One early morning on our recent trip to Jamaica I stepped out for a run on the beach. I was really enjoying the light so thought I should take some quick pictures and I used the camera I had on me - the iPhone 5s. While I still wish I had a "real" camera, I was pretty happy to be able to capture some moments. Those photos are shown here. 

So how long before the iPhone becomes my primary camera? Well, I don't think the answer is straightforward. The definition of "primary camera" itself is changing. The cameras serve two purposes for me. The general purpose documentary need of everyday moments and a special purpose semi-artistic pursuit. It is easy to see the iPhone becoming the primary camera for the former and the big SLR continuing to remain the primary camera for the latter. 

I like this a lot. It seems like one of those lovely "best of both worlds" type of scenario. 

While gimmicky, the panorama mode can make some interesting quick compositions that otherwise require proper gear. 

Similarly, the phone cameras are great in good outdoors light but fall flat on their faces indoors. They are getting better but given how bad SLRs still are indoors, I don't see this changing anytime soon. 

I find that while the color problem is largely solved, noise is still an issue specially when compared to the nice lenses and cameras that I am used to. 

The new Auto-HDR mode in iOS 7.1 update makes taking pictures like the one below in harsh contrast significantly easier. 

While not replacing my SLR any time soon, I've found iPhone 5s to be a fairly competent camera specially when the light is good.