How the iPhone 4S Compares to ‘Real’ Digital Cameras

We’ve already seen a number of comparisons showing how the iPhone 4S performs in both photo and video tests, but Ars Technica’s Chris Foreman takes things to a new level by investigating whether or not the iPhone 4S can really replace a traditional camera.

The report compares the iPhone 4S camera to an iPhone 4 and a Samsung Galaxy SII, but also pits the device against an Olympus X2-1 and a Canon 20D.

Foreman found that each camera has its pros and cons, but the iPhone 4S is “more than good” for stills and video both indoors and outdoors. The 4S provides decent pictures quality, while remaining portable enough to carry in your pocket.

For many, the benefits will go beyond just the quality of the camera, however. Having a device that not only takes great pictures and video, but can also run apps, browse the web and check your email is incredibly useful, and may make the biggest difference to consumers in the end.

For more detail (and tons of comparison shots), check out Foreman’s full report over at Ars Technica.

J. Glenn Künzler

Glenn is Managing Editor at MacTrast, and has been using a Mac since he bought his first MacBook Pro in 2006. He lives in a small town in Utah, enjoys bacon more than you can possibly imagine, and is severely addicted to pie.