Are point and shoot cameras obsolete

[gevorg]

I can easily see how it would make more sense to use phone cameras for every-day/simple snapshots, while having a DSLR for events and special occasions.

 

[GTaudiophile]

Not yet but we are getting there.

The problem I foresee is there is no way to add optical zoom without a motorized lens, adding bulk to the phone.

Also on the other end, I don't see a way for a P&S to offer the feature to instantly upload to a social network service without adding cell phone service.

It would be nice to see a two product combo that lets you combine a DSLR/P&S with your cell phone to instantly upload.

All you need to fix that is to add Bluetooth or Wifi connectivity to a camera to sync with a Smartphone. Problem solved.

 

[oogabooga]

I can easily see how it would make more sense to use phone cameras for every-day/simple snapshots, while having a DSLR for events and special occasions.

Replace DSLR with P&S and that's probably how most people use their cameras.

My folks are using their phone cameras more and more, but anytime they want to take a picture of something they grab their P&S to capture it. And when they really want a nice picture of it, I have to haul my DSLR over to do so... like their new devil puppy who never sits still for a second to take pictures of.

 

[Texashiker]

My wife takes about 50/50 between her dslr and her smart phone.

As other people in this thread have pointed out, my wife takes quick pics with her smart phone. But when it comes to something important, like pictures of the grandkids, she pulls out her canon rebel ti.

For the point and shoot, my wife might use her point and shoot once in a blue moon.

Myself, since I do not have a smart phone, all I use is a point and shoot.

 

[mastertech01]

I have a backup G12 and it is a great camera for a P&S, especially coupled with the 270EX flash. Not obsolete at all.

 

[KevinH]

Replace DSLR with P&S and that's probably how most people use their cameras.

My folks are using their phone cameras more and more, but anytime they want to take a picture of something they grab their P&S to capture it. And when they really want a nice picture of it, I have to haul my DSLR over to do so... like their new devil puppy who never sits still for a second to take pictures of.

Agreed. Vast majority use P&S for "serious" pictures and cell phones for casual pictures.

DSLR users are still a tiny, tiny %.

 

[Damascus]

No. There are still reasons to have them.

Compact cameras with large zoom ranges like Canon SX series or Panasonic ZS/TZ series with IS and 1080p movie recording for traveling.

Compact cameras with fast lenses and larger sensors like Canon G series or Panasonic LX for serious pictures.

They still do things that people would like that you won't be seeing in mobile phone cameras any time soon.