“Have smartphones spelt the death of the camera? Actually, no. I’ve just bought the latest Sony RX10M4 which has capabilities way beyond those of a smartphone camera,” writes Whimsy columnist CLIVE WILLIAMS.

If you saw a drowning person and had to choose between saving them or capturing the moment, what aperture and shutter speed would you use?

I have always been interested in photography. I started off with 35mm cameras when I was about seven and later did my own black and white film developing. 

I tried developing colour film but it was too complicated to be pleasurable. 

Later, as a subaltern in the Australian Army, I taught air photo reading courses, which got me selected for an exchange posting in Arizona to teach imagery interpretation. 

When I arrived at the school at Fort Huachuca, I was asked about my imagery qualifications; the US Army had been told I was the Australian Army’s imagery expert. I had to admit to them that I was merely a self-taught enthusiast. 

I was then put on the US Army’s nine-month basic imagery-interpretation course. After that I had to complete a two-week instructor qualification course. As a foreign alien, I also had to complete an English test. (They accepted that my English was good enough for teaching purposes.)

The US Army did not get good value from the exchange arrangement because they had to spend the first 12 months of my two-year posting teaching me what I needed to know to be an effective instructor to replace the experienced instructor they had sent to Australia. They were presumably happy with my next 12 months’ effort because I was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal at the end of the two years.

Australia benefited from my training as I subsequently had quite a lot to do with imagery and ended up running the predecessor organisation to the Australian Geospatial-Intelligence Organisation. I also spent three years in Washington working, inter alia, with the CIA’s National Photographic Interpretation Center.

Much changed with the digitisation of imagery in the mid-1990s and, from 2000, the marketing of smartphones with cameras. Now most people carry a smartphone camera around with them 24/7 and can even take videos with their phones. Most of the imagery now stays in digital form, in the phone or in the cloud. 

Have smartphones spelt the death of the camera? Actually, no. I’ve just bought the latest Sony RX10M4 which has capabilities way beyond those of a smartphone camera. (The owner’s manual runs to 269 A4 pages.) Not to everybody’s taste, I know. Most people’s photographic needs are met by their smartphones.

So why buy an expensive camera today? Various reasons:

• Image quality: Expensive cameras, particularly digital single-lens reflex cameras and mirrorless models, offer superior image quality. 

• Lens versatility: High-end cameras allow for interchangeable lenses, providing flexibility to use various lenses for different purposes, such as wide-angle, telephoto, macro and prime lenses. 

• Manual controls: Professional cameras offer extensive manual controls over exposure, focus and other settings. 

• Durability and ergonomics: Expensive cameras are designed to withstand more rigorous use. They often feature weather sealing and robust construction, making them more durable in extreme conditions. 

• Professional use: Professional photographers are expected to provide the quality that only a dedicated camera provides. 

So, while smartphone cameras offer convenience and are excellent for everyday use, the advanced capabilities, quality, and flexibility of dedicated cameras make them indispensable for photography enthusiasts and professionals.

On a lighter note: Photographer Fred goes to see his local GP who asks him: “What’s wrong?” 

“I suffer from depression and sometimes feel like doing away with myself. I’ve tried medication and therapy, but nothing seems to work.”

“Well,” says the doctor, “try a different approach. When I feel depressed, I buy flowers and go home to my loving wife, take her out to lunch and then we go home and make love in the garden. After that, I always feel on top of the world. Anyway, try that option, and come back and see me in a couple of weeks.” 

Two weeks later Fred sees the GP again and is clearly a happier man.

“Did you do as I suggested?” asks the doctor. 

“I certainly did,” said Fred. “The lovemaking was fantastic – and may I also compliment you on your lovely garden.”

Clive Williams is a Canberra columnist