Just a few years ago, we had cell phones, digital cameras and music players. Now we have “devices,” which combine separate functions into one.

Usually this means a smartphone such as the iPhone from Apple or one running Google’s Android operating system. This can also mean a tablet such as an iPad.

The functionality of devices, particularly smartphones, has improved so much that a single unit can replace dedicated pieces of equipment. This wasn’t always the case. Initially, what we gained in convenience we usually paid for in capability.

For example, your cell phone camera was OK in a pinch, but for decent photos, you still needed a digital camera. Now, many people have ditched their digital camera because the photos from their IPhone are so good.

If you need photos for a banner and you have a smartphone that’s not too old, you’re in luck. The photos you get from an iPhone or other smartphone will work fine for a banner , window sign orphoto-to-canvas . This means you don’t need to hire a professional photographer, which will save you time and money.

Generally, for the iPhone, this includes the 3gs, 4 and 4s models. For Android phones, this will mean a device that’s not too old and has a camera with a resolution of 3 megapixels of greater.

Wikepedia has a useful chart comparing smartphones , including iPhone, Android and other operating systems. You can refer to this chart to check the specs on your smartphone camera. But in general, if your smartphone camera’s capacity is 3 megapixels or greater, you’ll be fine.

Tablets – Wait and See

Tablet computers are an emerging category. The iPad is the most popular tablet, with almost 80 percent of the market. At the 2011 Consumer Electronics Show back in January, more than 80 models were exhibited, and you’ll see many of these go to market in the next few months.

But right now, In terms of a usable camera for quality photos, tablets are a wait and see.

The first-generation iPad does not contain a camera. The iPad 2 has two cameras, but they are mainly designed for Apple’s FaceTime video chat application and have a resolution of less than 1 megapixel. Because of this resolution, pictures taken on an iPad 2 will likely not work for a banner. (There have been a lot of complaints online about the iPad 2 because the iPhone camera is so highly regarded, and consumers expected the iPad camera to be comparable.)

It remains to be seen how many of these new tablets will contain a camera and what their capabilities are. New tablets from Amazon (Kindle Fire) and Barnes & Noble (Nook Tablet), do not have cameras, according to an article on CNET.com.

Technical or Artistic?

Keep in mind that this article is about the technical capabilities of your smartphone. This is separate from the artistic nature of photography. There will be times when using a professional photographer is essential, because you’ll need an artistic eye for such aspects as photo composition and lighting.

However, there’s no reason you shouldn’t take advantage of your smartphone to take photos that will be perfectly fine for your uses. The iPhone, in particular, takes outstanding photos.

Two suggestions:

Pictures of your customers using your product or service for a banner expressing customer appreciation.
A picture of your staff to convey holiday greetings.