use the camera on the iPad for anything besides video calling? The thought of using my iPhone or iPad for anything photography related is just so far removed from my mind. My philosophy is either use a good camera or don't take the picture at all. Because every time I look at the picture I'll just be thinking about how terrible it looks with the bad camera on the 4s or iPad.

 

[EdMan]

I went to a New Years party and the host was taking pictures with her iPad 2. They were by far the worst looking group of pictures I have ever seen. She may have gotten 1 or2 good pics out of 15. That told me then that the iPad should not be a first option for a camera!!!

 

[urkel]

Whats with all the comparisons to Professional photography here? I never claimed "the iPad is equal to a pro camera" and was only asking why people are so against iPad Photography but the responses just seemed to further that observation and so many responses trying to disprove peoples photography skills for no reason. It's quite odd.

Anyway, I use Prime lenses when I have them on me, but with the new software and hardware then it does seem pretty cool to be able to have a self contained workflow where you can both shoot and display the photo within minutes even if the result doesn't match up to some peoples expectations of "Professional Work".

Responses BEFORE The new iPad Announcement

I think you'll see some usage but it's unlikely to take over since people truly serious about photography are more likely to use a DSLR or dedicated camera (optical zoom, anyone?)

It's not like photography classes hand out iPads to students.

And I hope you're not serious, you could not survive if you're a reall photographer with even the iPhone 4S, much less the iPad camera. What is it, like 2 pixels?

No zoom, no focus, no settings at all. You must not know anything aboht photography.

Anyone purchasing an iPad to use as their primary camera is setting themselves up for a world of hurt. Just because you don't own an iPhone doesn't mean you can't own a camera.

Responses AFTER The new iPad Announcement

Avatar was not filmed by and iPad, you know

If Apple wanted you to have a camera, they would have made one. iPhone is good enough for basic point and shoot photography now anyways. iPad will be good enough for basic point and shoot photography but not serious photography.

I do not think you understand what Photography actually is. Sure you can use it take a picture... in the simplistic terms.

When I think of Photography I think of.

Image

Sadly alot of people have no idea what they are talking about. Professional photography IS NOT what you think it is.

When it comes to sports photography, hate to tell you mate it is. He with the biggest fastest lens and awesome AF gets the shot. Check out the sidelines of any sporting event.... yup no Ipads.....

If you think an Ipad can beat a DSLR for any photography, you have no idea. Probably one of those shooters that leaves thier camera on Auto mode.....

No one is going to use the iPad's camera for professional work -- that's not what it was design for anyway.

 

[Nightprowler]

Check out the sidelines of any sporting event.... yup no Ipads.....

Oh man that made me laugh.

Whats with all the comparisons to Professional photography here? I never claimed "the iPad is equal to a pro camera" and was only asking why people are so against iPad Photography but the responses just seemed to further that observation and so many responses trying to disprove peoples photography skills for no reason. It's quite odd.

Sadly that's the way a lot of photogs are. I like your break down though.

I also think its funny that people assume that you mean you only intend to use the iPad.

I have 3 cameras I use situation dependent, phone, P&S, DSLR. But I can tell you right now with the new iPad I wouldn't hesitate to take a pic with it, assuming of course I had my iPad with me and DSLR was at home.

 

[linkgx1]

Wirelessly posted (Mozilla/5.0 (iPhone; CPU iPhone OS 5_0_1 like Mac OS X) AppleWebKit/534.46 (KHTML, like Gecko) Version/5.1 Mobile/9A405 Safari/7534.48.3)

I agree, they could put an amazing camera in this one, but then what would they give us in the future? If companies really wanted to, they could make cameras all 10+ MP, but then they have nothing to keep in back pocket or hold out on to use as an "upgrade factor" in future models. They don't wanna lap the technology, economics and supply and demand factor.

Give this man the Internet this is why Apple seems to lack features their competitors have. Striptease

 

[whtrbt7]

I don't think there are any reasons why you can't use the iPad for point and shoot photography. It's just not a device that was meant for capturing images. Primarily the cameras are used for video and conveying information via images. Photography implies the art and science of creating durable images. The iPad can be used for artistic photography but it would be a pretty serious handicap. While a bigger screen does mean easier viewing, it doesn't equate to better composition. The reason why people ridicule iPad photography is that it looks pretty ridiculous just due to the resolution and quality of the images. With the new 5MP camera with the f/2.4 lens, the iPad is marginally better for taking photos but is still behind the times.

 

[macrat]

Whats with all the comparisons to Professional photography here? I never claimed "the iPad is equal to a pro camera" and was only asking why people are so against iPad Photography but the responses just seemed to further that observation and so many responses trying to disprove peoples photography skills for no reason. It's quite odd.

Anyway, I use Prime lenses when I have them on me, but with the new software and hardware then it does seem pretty cool to be able to have a self contained workflow where you can both shoot and display the photo within minutes even if the result doesn't match up to some peoples expectations of "Professional Work".
[/b]

I agree. I have an iPhone 4S and I use it a lot too and so are other "Pro" photographer friends I know. Incidentally, most of them, including myself are also planning to replace our iPad2s with the new one. It would be excellent to show clients your portfolio or a preview of their pictures on the Retina screen.

And of course, it wouldn't be stupid to shoot sports w/iPads or iPhones, if you forgot to bring your $3000 DSLR with the $6000 lens. yes?

