Camera Phones Becoming The Instument Of Choice To Record The Revolution

A youth uses a cameraphone to capture the aftermath of a teargas volley fired by police on protesters near Tahrir Square in Cairo, Egypt. Photograph: Peter Macdiarmid/Getty Images

Arab Spring Leads Surge In Events Captured On Cameraphones -- the Guardian

From Tahrir Square to the scene of John Galliano's racist rants, pictures and videos from the public have been increasingly used in media coverage.

In 2011, cameraphones entered the mainstream of photojournalism due to a combination of the Arab uprisings, the Occupy protests and improved technology.

The Guardian, wire agencies and major broadcasters used many more cameraphone and video images. The New York Times said its use has increased a hundredfold.

"That's largely because of the Arab spring", said Michele McNally, assistant managing editor for photography at the New York Times. "Most of the reporters are carrying smartphones because of the image quality of the cameras. They like the style of cellphone filtered imagery and they're less intrusive [to use] in conflict situations."

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My Comment: The quality and resolution of the newest phones are truly impressive .... and getting better with each new product cycle. With everyone now having a phone .... and an excellent camera with it .... videotaping and taking pictures of the revolution and/or any other news event is now the easiest thing to do.