Is there a difference in quality of photographs obtained using smartphones, compared to the photographs obtained via digital single-lens reflex camera?

Objective

The purpose of this study was to compare the quality of photographs obtained with 3 different cameras: iPhone, Samsung, and digital single-lens reflex (DSLR), as assessed by oral and maxillofacial surgeons (OMS).

Methods

This was an anonymous online survey study. The study population consisted of OMS in New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, and Massachusetts who were members of their state societies. The primary outcome variable was ratings on the quality of extraoral and intraoral photographs obtained with 3 different cameras. The predictor variable was the type of camera used to obtain the photographs: iPhone, Samsung, and DSLR camera. Descriptive statistics were computed. Spearman test was utilized to analyze correlation between the outcome variables.

Results

The majority of respondents were from full time private practice (n = 84, 77.06%), followed by full time academia (n = 12, 11.01%). The Spearman test revealed negligible correlation between extraoral and intraoral photographs on the best quality rating (0.15, P = .13). Negligible correlation between extraoral and intraoral photographs were noted on the second best (0.15, P = .11), and least quality rating (0.09, P = .32).

Conclusion

Study results revealed that there is no difference between the quality of photographs obtained using smartphones, compared with the photographs obtained via a DSLR camera. Future discussions on an ideal application on smartphones would allow for consent and transfer of high-quality photographs via a secure messaging system between health care providers to address ethical concerns of confidentiality. (Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol YEAR;VOL:page range)