Now it isn't the best camera I own, but it's such a useful photographic camera to have on me at all times and it produces images that I can upload and sell on my picture library websites. Indeed I've sold a lot already. It was unthinkable a few years ago that mobile phones, cell phones and smartphones could ever produce images that were capable of high level reproduction, even for something like an upmarket magazine cover, but that is now the case. And if anyone tries to tell you that the iPhone can't do that, then they are lying, because I've sold images for just that purpose.
If I shoot RAW using any of the apps that can do that and I run the image through Photoshop or Iridient Developer (especially good) then I can produce a 20MP+ image that is very difficult to separate in terms of image quality from mid level mirrorless and DSLR cameras. And yes it's most definitely not a low light camera. But add in the twin lenses, the excellent 4K video and the amazing panoramic format and you have a versatile image making machine, even more extraordinary when you consider the size of the sensor.
But then millions (billions?) of people know this already. They are perfectly happy to have an iPhone as their 'go to' camera. And yes it would be nice if it was better in low light and had a high quality telephoto or even a zoom function. But be in no doubt that in a few years time those issues will be addressed as well. Plus there is another advantage that I see smartphone cameras giving us. Photography is now central to many more peoples lives than when is was only the tool of the professional and the enthusiast. One thing I have definitely noticed is that the instance of 'jobsworths' and 'rent a cops' coming to question me about my (obviously criminal!) reason for taking photographs in public places, has diminished so much that I can't even remember the last time it happened. So anything that stops serious (and innocent) photographers being branded as paedophiles, burglars or terrorists is very welcome.
Indeed it is now becoming the case that smartphone cameras, including the iPhone, are the perfect cameras for 'street photography' and I've seen some amazing work produced on iPhones. Though it has to be said there is still far too much advertising hoardings 'looking' at people and the invasive photographing of homeless people for my tastes. I do use my iPhone to shoot social documentary and reportage photography as well as giving me a backup when I'm photographing with a film camera. So it has many positive functions as well and being so small, light, pocketable AND unobtrusive. All of which makes it incredibly useful. And there have been times when I've run out of film or battery power and my iPhone is the only camera I have left. And the fact that I enjoy the anticipation of what that brings rather than being disappointed says it all for me.
So while I am well aware that this award won't even register with Apple, the Soundimageplus Blog camera of the year goes to their current iPhone camera.