Camera Phones: Take and Send Photos with a Phone

Today, more and more cell phones are coming equipped with built-in cameras, allowing users to take and send photos as easily as they make phone calls. Camera phones come with a variety of features. Some offer flash and high-resolution photos, while others offer video capabilities. What's even better is that cell phones with cameras are relatively inexpensive.

Camera Phones: The Basics

Camera phones were first offered in the United States in 2002. Since that time, they have become increasingly popular.

A camera phone is basically a phone that has a built-in camera, allowing photography lovers to snap quick pictures no matter where they roam.

Camera phones also offer users the chance to share pictures and videos with others who have the ability to view images on their mobile phones. You can also download the images from camera phones to a computer for printing or other uses.

Advantages of Camera Phones

Mobile phones are convenient in their own right. However, when you add a camera to your phone it becomes even more useful. A mobile camera phone can let you take pictures anywhere. Plus, most of today's camera phones offer excellent picture quality and let you send, retrieve, edit and organize all your images from your phone.

In addition, most camera phones offer video options, meaning you can take short videos and send them to friends and family. Want to send a quick hello complete with a friendly smile to your friend who lives on the opposite coast? With a camera phone, you can do just that!

Nearly all camera phones have built-in flash capabilities and a digital stereo microphone for use as a video phone. Others come with a myriad of other useful features, such as plug-in cards that give the phone additional memory. Also, many are now offering better lenses and larger storage capacities to entice buyers.

If you are looking to purchase a camera phone, it is a good idea to do some research to find out which manufacturer offers the best camera phone for your needs. Camera phone prices vary according to the features included with the phone. However, you can typically get a quality picture phone for less than $100.

Camera Phones versus Digital Cameras

Due to ease of use and affordability, some people prefer camera phones over digital cameras. When comparing camera phones and digital cameras, the biggest issue is picture quality. Camera phone manufacturers are working hard to make the picture quality of camera phones rival that of the average digital camera.

Even if you don't get great resolution on your phone, most people find that they can improve image quality by transferring the pictures to their computers.

Taking Pictures with Your Camera Phone

Getting good cell phone pictures on your camera phone is not just a matter of finding the right camera phone with the best features. Here are some tips to help you take great pictures with your camera phone:

  • Do not use the digital zoom.
  • Edit your images on a computer.
  • Get close to your subjects.
  • Keep your lens clean.
  • Keep your phone still when taking a picture.
  • Take plenty of shots to ensure you get a good one.
  • Use good lighting.
  • Use the highest resolution your camera offers.
Above all, you need to observe camera phone etiquette. Do not use the images for less than ethical purposes and always ask permission to photograph strangers. Also, observe the rules for cell phone use when you are at cinemas, theaters, etc.