Recommendations for a cell phone to take FOOD pictures?

9 years ago

I think it may be time to upgrade my little flip phone--it's good for calling and texting but I can't do too much more than that with it. Yes, I can take pictures but they really don't come out well and there is no way to send them anywhere as a decent attachment since I don't use the phone for any internet connection.

We're on a basic plan with Verizon, so I'd like to stay with Verizon and keep the plan at the same price point (or close to it = $70/mo).

I'd like a phone that will take food pictures so I can sent it to myself by email as an attachment, and also, of course, be able to have lots of free calling and free texting (if possible).

It's been YEARS since I did this kind of shopping for a cell phone.

Does anyone have suggestions of a phone that will suit my needs AND take really good photos of food? DH is going to keep his cell phone because he only needs it for calling, and not texting or anything else.

Thanks!
Smiles,
Sooz

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Comments (11)

User
9 years ago
Sooz, all the food photos I've taken in the last two or three weeks have been taken with my new Samsung Galaxy S5. It has a 16 Meg Camera. I bought this phone because of the camera. I like some of the functions, like being able to focus on something and blur the background.

I hated the camera on the iphone and never used it for food photos.

Every photo in this last blog post was taken with the Samsung.

Here is a link that might be useful: Food Photos taken with Samsung Galaxy S5

This post was edited by ann_t on Sat, Jun 28, 14 at 21:06
sooz
Original Author
9 years ago
Thanks, Ann!!! Your photos are always so beautiful, and I'm amazed at the photos on the link that were taken with your new Samsung!

Oh, I posted a pix of two different lemon bars under the other thread about Sharon's Lemon Graham Slice--the one from Sharon's recipe is on the left. You can see I added a little bit of yellow food color.

Smiles,
Sooz
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User
9 years ago
Once you get a good phone/camera, you'll need to learn how to take good pictures with it. God knows I can't do it.

There are plenty of sites online that will teach you skills and tricks, not only for your specific phone, but ones that will work with any camera.

canarybird wrote up incredibly useful, detailed instructions for taking food pictures a few years ago, too.

And it's still here

Here is a link that might be useful: Food photo tips
chas045
9 years ago
ann_t (and momj); I hope this doesn't feel off topic, but since you had such a strong reaction against the camera of your i-phone, could you let us know why it felt unsatisfactory? I was under the impression that Apple made a serious effort to be better than average. I could imagine that the basic on board apps might be minimal (allowing app designers to have something to sell), but I would have also assumed that you would have experimented with some secondary programs.
User
9 years ago
Chas, forgive the pun, but it is like comparing apples to oranges comparing the camera on the iphone 4 to the Samsung Galaxy S5. The iphone 4 has a 5 megp. camera and the new Samsung has a 16 megp camera. The new iphone still only has an 8 megp. camera. Also the Samsung screen is considerably larger. Since I use my phone mostly as a computer and camera the larger screen works for me.

I did experiment with a number of different camera apps on the iphone. But the camera was still just a 5 megp. It wasn't as good as my digital camera.

I haven't yet added any photo/camera apps to the Samsung.

~Ann

Here is a link that might be useful: Comparing Iphone 5S to Galaxy S5
mike_kaiser_gw
9 years ago
The camera quality on a cell phone is pretty much directly related to, well, the "cost" of the phone. There's no such thing as a great camera on a cheap phone. You might consider a decent camera and not spend more on cellular service.
cloudy_christine
9 years ago
The iPhone 5s has a fantastic camera.
sushipup1
9 years ago
"You might consider a decent camera and not spend more on cellular service."

Then you are carrying around two devices, which is exactly what Sooz wants to avoid.

My vote is for the Galaxy, too.
sleevendog (5a NY 6aNYC NL CA)
9 years ago
Any smart phone these days, purchased now, will give good results. Just play smart/dumb when you are in the store and ask for quick hints...like "hey, this is so new to me"...(show them your old flip phone)..."I need and want a photo help lesson now". "show me how to take a pic and how to delete"...

That way, when home, you can toy with it...take many pics and delete as you experiment setting up a piece of fruit or veggie here and there trying different lighting...not when a hot meal needs to be on the table...experimenting you will know what works.

Just get the basics down if this is your first...then go through the manual....

Ann-t is correct on better phone cameras but often i am satisfied with what i have. A good pic is the one taken, and handy. Our phones are with us always and more often than a side camera bag lugged around.

I would follow ann's advice if it fits the budget. (my eyes spin when deciding a new phone and all the gab speak and hidden costs but it is not at all like it used to be).

I doubt you will be spending much more than you are now per month? And have a much better tool in your pocket or bag. Or not notice the cost as it is so great having so many options at hand...
moosemac
9 years ago
Another vote for the Samsung Galaxy S5. Love mine! It takes fabulous pictures.
Teresa_MN
9 years ago
Another vote for the Galaxy S5. Although the S4 has a fantastic camera also. Now that the S5 is out you should be able to get a great deal on the S4.

I've never owned an iPhone so I have no input on it.

Recommendations for a cell phone to take FOOD pictures?

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Recommendations for a cell phone to take FOOD pictures?

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