The Beauty Of An Android - Using The HTC Desire As An Everyday Camera

(If you can't see the video, please click here.)

I've had my HTC Desire Google Android phone for almost a year, so I thought now would be a good time to share a few words on how I've found using a smart-phone and how it has helped my photography.

This isn't a complete review, check out my HTC Desire Website for lots more details, but I'll touch upon the basics and the features that might appeal to photographers. Android is the operating system that runs the HTC Desire, a bit like Windows, Linux or Mac OS. It's fair to say that Android (developed by Google) is the equivalent of the iPhone operating system, so you can expect similair performace, apps and features.

The HTC Desire is a good phone to start off with - clear calls, great signal, easy texting with threaded messages and a bright clear screen. Android phones synch well with your Gmail account, and the built-in email and internet browser apps are as good as anything else available. The HTC Desire gives you full access to the internet on the go, with a Flash enabled browser (unlike the iPhone), and apps for Facebook, Twitter and all your social networking needs.

The built in phone has a resolution of 5 megapixels and in my opinion is very good. It takes great photos and OK video, but like all camera phones has the advantage of being the one that is always in your pocket. The real strength comes with the associated applications, and in my case I like to use Vignette, a paid app from the Android Marketplace. As you can see in the video, it's really quick and easy to take a photo, edit the image in Vignette, then upload it to Flickr for the world to see. It has made attempting my 365 Day photo project much easier.

 

The HTC Desire helps my photography in other ways too. I use the Google Reader app to stay up to date with the RSS feeds of all my favourite photography sites. I use the Kindle and eReader apps to read books on the go, I have apps to work out Depth of Field and the setting and rising of the Sun. I check eBay for bargains with that app, I watch videos on Youtube, I've got a built-in compass, torch , radio and Google Maps GPS Car Navigation.

 

A year in I'm glad I chose a Google Android phone. It's cheaper to buy and own than an iPhone, and I think that the apps are as good if not better. With the HTC Desire Phone / Vignette App combination I've got an incredibly powerful photographic tool in my pocket, and I love it!

 

Cheers, Rob.

Comments

[Amanda]

Stumbled upon your HTC desire videos on YouTube, while searching for reasons my phone says out of memory (even after removing 99% of apps. Thanks SO much for the Facebook tip, by the way! What a pain.) - Came over to your site/blog & wanted to let u know I was blown away by your photos. All the black/white ones above... absolutely stunning! SO.. just wanted to say well done & happy holidays from the states. :) Amanda