Seriously considering getting rid of my entire collection of camcorders and using my iphone5s. I am a hobbyist and have acquired a Canon XL2, JVC HD110u, Sony PD150 and PDX10. All of these cameras were acquired over a few years and i have not invested a fortune in them. They all work perfectly and produce some nice results. However, I am finding more and more that I am using the Iphone as it is so convenient, takes decent video if used correctly with the right accessories, and I always have it.

Anyone else had a crazy idea like this? I could see doing it and then regretting it....

cheers
KF

I used to have a VX-2000, PDX-10 and HVR-Z1U but they are all long gone. Still have the original XDCAM-EX-1 all tricked out with a mattebox and Century/Schneider wide lens. I don't use it a lot, but would not want to give it up unless I got something better. I really like the all the image control, ergonomics and larger sensors of a "real" camera.

As for the others, I wouldn't think twice about getting rid of any SD cameras. They were great in their day, but I just don't see any need for them now, and working with tape is just a pain. I have an iPhone 6s Plus and agree that it is just great for family video and snapshots. The fact that it goes everywhere I do is a huge advantage in itself. I also have a Nikon D80 with some expensive lenses that I rarely use. But I would not want to get rid of it.

Now I used to have an iPhone 5s like yours and my only comment is that the camera on the newer phones is a big improvement. If I were going to ditch all my old cameras, I'd want something better than the 5s.

I use my mobile phone all the time to capture moments in my family life, like you said, it's the only video/photocamera I have permanently on me and, when a once in a lifetime moment happens I don't have time to run and fetch my videocamera. For anything else I never use my phone, not for my paid video work or when I plan a trip or even go on holiday, in such a case I select my gear based on what I want or have to achieve.

the only drawback to using the phone is the lack of an eyepiece. i really struggle sometimes looking at the screen on the phone as the glare is awful.

Also, i would miss the great zoom i get with my xl2 using the adapter and the 35mm zoom lens 😀

Probably keep that one for that reason.

it is interesting though how the technology has changed so rapidly.

cheers
kf

I don't think you're crazy (not that I would do it myself). . .I mean do a search on the internet for "iphone rigs" and you will find many companies making handheld rigs and other devices geared toward pro shooting with iPhone. It is truly happening.

For personal use like vacations then iphone/mirrorless/dslrs is a no brainer. For commercial work those types of eng cameras have a place. IPhones are great but no zoom lens, view finder, pro audio.