What's the advantage of dedicated camera button?

[wubbie075]

I've seen it mentioned in multiple threads that the dedicated camera button is a "plus".

I'm having difficulty figuring out why? The only plausible potential benefit I can think of is that it might allow you to bring up the camera app without having to "unlock phone, find app, open app" every time you wanna take a pic.

Is that correct? Are there other reasons? Multiple reasons?

Thanks

 

[Cavemansol]

For me, its because when you have to press on the screen, you physically move the phones focus point from where its set/you set it. Therefore your not always centered on the image your trying to capture. That and the fact that your covering up a portion of the image your trying to capture too.

Im sure there are other reasons, but that's what always bugs me.

 

[Emmexx]

It is supposed to bring the camera up automatically as well when pressed. I'm not sure if it does it when in standby or if it is only when already in use.

 

[viber]

Steadier hands for clearer shots, and faster point and click shots.

In addition, the Evo3D has a fast shutter, which is missing from most smartphones.

 

[CarrieK]

For me, its because when you have to press on the screen, you physically move the phones focus point from where its set/you set it. Therefore your not always centered on the image your trying to capture. That and the fact that your covering up a portion of the image your trying to capture too.

Im sure there are other reasons, but that's what always bugs me.

Same here.

 

[jerofld]

Plus it is more like a real camera. If you ever want someone who isn't technologically savy to take a picture of you with your phone, it's a bit more clear cut how to do so.

 

[Cobravision]

The Evo3d also has a half press to focus feature like most point and shoots.

With the instant on feature and the steadier hand, this thing is going to take fantastic pictures.

 

[novox77]

Yeah, this pretty much sums it up.

Having the shutter where it is allows you to grip the phone well AND press the shutter button with ease. This will reduce hand shake a lot which means higher degree of success for those low-light shots. I have a hard time using the touchscreen shutter button, especially when I'm trying to grab a quick shot. With a dedicated shutter, you also know exactly where the shutter button is with your finger, so you can focus on keeping your shot composed.

And Cavemansol mentioned being able to adjust your composition once you've held down the shutter button halfway. Can't do this on current phone cameras. There's no halfway on a touchscreen So yeah, the focus lock is a great tool for making your photos more interesting. While I don't like "rules," check out the "rule of thirds" as it applies to composition.

And it's unknown if repeatedly half-pressing the shutter will get the camera to choose a different focal point. Canon tends to do this with their dedicated cameras.

It's a great feature if you take pics with your phone.

 

[ImpulsebuyerNy]

hahah and for those who take self portraits (you know who you are) its so annoying to hold the phone up and try and take a pic by pressing the screen shutter button while holding the phone in the same hand! Now much easier to and hold and shoot ...i hope the 3d comes with tools and settings like the epic 4g (face detection, blink, multiple scenes, and of course the action shots with multiple frames per second shots (those are cool)

 

[burgertime]

^Whoops I see you already said what I just said..

The real game changer is that when you're taking pictures of yourself for arrogant reasons you don't have to blindly push the screen hoping it takes the picture. Biggest PIA with camera phones is having to guess where to push the screen and if the picture got taken with a camera phone!

 

[Groty]

Honestly, I think it's kind of a common sense feature as more people are using their phones to take photos instead of carrying around a dedicated point and shoot. I'd expect it to become a standard feature in one form or another. Hitting the other buttons was always awkward to me. Now we'll have a shortcut to the camera and a more ergonomic method for accessing the shutter.

And yeah, IMHO, it's gravy along with the 3D features... Gimme that dual-core!

 

[alcohol]

For me, its because when you have to press on the screen, you physically move the phones focus point from where its set/you set it. Therefore your not always centered on the image your trying to capture. That and the fact that your covering up a portion of the image your trying to capture too.

Im sure there are other reasons, but that's what always bugs me.

This.

It's more natural and feels more comfortable.

 

[apinkel]

My phone has a hardware camera button... I get better results using the onscreen button in most situations. I move the phone too much when using the hardware button since it takes physical movement to depress it. I can lightly touch the on-screen button and get a steadier shot.

However, as already mentioned, if you are doing any kind of blind shot (i.e. self portrait) the hardware key is a must have.

So... it's nice to have the hardware button because it gives you the option to use the button that will give you the best results.

 

[NeoteriX]

hahah and for those who take self portraits (you know who you are) its so annoying to hold the phone up and try and take a pic by pressing the screen shutter button while holding the phone in the same hand! Now much easier to and hold and shoot ...i hope the 3d comes with tools and settings like the epic 4g (face detection, blink, multiple scenes, and of course the action shots with multiple frames per second shots (those are cool)

This.

Or in any situation where you can't be looking at the screen or are holding the phone awkwardly when taking a photo.

