Tool or Toy? The Apple iPad 2 for Photographers

AmazingGrace0385 · Mar 21, 2011

I so want the MacBook air! Right now I'm sportin' a Dell XPS... Yeah. I'm so going Mac in the near future.

usayit · Mar 21, 2011

By my definition no its not...

No more than MS paint as an image processor

I use mine as a second monitor to my laptop when working remotely (software development). I would not consider it a software development tool.

ngaerlan · Mar 21, 2011

To me the iPad or the iPad 2 is a good tool for photographers who are in the photography business because it is powerful enough for them to bring to show off their portfolio, yet powerful enough to swipe through high quality photos, if the photographer purchases the Apple SD dock they can import the recently taken photos of their clients and show them on the spot what their photos look like. I think every photographer should have one.

Nino Gaerlan Photography

SpeedTrap · Mar 21, 2011

usayit said:
By my definition no its not...

No more than MS paint as an image processor

I use mine as a second monitor to my laptop when working remotely (software development). I would not consider it a software development tool.

Well, the other thing is I store lighting setups in it, with diagrams and light power information, so in that aspect it is a photography tool. Yes, I could do this on a laptop, but it is not nearly as convenient . MS Paint is an image processor, it my be a very basic one, but it is still an image processor. And I work in a software development office and we do use them as development tools as well.

The base thing to remember is, it is what you make it. All systems have their weaknesses and strengths, it all depends how you use them and for what.
In my current work flow, it is lighter, more portable and has a much longer battery life than the alternatives. So for me it makes it the right choice. I do not think it is the right choice for everyone, but I did not realize the full potential until I got one.

Village Idiot · Mar 21, 2011

So a rocket blower doesn't have anything to do with the actual creation or process of creating an image, so it's not a photographer's tool? Neither is a lens pen or a camera bag or a camera strap or any of the many different accessories that people use every day, by your defition.

So then what are they? A photographer uses it as a tool, yet you don't view it as a photography tool? A table is a photography tool though, because it supports the object I'm taking a picture of and without it, I can't create the image that I want. So a table would be a photography tool? Just like how I can edit photos on my iPad and post them to my Flickr account by using the Adobe PS app and other apps. So by that definition it is a tool? If not, does that mean that no computer or image editing software is? Does that nullify a darkroom as well?

Your definition doesn't make a lot of sense to me.

Josh66 · Mar 21, 2011

usayit said:
What gets me is that many scoff at the idea of using a netbook as a photographer's device BUT somehow the Ipad is considered feasible?

I'm on an ASUS netbook right now... It was cheaper than most cell phones, and it can run everything I need for photography. Yes, the small screen (which is still bigger than an iPad) is not optimal, but it works... If I'm indoors, I can always just plug a monitor into it. Has USB and card reader too, like you mentioned. Hell, even monitor calibration. Can an iPad do that?

I think that the only thing an iPad might have over a netbook is battery life. This one can only go 4-5 hours without a power supply (depends a lot on what I'm doing - sometimes it's less than that)... Not sure how long an iPad can go, but it's probably longer than that.

usayit · Mar 21, 2011

VI your reachin.. keep going have fun

by that line of thought underwear is also a photographic tool

12sndsgood · Mar 21, 2011

i can freeball and take photos..... never mind lol.

for some people it will be useful and to others it won't. some people will want the power and size of a laptop and some will prefer the smaller layout of the ipad. no use getting into an argument where the answer will differ from person to person, its like arguing whats the best color.

orb9220 · Mar 21, 2011

"its like arguing whats the best color"

Well everyone knows that it is Blue! So there isn't anything to argue about!
.

SpeedTrap · Mar 21, 2011

orb9220 said:
"its like arguing whats the best color"

Well everyone knows that it is Blue! So there isn't anything to argue about!
.

Agreed, I think all parties can agree blue is best.

Bitter Jeweler · Mar 21, 2011

Forkie said:
I've allowed the whole iPad phenomenon pass over my head. I can't work out what the thing is actually for, it's not a laptop because you can't run your own software on it, it has no slots for memory cards or other peripherals and yet it's too big to put in your pocket. I think the iPhone is a much more important step in the world of personal media than the iPad. And as other's have said, until Apple and Adobe sort out their differences and give us Flash, it's online uses are somewhat limited.

Hahahahahaha...I love the nay sayers.

Online uses somewhat limited? The most I am limited is viewing amatuer photographer websites who insist on using flash because it sooooo coool, and not offer an alternative mobile site.
I have yet to be limited for things in which I need to use the web for. I can't think of even one instance where I have been upset that I can't do something because of the lack of flash. Typically when I run across that roadblock, it's nothing that matters to me anyhow.

The iPad serves my personal and business needs very well.

Posted from my iPad.