Has the smartphone taken away the joy of photography?

Photography is something few can truly appreciate. There is a certain charm in clicking a photograph with a good camera. Those who have used one will understand the difference. There was a time when families would buy cameras to capture their special occasions. It could be a birthday, a wedding, a holiday or simply a family get-together. Owning a camera was quite special, and whoever had one in the family usually took charge of clicking pictures.

I still remember the camera brands that were available in India during the 1980s. Agfa Gevaert was one of the familiar names, though some of its models did not have a built-in flash. Then came Hot Shot, marketed by Photophone Limited. Its built-in flash made photography much easier. You did not have to worry too much about taking pictures indoors or carrying additional equipment. Kodak too had cameras in this category. They were simple, handy and suited people who wanted to take pictures without getting into the technicalities.

There were other brands such as Yashica and Minolta, which had their own following among camera enthusiasts. Nikon was also available in India. However, many Indians travelling to South East Asian countries would look for their preferred camera models and bring them back. Sometimes the model they wanted was not easily available in the Indian market. Buying a camera during a foreign trip was quite common among those who were particular about the brand they wanted.

Those were days when we had to be careful about the number of pictures we clicked. Film rolls had limited exposures, and once the roll was finished, we had to get it developed. There was always some curiosity when the photographs came back. Some pictures turned out well, while others did not. But that was part of the fun.

The smartphone changed everything

The arrival of digital cameras made photography much easier. There was no longer a need to buy film rolls or worry about the number of pictures left. You could click, check the photograph and take another one if you were not happy.

But the smartphone completely changed the way we take pictures. Today, almost everyone has a camera in their pocket. Whether it is a family gathering, a restaurant visit, a holiday or meeting friends, we hardly miss an opportunity to click. The quality of mobile phone cameras has also improved considerably.

However, I sometimes wonder whether we have lost some of the excitement associated with photography. We click hundreds of pictures, but how many do we actually go back to see? Earlier, photographs were carefully preserved in albums and brought out whenever family members or friends visited. Today, most pictures remain stored in our phones.

The camera still has its admirers

While it may be difficult to dislodge smartphones when it comes to casual photography, dedicated cameras will always have their own place. People who have photography as a hobby will continue to look for good cameras. There is a difference between taking a quick picture on a mobile phone and spending time getting a photograph right.

Whether it is wildlife, sports, travel, landscapes or weddings, a good camera offers features and flexibility that photography enthusiasts value. They enjoy experimenting with lenses, adjusting settings and trying different ways of capturing a subject.

Interestingly, some younger people are also showing an interest in older cameras and film photography. It is quite interesting to see this happening when smartphones have made clicking pictures so easy. Perhaps they want to experience something different and understand what photography was like before everything became digital.

A new generation of camera users

Camera brands have an opportunity to strengthen their presence in India. Nikon, which has been available in the country for many years, has an opportunity to connect with a younger generation that is keen on photography. There are also content creators looking for cameras with better features that can help improve their creative output and produce more arresting images and videos.

The requirements today are different. People are not looking only at still photography. They also want to shoot videos, create content and experiment with different formats. A good camera can offer them more flexibility and help them get the results they are looking for.

But not everyone can afford a professional camera. These products are expensive, particularly when lenses and accessories are added. Those who genuinely enjoy photography, however, will always be prepared to invest in a good brand.

Camera manufacturers should also look at encouraging photography as a hobby. Colleges, photography clubs and young enthusiasts are potential audiences. There is a need to give people an opportunity to understand what a good camera can do rather than simply talk about its technical features.

Customer service matters

One aspect that manufacturers should never overlook is customer service. A good product is important, but after-sales support is equally important. When someone spends a considerable amount on a camera, they expect the brand to provide good service. Availability of accessories, service centres and timely repairs can make a difference to the buying decision.

The smartphone will continue to be the preferred choice for most everyday photographs. That is unlikely to change. But I do not believe the dedicated camera has lost its relevance.

Perhaps we may not see cameras returning to every household as they did years ago. But people who enjoy photography will continue to look for a good camera. After all, there is a certain pleasure in taking your time, getting the frame right and clicking that one photograph you are really happy with.