I honestly can't wait to have a dedicated camera button.

 

[novox77]

And remember, the presence of the shutter button doesn't mean you HAVE to use it.

Last week was the first time I ever used the 1/8" audio jack on my Evo. Bought a pair of sports earphones for my half-marathon training. I'm sure there's other stuff on my phone I never use, but it's there in case some day I want to try it, or it's there for other people who use that feature religiously.

This applies to all the 3D stuff as well. Just another feature to use... or not.

 

[toomuchgame441]

Self portraits will now not be so annoying... I HATED having to press the screen/hold the screen trying to take a self portrait with the better rear facing camera. This is a HUGE plus IMO. But I'm still contemplating if I should hold out on the 3D... ME WANT BIGGER SCREEN!

 

[jerofld]

Looks like you'll be going to AT&T, then. There is some HTC variant (I forget what it's called) that is basically the Sensation with a 4.5" screen. It's the only thing with a bigger screen than 4.3" that I've heard of.

I'm no phone marketing expert, but I imagine that a 5"+ phone is not likely to be developed. Might as well get a tablet at that point.

 

[Jackietreehorn]

Looks like you'll be going to AT&T, then. There is some HTC variant (I forget what it's called) that is basically the Sensation with a 4.5" screen. It's the only thing with a bigger screen than 4.3" that I've heard of.

I'm no phone marketing expert, but I imagine that a 5"+ phone is not likely to be developed. Might as well get a tablet at that point.

I wouldn't be so sure of that. When ICS hits, and there isn't necessarily a need for physical capacitive buttons anymore (since it's built into the OS), you could essentially make the entire face of the handset a screen (sans earpiece and a tiny bezel). I would assume that you could get a 5" screen onto a handset with very minimal (if any) upgrade in form factor size.


I guess I like having the option of a dedicated camera button, if nothing else so that I have the choice. For me, I see it being easier, but maybe not for everyone. I think it'll be easier for the "general public" to pick up and use more effectively as well.

 

[toomuchgame441]

Looks like you'll be going to AT&T, then. There is some HTC variant (I forget what it's called) that is basically the Sensation with a 4.5" screen. It's the only thing with a bigger screen than 4.3" that I've heard of.

I'm no phone marketing expert, but I imagine that a 5"+ phone is not likely to be developed. Might as well get a tablet at that point.

I think that manufacturers will step up and increase the screen size. Like Jackie pointed out, when ICS hits, I'll assume most manufacturers will want to allow for the soft keys to be incorporated in the software giving more real estate to the screen itself. And when that happens... I'll be waiting ;-)

 

[ImpulsebuyerNy]

In all honesty though for self portraits the front facing camera does a great job as long as you are in a well lit area! Just hold the camera with both hands in front of your face lol Easier than trying to guess where the shutter button is (on the 4G anyway)

PS-anyone else gonna miss there Evo 4G mine has treated me exceptionally well since launch !

 

[EarlyMon]

I like spot metering and spot focusing, easy to do on the glass - so if I use the shutter button that'll be a gear change for me. Although - might be easier with vids to use the button. (?)

 

[jerofld]

The only thing I think I'll dislike about the E3D's camera button is that it stands out, a lot.

I like how the DX has a camera button, but it doesn't stand out nearly as bad. Just a small slant of a button that is used to take pictures. Not that I'm worried about the E3D's button will break. I'm thinking it is more likely to get caught on things, like seams in pockets.

 

[novox77]

I like spot metering and spot focusing, easy to do on the glass - so if I use the shutter button that'll be a gear change for me. Although - might be easier with vids to use the button. (?)

I hope the camera/vid apps support the old way. No reason not to, IMO.

 

[Rose4uKy]

My EVO has treated me too well it's the best phone I ever had. But I screwed up thinking the 3D was going to be out this Friday and I sold my EVO already so I am stuck with my Purple Lotus for 3 weeks so I am sad. :-( But I do have an Archos Android tablet so it's not too too bad. I can still play Words With Friends.. LOL!

PS-anyone else gonna miss there Evo 4G mine has treated me exceptionally well since launch ![/QUOTE]

 

[Emmexx]

The only thing I think I'll dislike about the E3D's camera button is that it stands out, a lot.

I like how the DX has a camera button, but it doesn't stand out nearly as bad. Just a small slant of a button that is used to take pictures. Not that I'm worried about the E3D's button will break. I'm thinking it is more likely to get caught on things, like seams in pockets.

Maybe buy one of those gel cases for 15 or whatever they end up selling for? That would contour the E3D very closely and minimize the snagging effect while at the same time adding very little size or heft to the phone. A few possiblities at the link below.

HTC EVO 3D Cases by Type - shop htcpedia.com