How can smartphones be better than a dedicated camcorder?

[filipcro]

For example, I was looking at reviews and video samples(1080x,60fps) of Sony Xperia Z2 vs Sony HDR-CX240.
And the smartphone definitely has better image quality and specs.

How can this be when the camcorder is 4 times larger than the smartphone and the smartphone is not even all that expensive given how it is also a mobile computer and phone?

Does it even make sense to buy dedicated cameras/camcorders anymore?

 

[Lemonparty]

I can help you with that. It is a common misconception that smart phones cameras are capable of recording as well as a dedicated camcorder. One thing any photographer can tell you is the size of your aperture and size of the actual sensor of your camera matter a lot more then just the resolution not to mention Mega pixels which is a whole other thing. To sum it up tiny camera make tiny picture tiny picture no look good when blown up to size of computer screen. Tiny camera make grainy picture because of tiny phone compression.

 

[mmntech]

It all boils down to image sensor size. When you have a larger sensor, you collect more light and produce a clearer image.

The HDR-CX240 camcorder has a 1/5.8'' sensor, which is pretty standard for a budget camcorder. These things only sell for about $200. Despite having better optics, you're only going to get mediocre image quality out of something like this.

The Xperia X2 has a relatively large (for a smartphone) 1/2.3'' sensor. Hence better quality.

This is a good example of why budget camcorders aren't really worth the money. For about $400 on Amazon, you can get a Canon Rebel EOS T5. It has an APS-C sensor, which is roughly 76 times bigger than the CX420's. That's going to shoot some really good video. Sure, it doesn't have OIS, but you should be using a tripod anyway.

 

[zCypher]

It all depends on your needs. I would say if you're shopping at the bottom of the camcorder barrel, then your findings are unsurprising and maybe don't even bother.

Most decently spec'd devices will take good pictures under good conditions, including cell phones. I have a number of favorite pics I've taken with phones and they look great, even at relatively large sizes. Where you really see the difference in capabilities is when the requirements are greater, or the conditions are poorer.

Example, you're trying to shoot a moving subject in poor light. That's not going to happen with a cell phone or cheap camcorder. at least not with good results. With video, you have the whole audio side of things and editing.

Does it make sense to buy dedicated equipment that is purposefully designed for photography or videography? Yes, obviously, otherwise the markets for those wouldn't exist. Does it make sense for you? Well that would depend entirely on you and what you picture/video needs are. Cell phones have improved by leaps and bounds there, so for many people, their cell phones are replacing the low end point and shoot cameras. This is only really possible in the past few years.. and they will continue improving.

 

[filipcro]

if you're shopping at the bottom of the camcorder barrel.

You are talking out of your ass, all reviews say that Sony HDR-CX240 is better than $100 more expensive camcorders.

 

[filipcro]

Btw, can modern camcorders be used as webcams for live-streaming, via Skype, Twitch, etc.?

 

[WelshBloke]

Smartphones don't have optical zooms.
Camcorders without a decent zoom really suck.

 

[Fardringle]

You are talking out of your ass, all reviews say that Sony HDR-CX240 is better than $100 more expensive camcorders.

While the Sony is good for that budget range, it's still a very low budget and relatively low quality device.

Your argument is like saying "But the Walmart mountain bike is better than the Shopko mountain bike!" They're both still junk compared to a decent bike.

Btw, can modern camcorders be used as webcams for live-streaming, via Skype, Twitch, etc.?

Some can, yes, but you probably won't find that capability in most low budget cameras. To use a budget camera like the Sony HDR-CX240 as a webcam, you'd have to use the camera's video out port (normally used for copying the recorded video to a VCR or displaying it on a TV) and connect it to a video capture device in your computer. Cameras designed to do it will have a standard USB port and software that will let the computer use the camera as a webcam.

 

[Syborg1211]

While the Sony is good for that budget range, it's still a very low budget and relatively low quality device.

Your argument is like saying "But the Walmart mountain bike is better than the Shopko mountain bike!" They're both still junk compared to a decent bike.

^This.

Also consider that low and mid-end dedicated camcorders are becoming obsolete, and camera-makers are focusing on having good video support in their digital cameras that do both photo and video. Check out the Canon S110 or S120. Those have fantastic video capabilities for the price. I don't think there's been any innovation in low end camcorders in years.

I also want to highlight what someone else was saying about conditions mattering. You have to have apples to apples comparisons for photo and video. It is highly unfair to compare a phone video of someone outside in the bright sun (lots of data for the light sensor to detect) versus another camera video of someone indoors or at night (much less light indoors or at night).

 

[shortylickens]

Dedicated items are almost always better. But smartphones have gotten decent enough that the average person doesnt care. They're better than Polaroids thats for damn sure.


Wait, theres one exception, possibly. The Samsung camera with Android. It might be better than some of the worst low-end cameras.

 

[adhdrunsme]

Are there any cameras on any smartphones that are better than cameras on digital cameras?

 

[adhdrunsme]

Which smartphone has the best digital camera out at the moment

 

[adhdrunsme]

, that's not an iPhone by the way because I can't and will not get my phone

 

[Zodiark1593]

My old 3.1 Mpix Kyocera from 2003 took better shots than many of today's smartphones, low light is absolutely a slaughter.

 

[yhelothar]

Which smartphone has the best digital camera out at the moment

Nokia Lumia 808 Pureview. It has a significantly larger sensor than most compact digital cameras that carry a 1/2.3" sensor.