As smartphones continue to rise in popularity and quality, more and more people are doubting their need for a separate, dedicated camera. It's easy to just pull a phone out of a pocket, snap, then share the moment as it happens. Smartphones are continuing to improve, and their onboard camera is no exception.

		Cell phones allow for quick photos, but the result isn't as high quality as with a dedicated camera.

So, there's a question that's begging to be asked. And that question is, “Do I even need a camera anymore?”

The answer, that's been dying to be heard, is absolutely. If you want high resolution photos to print or enlarge, you need a camera. If you want to have something fast enough not to miss the moment, you need a camera. If you want to zoom in, take macro shots, or take photos in low light, you need a camera. The quality of images taken from a cell phone are still a long way from the quality of even a basic point and shoot in five basic areas: resolution and noise, lens quality, image stabilization, focus and speed.

Smartphone vs. Camera: Resolution & Noise

Put simply, cell phones are designed for one main purpose: to communicate. And devices that are designed for making phone calls and sending text messages are not going to get you the same quality as a camera that is designed just for taking great pictures.

		Good photos often don't center the subject and sometimes use objects in the foreground to add interest.

Taking great pictures is about more than just having a good camera―expert photographers can take some pretty awesome shots with simple point and shoots and rookies can take some pretty awful shots with expensive equipment. An easy way to upgrade the quality of your photos―no matter what camera you have―is to alter what you see in the viewfinder before the photo is even snapped. Here are five quick tips for framing better shots.

• Change up your perspective. Most people tend to take pictures at their eye level automatically. To put a different spin on things, change your height. Kneel or climb higher to create a different feel to your images. Professional photographers aren't afraid to climb a tree or belly crawl to get that perfect shot.


• Don't always center your subject. Take a look through a professional's photo gallery―chances are, in most of their images, the subject isn't dead center. Instead, imagine the picture is divided into thirds and place the subject on one of those lines. Check your camera settings, many models with electronic viewfinders have guide grids that can be turned on and off. Placing the subject off center adds interest and emphasis to the image.


• Get up close. Whether you are snapping shots of a newborn or a landscape, get in a little closer then normal; take a picture of just the baby's feet or a flower within the scenery. Macro shots help capture the details that otherwise may go unnoticed.


• Take a step back. Get a variety of photos by not only snapping some close ups, but some scenes a little father back. Instead of taking a picture of just a child's face, take a whole body shot while they play in an interesting environment.

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