The very first word that jumped to my mind was camera! I was thinking of buying a proper camera, a big one with zoom lenses and other accessories. But I don’t want it to sit in my drawer with the tiny Sony camera I already have and have used very seldomly.
The problem with buying an expensive camera is that you should use it otherwise you’ll feel guilty whenever you see it or think about it. But since most of us have a camera available on our phones, we never remember to take the big bulky camera with us when we go out and where an opportunity to take wonderful pictures may arise.
So the question of buying a camera is still on the table. It could be my birthday gift. But will I use it enough to do justice to all the money spent on it? And besides I am not an expert photographer even with the easy option of phone camera!
Any ideas or advice?

Written for Linda’s SoCS prompt, where she asked us;
Your Friday prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is “cam.”Find a word that contains “cam” or use it as is. Enjoy!
#Keepitalive
#SoCS
It seems wasteful unless you will use it frequently. The cameras on our phones are so good now and so convenient!
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Thanks Paula. I am reluctant to buy it on the same grounds.
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Buy a really good phone camera as you can always have it with you. I rarely use my expensive camera since I bought my iPhone pro max which I am never without since it fits in the tiny purse I limit myself to, or my pocket..
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Thanks Judy. Very good advice. The only problem is that my phone is in good condition and the new one is very expensive.
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They are. My phone cost more than my computer, but I have 150,000 photos on it!!
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Oh wow! 😅
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Unless it’s for professional use, I think cameras are not as useful nowadays. Best to buy a good camera phone.
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Thanks Maria. This is the popular opinion here.
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I only have my phone camera, as my regular little one quit working a long time ago. I think I’d not understand a big professional type camera with settings, and other technical things. 🙂
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Hey Barbara, that’s a very valid point. Perhaps a rethink is needed. Thanks
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I had thoughts about buying a professional camera, but I don’t know how often I would use it. It’s so easy to put the cell phone in my pocket or purse and it takes pretty nice pictures as is. I think a professional camera is good if you plan to take classes and intentionally go out to take photos with it.
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I have exactly the same thoughts and doubts. I don’t plan to take classes if photography so I’m rethinking my plan.
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I own an expensive camera. All the lenses sit in the camera bag. The camera goofed up and could’t get focused anymore. There it sits needing a trip to a camera store. Someday, I will take it in. To be honest I like having the ease of my phone.
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Thanks Lauren. This is very helpful in making my mind. 😍
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I too thought once about getting a high end camera. I read an article somewhere which suggested that a good iphone does a pretty good job of photography and ease of use is way better than most upscale cameras. Just my two cents🙂
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Thanks Suzette! I was just checking out the prices of both. The new camera is 1/4 th the price of a new phone. But it’s bulkier and would probably remain at home when I need it outside.
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Your decision will be the one best for your needs, Sadje.
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Hopefully! 😅
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I would love to have a nice digital camera, but they are expensive. Most every photo I take is with my phone, but there are things you just cannot do with a phone camera. If you do not use the advanced features, a phone might be all you need.
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The idea is inviting, but perhaps not very practical. Let’s see what I eventually do. Thanks for the advice
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I know exactly how you feel, Sadje. I thought about investing in a nice camera about 6 months ago, and for the reasons you listed, chose to not make the purchase. For me, it was a good choice.
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Thanks Jeff. I think you’re right!
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Most welcome, Sadje. Always. Ah! Great minds…😀
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👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼
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An SLR will give you a better picture, plus there are certain things a phone can’t do, for example long exposures or fast exposures. But do you need any of those things?
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I don’t know much about photography, but d like to learn. The question is would it be a wise choice!
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Long exposures would be thinks like photographing water, to get a “flowing” effect, or astronomy. Fast would be sport, say. If you might do any of those things, then it’s wise. If you’re just out to take snaps… expensive.
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Yeah, I’m getting too the same conclusion. Thanks Pete. Very valuable advice
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For the most part I think a phone camera is enough. But if you want sell or exhibit your photos a more expensive professional camera is a good idea.
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No idea of selling the pictures Patricia. Just for a hobby.
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I used to have a nice SLR camera and have debated having a DSLR but cannot justify the price as of yet. I really want the control of a manual focus to see what I want the viewer to see… but for now I just use my phone camera. I do think I would need a refresher course in camera settings if I take the plunge. Good luck on your decision, it is not an easy one when so much money is involved.
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Very true Leigha. A lot of money involved and perhaps the prudent thing to do is to stick with my phone camera. Thanks
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I take my camera everywhere, I hardly take photos on my phone but I think that’s because I’ve had it since I was a teenager. I grew up using a camera, so it’s what I always use
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Yes, if one is in the habit of carrying a camera automatically, then it’s what you use to take pictures.
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