Life through an iPad2 camera

I have often wondered just why the iPad needs a camera on the back? The front facing camera is of obvious use as it's great for making FaceTime calls to other iOS users, and you can also use the Skype Video App on it as well.

I just don't see the iPad as a device for taking pictures though. First and foremost, I'm not one of these people who tends to take their iPad out and about. The only time I'd be tempted to do so is if I were taking a trip on a plane somewhere, and even then if I wanted or needed to take some pictures - then I'd instinctively reach for my trusty iPhone 4S.

Now I'm not really someone who particularly enjoys taking photographs, but the iPhone 4S is easily the best camera I've ever had. It takes some truly amazing pictures. It's 8MP (as opposed to 1MP on iPad2 and 5MP on The New iPad), it's really compact and easy to carry around, and with iOS 5 onwards - it's quick and easy to launch the camera App so you don't miss any "blink and they're gone" moments!

So I see no reason that I would ever consider using the iPad over the 4S or indeed a regular digital camera - but if Apples promotional videos are anything to go by, it seems that many people do indeed use their iPads for this exact purpose.

So I thought I would take a couple of shots with the camera on my iPad 2 and see how they turned out. My eldest Son George seemed happy to pose in his Woody costume for a couple of pictures and they were not too bad to be fair, considering they were taken in not the greatest light and on a 1MP camera.

Reasonably pleased with my efforts, and with a bit of time on my hands - my artistic side seemed to want to come out and play and I started taking pictures of things through the iPad with my iPhone and vice versa. If that sounds confusing, then here's what I mean;

All good fun, and it has made me want to take at least one picture each week in this way and share it with you on my blog. However, when all is said and done, I'm still not convinced about the iPad as a camera. What do you think? I'd love to hear your opinions!

Take care!
Peter