One of the most lauded features of the 3GS is the new and improved camera, which saw a 50% megapixel bump (2 up to 3). The magic isn’t in the megapixels, though, it’s the autofocus/auto exposure functions at the tip of your finger.
I took all of the photos you see in the gallery at a cemetery near my apartment (I realize that sounds a little odd, but it’s a historic site) or just down the street, and I was shocked at the quality. It’s not just that the photos focused well on the objects I chose, but that the camera could also automatically adjust for exposure and white balance, turning typically mediocre photos into some decent shots.
The best feature of the whole thing is that it’s built into the phone. Sure you can take better pictures, but carrying a point-and-shoot everywhere isn’t appealing for most people. I always have my phone, though, so I’ll be able to take great shots whenever the mood strikes. Having those shots on the iPhone also means I’ll be able to share them with remarkable ease. Emailing is fast and simple, and MMS should make things even better.
My only wish now? A Picasa app, developed by Google. As it stands I can view my albums online, but there’s no uploading unless you use something like AirMe or Shozu, both of which are more complicated than they need to be. Neither of apps make clear when your photo is uploaded, and AirMe just drops the photos you upload into an album titled AirMe. I’ll do some more serious digging for this later.
With improvements like Apple has made with the 3GS, I won’t be buying a pocket camera any time soon. The iPhone now fills the point-and-shoot gap in my life. If I want something to take truly great photos, you’ll see my with a DSLR.
Enjoy the gallery. The photos have not been edited in any way, save orientation for the two portrait shots.