 

[shootingstar64]

And of course, it wouldn't be stupid to shoot sports w/iPads or iPhones, if you forgot to bring your $3000 DSLR with the $6000 lens. yes?

took that pic at last years NRHA futurity,.... rider is the actor and musician Lyle Lovett - this pic got high rates in several art and photography as well as horse sports related magazines and forums - i took this with my iphone as i forgot to bring my professional equipment to the show grounds that day

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[Alvesang]

Just on a side note, I'd love to use the iPad as complementary photo equipment more often. It'd be just awesome if developing RAW files was possible. One of my biggest future technologies wishes is a wireless straight from DSLR to iPad RAW transmission and a Lightroom-esque RAW developing app. Right now the iPad just serves as a nice JPEG preview gadget, doing that very well, but it could be so much more.

But using it as a camera? No way.

 

[vbed]

Slightly OT but one of the reasons I am upgrading to a new iPad is to use it with my DSLR.

I have the camera connection kit and making use of the retina screen whilst out and about to check I have focus/colour balance right etc. and the ability to show friends/family the picture/video in HD seconds after I've taken it is going to be excellent.

 

[shootingstar64]

Just on a side note, I'd love to use the iPad as complementary photo equipment more often. It'd be just awesome if developing RAW files was possible. One of my biggest future technologies wishes is a wireless straight from DSLR to iPad RAW transmission and a Lightroom-esque RAW developing app. Right now the iPad just serves as a nice JPEG preview gadget, doing that very well, but it could be so much more.

But using it as a camera? No way.

Photogene for iPad

 

[macrat]

Photogene for iPad

I think Snapseed also accepts Raw files. The new iPhoto for iPad definitely, if you just want some quick edits before serious PP work on the computer.

 

[Nychot]

When it comes to sports photography, hate to tell you mate it is. He with the biggest fastest lens and awesome AF gets the shot. Check out the sidelines of any sporting event.... yup no Ipads.....

If you think an Ipad can beat a DSLR for any photography, you have no idea. Probably one of those shooters that leaves thier camera on Auto mode.....

No one is saying an iPad is going to replace a nikon dslr in the hands of someone who makes a living selling photos,sports photos etc. it just does a decent job to grab and shoot. and i would bet that if there had been someone with an iPad in the crowd around the "book suppository building "(line from full metal jacket) in dallas the day kennedy was shot and fired away with with the iPad they would have made a ton of money and become as famous as zapruder. my wife and i have professional cameras. they sit around. the iPad takes hundreds.

 

[thekev]

Eh? People actually use the camera on the iPad for anything besides video calling? The thought of using my iPhone or iPad for anything photography related is just so far removed from my mind. My philosophy is either use a good camera or don't take the picture at all. Because every time I look at the picture I'll just be thinking about how terrible it looks with the bad camera on the 4s or iPad.

Hehe... if you had your ipad with you, but not your camera, you would use it. The camera really is just one part of it. For me it's often difficult to look at the detail of a dslr. If there's any camera shake it can really kill things, especially if you're used to the look of medium format digital (including its lack of an AA filter). I always hated the anti aliased mush.

 

[notjustjay]

If you think an Ipad can beat a DSLR for any photography, you have no idea. Probably one of those shooters that leaves thier camera on Auto mode.....

If you can quote me wherever I said that I thought an iPad camera could beat a DSLR, then I will buy you the EF 800mm lens you depicted a few posts back. Oh, but of course you've probably already got one.

 

[Alvesang]

Thank you so much, shootingstar64 and macrat. I've never bothered even trying on my first generation iPad, but will give Snapseed a test drive tomorrow. Really, thanks a lot.

 

[iBookG4user]

Hehe... if you had your ipad with you, but not your camera, you would use it. The camera really is just one part of it. For me it's often difficult to look at the detail of a dslr. If there's any camera shake it can really kill things, especially if you're used to the look of medium format digital (including its lack of an AA filter). I always hated the anti aliased mush.

No, I wouldn't. I have my phone with me constantly and I refuse to use it for photography. I would just look at the image and wish that I had a real camera there to take the image with. Taking it with the iPhone or iPad would just frustrate me with its lack of image quality.

 

[fullmanfullninj]

When it comes to sports photography, hate to tell you mate it is. He with the biggest fastest lens and awesome AF gets the shot. Check out the sidelines of any sporting event.... yup no Ipads.....

If you think an Ipad can beat a DSLR for any photography, you have no idea. Probably one of those shooters that leaves thier camera on Auto mode.....

Yes, yes, we get it, you're a pro photographer. I don't think anyone here has made the claim that iPad camera = professional DSLR. Just because "photography" to you means bodies, lenses, grips, external flashes, batteries, (and "size" apparently...), etc, doesn't mean everyone on an Apple product rumor site will share that same definition. We get it, you're a pro photographer. Now stop being so closed minded. Photography is actually not defined as DSLRs and the "biggest fastest lens", it's different person to person.

I think an iPad is all right for your day-to-day needs. Not every shot needs to be perfection, and if for some reason I'm taking pictures of sports-related activities, I won't be expecting gold out of my iPad. I would think it's fine for normal things.

Btw MH01, I know what a 1D mkiv is (;

 

[LiloThePleo]

For a quick pic I grab my iPad every time. Sure the images aren't super, but it's fast, easy and I can upload them straight to Facebook or photobucket or wherever else I want them.

It may not be a great camera but its better than nothing. I daresay with the new iPad I shall never use my regular camera at home.

No one is claiming it's useful for a pro, but for the average joe in a bind it does the job. So get off your high horses and just consider it from other people's points of view.