On the camera frontPhotography for me has been a long held passion of mine. being able to capture just the right scene in just the right light is an art. Not just anyone can do right but everyone can try. It is an art that all are welcome to dive into, but at what level you choose to dive in depends greatly on your willingness to master the technology that goes with this art.

So with that in mind my desire to move forward in photography has forced me to accept the need to move beyond my current photo gear. For example my current primary camera is my iPhone 5s, which seems like a heretical statement to make when trying to be taken seriously in photography. However I am sure those of you who have an iPhone would agree that Apple have gotten better at developing cameras in phones.

For me the most useful features that from the iPhone camera has to be the controlled automation that goes with the camera. The flash for example, when i aim at something the iPhone will determine just how much flash to fire and where to aim it, thereby capturing the best possible image. As we know from Apple's own press releases the iPhone 5s will capture 33% more light than the preceding iPhone. Now that is impressive, when you think how good the previous generation was to start with.

I also have a very standard and decent point-shoot camera for other day to day needs. For example when i am in places that make me nervous about having my iPhone out but still wish to take a photo I might pull this camera out. It is the Cannon PowerShot A2600, a review of which you can find here. I do enjoy this camera for a few reasons, simplicity, comfort and affordability. It does the job nicely with little fuss.

Moving onwardsIn early April I am heading to Bruges, Belgium for a well deserved week of chocolate and fine dining. This trip will present me with an opportunity to really step my photography skills up a notch or two. How? By borrowing the use of a much more sophisticated camera from a family member and seeing what I can make of it. I should state this camera is not a top range camera but when it was bought it did have a mid range price tag. The Olympus E-400, for technical specs click here for C/Net's review written December 2006.

I am intending to gain a rough idea of what a DSLR experience can be like for a photography enthusiast that wishes to take things a step further. Bruges will have a wide variety of situations and subjects to photograph and I believe this camera will serve well as a test balloon. Showing me just what I could achieve if i invested a bit more money in my photography equipment. Though to be honest I think my iPhone will still be used just as much on the trip, I just need to prove which is the way forward for me, smartphones or proper photographic hardware.

ConclusionWhen I am in Bruges I can be sure of many things, the quality of the chocolate, the pleasantness of the locals and the efficiency of the travel network. All very nice to be sure of, but which side of things will I come down on, the professional or point-shoot camera? It is very uncertain at this point. We shall see what the results are when I return.