Fun Mobile Photo Technology to Take Camera Walking
I have to admit that I am an early adopter of technology, or at least that is what my friends say about me. I am not a geek, but when new technology emerges, especially when has to do with cameras, I am quick to try it out. So it wasn't a surprise to many when I ordered the new 6S iPhone with its 12 mp camera. It wasn't that long ago that I was taking good photos, such as the one below, with my Canon Powershot G10 14 mp camera, and now my phone can capture about the same quality! Amazing!
As soon as my phone arrived, I was out the door to test the camera, and I wasn't disappointed.
With a little editing in Snapseed, the photo above was good to go. I also loved its ability to capture details, such as these raindrops on one of the flowers along my walk.
Mobile photography has become such an easy alternative to carrying a heavy DSLR, and on my walks I often prefer using my iPhone as I have written about in the past. I am always on the lookout for gear that I can use with my iPhone, and was excited to learn about the DXO One. It is a 20.2 mp camera with a 1" sensor equivalent to 32mm, and half the size of a deck of cards! I read the reviews, which were overall very good, so I took the plunge and ordered it.
DXO has a team of image scientists and engineers that are devoted to capturing and creating exceptional photography, according to their website. They create embedded technologies for use by the world’s leading camera and smartphone companies. The DXO One is the company's first hardware. To better understand the possibilities of this camera, take a few moments and watch this video. I will tell you more about my personal experience afterwards.
I love the fact that I can shoot raw photos in Auto mode, switch to Aperture mode and control my fstops (1.8-11) and ISO (100-12,800), or use one of the many modes available (portrait, landscape, night, or action). The photo below was taken by the DXO One using aperture settings, edited in Lightroom.
Inluded in the purchase of the camera are licenses for three editing software platforms to use with the camera: DXO Connect to import your photos, DXO Optics Pro a powerful raw correction software, and Film Pack offering many black and white and analog film options. I processed the photo below in Film Pack and liked the effect.
There are pros and cons with the DXO One. A major hurdle is the price at $599, but it does include the software bundle valued at $300, so that is a plus. At the moment the camera only works with iPhones, but that might change in the future. I have had to learn how to hold the camera so that my fingers are not in the way - operator error, but that is managable. Overall, I think that the DXO One is filling a gap between my iPhone and my DSLR. It doesn't replace my Canon 6D, but it certainly is a great campanion for my walks, and since it is so small I can take it everywhere.
Let us know what types of mobile photography gear you use and recommend. We are always interested in hearing from you, so post on our Facebook page, or send us an email. Also check out our earlier posts at our old blog site - we have two years of great posts there. And remember, in between the stops you make to take photos, walk briskly.
