Camera Advice?

[seanmully]

Hi everyone, new "photographer" here. I've been semi-interested in photography for a few years now but I haven't bought a camera since like 2005 (the camera, a coolpix, bit the dust a while ago), I usually rely on family members' cameras on vacations and what not. But this summer we're going to Ireland and I'd like to have my own camera to get some shots b/c it will be beautiful there. However I did just buy an iPhone 4S, do you think it will suffice compared to a point and shoot? I'm debating whether or not I should buy a point and shoot for the trip. I'm a student and I just dropped $400 on this iPhone so a DSLR is way out of my price range. My uncle that's going with us is the "photographer" of the family, he has a D90 I believe. But I honestly think I could get better (more creative) shots then him.

So do you think the iPhone's camera will do? Or would it be worth investing in a point and shoot? and if you think I should buy one, what would you recommend?

My only concern with the iPhone's camera is the DOF isn't that great unless you're close up, and the low light performance isn't all that great.

Thanks for the help.

 

[Designer]

We would all love to spend your money for you, but perhaps in this case, you could simply borrow your uncle's camera, or perhaps rent one just for the trip. Meanwhile, the shots you take with the i-phone will fill in for memorability shots. Try not to get hung up on making photographs while you are on vacation. Unless you are well versed in the camera, and have plenty of time, you will seldom get "contest winners".

 

[tirediron]

It really depends on what you want out of the images... I would never be happy shooting with an iPhone simply because I "need" all my accessories, my filters, tripod, remote release, ad nauseum.... BUT all of that has very little to do with creativity. My suggestion would be to hit Craig's List and look for something like a used Canon G10 - G12 which are selling locally for between $200-350. These are VERY capable cameras at the top end of the point & shoot range, and are small enough to fit in pockets, day-packs etc.

 

[analog.universe]

I think what I would miss most on the iPhone is shooting RAW honestly. The glass is terrible, but that's not as much of a creativity limiter as only getting beat up JPGs.

The Canon G series is a great suggestion. The S90 - S100 are also really nice, more portable than the G's but the ergonomics aren't as nice. Great image quality out of both however.