Taking Photos With a Tablet: Is It Worth It?

The Ubiquity of Tablet Photography

It’s a common sight: individuals utilizing iPads or Android tablets to capture images in public spaces. While this practice is often met with amusement, a question arises regarding its practicality.

The aesthetic of taking photos with a tablet is undeniably unconventional, and frequently draws attention. However, perceived social awkwardness doesn't automatically equate to a flawed methodology.

Addressing the Perception

Numerous observers have commented on the seemingly odd nature of using a tablet for photography. Yet, societal norms regarding technology adoption often evolve over time.

Consider the example of Bluetooth earpieces. Despite initial ridicule, these devices have become widely accepted and integrated into daily life for many users.

Functionality and User Needs

The core issue isn't necessarily the appearance, but whether a tablet can effectively fulfill the role of a camera. For casual snapshots and certain applications, the answer can be affirmative.

Tablets offer a larger viewing screen, which can be advantageous for framing shots and reviewing images immediately after capture. This is particularly useful for group photos or situations requiring precise composition.

Beyond the Initial Impression

While the visual of a raised tablet may appear unusual, dismissing the practice solely on aesthetic grounds overlooks potential benefits.

Ultimately, the suitability of a tablet as a camera depends on individual needs and priorities. The convenience and larger display can outweigh the perceived social drawbacks for some photographers.

Phone vs. Tablet Camera Hardware

Tablets frequently incorporate rear cameras, mirroring the functionality found in smartphones. However, the quality of these cameras often varies significantly.

Consider a comparison between Apple’s iPad Air and the iPhone 5s. The iPad Air’s rear “iSight Camera” records images at 5 megapixels, whereas the iPhone 5s captures photos at 8 MP. Furthermore, the iPhone 5s’s rear camera boasts enhanced features specifically designed to improve image quality.

Consequently, Apple’s flagship iPhone demonstrably possesses a more advanced rear-facing camera than its flagship iPad counterpart.

This trend extends beyond Apple’s product line. A similar pattern is observable across a wide range of devices, encompassing both Android tablets and smartphones. For instance, Samsung’s Galaxy Tab Pro 12.2 features an 8 megapixel rear camera, while their Galaxy S4 smartphone is equipped with a 13 MP camera.

It’s important to note that megapixel count isn't the sole determinant of camera performance. A camera with a lower megapixel rating can, in certain instances, outperform one with a higher rating due to other factors.

We are utilizing megapixels as a convenient indicator; when manufacturers like Apple or Samsung employ similar camera components, the higher megapixel camera is generally associated with increased cost and superior quality.

Generally, unless you possess an older or budget-friendly phone alongside a recent, high-end tablet, your smartphone will feature superior camera hardware. When presented with the choice, selecting your smartphone for photography will typically yield higher-quality results.

Manufacturers prioritize smartphone camera technology due to the greater frequency with which users employ them for capturing images, leading to the inclusion of more sophisticated and expensive camera systems in phones.

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The Rationale Behind Using a Tablet for Photography

Modern tablets are equipped with photographic capabilities comparable to those found on smartphones. This holds particularly true for devices running Android and Apple’s iPadOS. Even Windows-based tablets now incorporate camera applications mirroring smartphone functionality.

Consider the Microsoft Surface Pro, for instance. A simple swipe down from the lock screen activates the camera, effectively transforming the device into a larger, albeit less portable, camera. This allows users to utilize the tablet’s built-in camera for image capture.

For certain individuals, a tablet may present advantages over a smartphone for photographic purposes. A key benefit is the larger display area, which facilitates easier previewing of captured images. This is especially helpful for those with visual impairments, reducing the need for straining to view a smaller screen.

The expanded screen real estate of a tablet can make it the preferred choice for anyone requiring a more detailed preview before and after taking a picture.

Immediate Photo Editing Capabilities

Tablets offer the convenience of immediate photo editing following capture. Instead of relying on smartphone-based applications, users can leverage more robust and feature-rich tablet apps.

On a Windows tablet, images can even be directly opened in desktop-class software like Adobe Photoshop, eliminating the need for file transfers to a separate computer. Alternatively, cloud services such as Dropbox can be configured for automatic photo uploads from smartphones.

This seamless workflow streamlines the photographic process, allowing for quick adjustments and enhancements.

Larger screen for easier viewing.
Access to more powerful editing software.
Potential for direct editing in desktop applications.

The ability to instantly review and refine images on a larger screen, coupled with access to advanced editing tools, positions tablets as viable alternatives for photographic tasks.

The Disruptive Nature of Tablet Photography

Employing a tablet for photography can appear awkward and, more importantly, prove disruptive to those around you. The larger form factor frequently obstructs the view for others attempting to capture their own images or simply enjoy the scene.

Consider the scenario at a popular landmark: an individual raising an iPad to photograph the vista can inadvertently block the sightlines of fellow visitors.

Advantages of Smartphone Photography in Public Spaces

A smartphone presents a more discreet and practical alternative in such circumstances. Its compact size minimizes obstruction and attracts less unwanted attention.

Compared to a tablet, a phone occupies considerably less physical space, ensuring a less intrusive photographic experience for everyone involved.

Reduced Visibility: Smartphones are less conspicuous than tablets.
Minimal Obstruction: Their smaller size causes less interference with others' views.
Enhanced Convenience: They are easier to handle and maneuver in crowded areas.

Therefore, when capturing images in public settings, a smartphone is generally the more considerate and efficient choice.

The Ubiquity of Photography: Utilizing Available Devices

The most effective camera is frequently considered to be the one that is readily accessible when a photographic opportunity arises. Should a tablet be the only device available, or even preferred over an older smartphone, it can serve as a perfectly viable camera option.

Generally, however, utilizing a tablet for photography isn't recommended. Tablets typically deliver lower image quality when compared to smartphones with similar specifications. A smartphone is usually the superior choice for capturing images, and its smaller size is more considerate in public spaces.

Dismissing the practice of using tablets as cameras may be premature. Individuals with visual impairments, for example, could find the larger screen size advantageous for framing and reviewing photos. Therefore, employing a tablet for photography isn't inherently a poor decision.

It's reasonable to anticipate that tablet photography will continue to be practiced. The inclusion of rear-facing cameras on tablets demonstrates an intentional design choice, and criticism of their use seems unwarranted. Responsible and considerate operation is, of course, paramount.

Ultimately, the convenience of having a camera readily available outweighs potential drawbacks for some users. We can hope that those utilizing tablets for photography will remain mindful of their surroundings.

Image attribution: Clemens v. Vogelsang (Flickr), Sean Davis (Flickr), shankar s. (Flickr), Simon Q (Flickr)