Dueling Cameras


My original intent was for Australia to be my first trip traveling without a camera, just using my new iPhone 11 PRO to capture those “Kodak” moments. After all, that’s the only reason I upgraded — to take advantage of its improved camera with three, yes count ’em, THREE lenses.

I had been doing some soul searching, pondering exactly why I take pictures. I realized there are only two reasons: to remember, and to share. I know I will never be as skilled a photographer as my friend Nancy, or some of the other bloggers whose photos blow me away. So maybe I an lighten my load a bit more. At the last minute, however, I chickened out. My Canon SX740HS can fit in my pocket, weighs next to nothing, and has a 40X zoom, which might come in handy. After all, it’s not like I plan on coming back next week to take more photos, so why not?

Then I thought, I could take the same shot using my IPhone and my Canon, post them both, then let my blog followers decide which version they prefer. Or perhaps the difference might be too small to matter? Of course, I could have done that before I left home, but I didn’t think of it until we landed in Melbourne.

All shots are straight out of the source, with no adjustments.

One of Melbourne bridges over the Yarra, Version 1:

OR version 2

Sculpture Bridge Version 1

Version 2

After dinner last night, we walked over what I am calling the Sculpture Bridge. That’s when I discovered the “walls” along the bridge each bore the name of a country, in alphabetical order. I was already up to Canada before I noticed that, but I imagine the first panel bore the name of Afghanistan. The last panel was not Zimbabwe, but was instead “All Other Countries in the World”. Man, those Aussies are smart! They took into account how unpredictable global political entities are!

For this next comparison, I’m going to mix it up a little

Canada, Version 1

And USA, Version 2

Do you feel like you’re at the eye doctor? “Which is sharper, one or two”? I always HATE that experience, yet I’m doing it to you.

Some final shots before I wrap this up:

Version 1

Version 2

Or Version 3

I’d love to hear what you think!

Published by

Shelley

I am intensely curious, with a spirit of adventure that is tempered by my very strong aversion to anything with potential to cause pain. I love travel, photography, reading, gardening, yoga, music and propelling myself through space (biking, dancing, walking, dancing while walking). I've never considered a lack of proficiency in any of the previous activities to be a hindrance, counting on abundant enthusiasm to make up for my shortcomings.

12 thoughts on “Dueling Cameras”

  1. I like the deeper blues in Version 2 but honestly there is not enough difference in the two versions to belabor the issue…lighten your load….just carry your phone.😀

    Like

    Reply

  2. Okay, here goes. For the Yara photo I like version 1 because the background is sharper and the photo brighter. For the scupture bridge I like version 2 better even though it’s a bit darker (not as much sky could be the cause of that). I can’t choose between the sculptures because they are of different subjects. I like version 2 of the street scape better. Sharper, better colour. Now you’ll probably tell me I’m choosing some iPhone and some Canon which could tell you that there are times when using the iPhone would work better and others when using the Canon is better. So which is which??
    PS – Nice photos!

    Like

    Reply

    1. Thanks for your comment, Nancy. You proved what I suspected—- that composition is the main factor. The zoom on the iPhone, however, isn’t powerful enough for the distant animal shots that Mike captured with his Panasonic. I’ll get around to posting some of those in the future. This is a GREAT trip, so far.

      Like

      Reply

  3. I have traveled with just my iPhone, with my iPhone and my Nikon DSLR, and my iPhone and Canon PowerShot (small, like the one you described)… it really depends on what I expect to photograph. I think for a trip like you are on, I’d take my phone and my DSLR, unless the size/weight of it (it’s not large, but we all know about baggage restrictions) would make that too difficult to manage.

    My iPhone takes great pictures and they are certainly easier to share, but I get frustrated with the lack of zoom (maybe not true anymore with the 11?). I prefer to have a lens that gives me a wide angle and the ability to zoom.

    Here are my thoughts about your versions of images (what a great idea!): Version 1 of the white bridge is nicer. Better leading lines and it benefits from the wider angle. Version 2 of the gray bridge is better (just make sure you don’t lop off the tops of the buildings). I have no opinion about the country panels. Because they are transparent and you can see through to the background, it’s sort of hard to tell what’s going on. I like version 2 best of the walkway. Nice leading lines and I love the colors of the city lights and sky. Looks like you captured the blue hour.

    Have fun and continue to take lots of pictures!

    Like

    Reply

    1. You’re right, Janis. I find that the lack or presence of a viewfinder makes a difference. My canon doesn’t have one. The Panasonic LUMIX that I left at home is my only camera with a viewfinder. With an LED it is easy to chop off the photo, especially if the light is bright (which, as you noted, I did).
      Version 1 is canon, version 2 is iPhone, and the last 3 photos are all iPhone, using the 3 lenses.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

I'd love to hear YOUR thoughts! Please share them!

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.