Goodbye, iPhone

I've been using iPhone for almost two years now. Being a smartphone, I enjoy using it not only for sending SMS and taking calls, but for taking pictures and videos as well. Compared to phones I previously owned (Sony K750i and Nokia 5800 XpressMusic), I can say the iPhone4 is a lot better than those two.

The iPhone4 is equipped with 5 Megapixel camera, and is able to capture HDR photographs (although I rarely use this HDR feature). The option to enable grid pattern in the screen while taking pictures is what I found useful, it makes it easier to follow the Rule of Thirds.

However, I noticed that while the iPhone can take great pictures in daylight, the quality of the image degrades when shot in low-light situation. Sure, I can use the flash, but there are situations where flash is not an option. I need something that offer more control. I can't just rely on the iPhone's software to decide for me what ISO to use or at what shutter speed. If I want to learn more about photography, I should get something with settings that I can play with. I want to experience shooting with different apertures, too.

Sure, there are lens kits available for iPhone. But looking at the price tag, I think I'd rather pass and get a real camera instead. Besides, I don't want my phone to look oddly funny and I don't want the hassle of assembling the lens. The lens may look cute, but it ain't a practical choice.

Image from photojojo.com

Looking at that setup above, it made me think if I had to answer a call while taking a picture. Should I cancel the call, or answer and tell "Later, I'm busy taking a picture." Or maybe just put the iPhone in Airplane mode so calls and texts messages won't go through. Yeah, I can do that. But then again, isn't that what phones are for -- calls and text messages?

So, while I'm looking for a new camera, the iPhone will be set aside for what it's best suited for: text messages and calls.