I think cameras are better that smartphone cameras.

I know, I know. Smartphone cameras are great, and I admit I use my smartphone for work almost every day.

But here’s why I think cameras are better than smartphone: the experience.

I’ve been using a smartphone for my news and sports work for as long as I’ve had a smartphone, and it is definitely a problem-solver in a lot of situations: when I am in the field and I need to get something online right away, when I need to make short videos for the website, when I need to record interviews or notes, when I need to see my calendar so I know when and where to go, when I need a map, and even when I need to make a phone call.

I know that last one sounds sketchy – I’ll have to look into it.

So if smartphones are so smart, why do I think cameras are better than smartphone cameras? Because it changes who I am and what I am doing. Looking through a viewfinder sets me up as a photographer. It helps define who I am and what I am doing. I guides me through a process of being a photographer.

I know a lot of you are muttering to yourselves right now, “Ugh, Richard is going on about cameras again.”

If you love making pictures with your smartphone, I won’t try to talk you out of it. But when I do make smartphone pix, then switch back to a camera, it’s like coming home.