Cell phones are slowly but surely invading the turf long dominated by digital cameras and camcorders -- capturing photos and video. To be fair it's not the cell phone's fault that more and more consumers are using their handsets to snap images. In fact, according to leading Internet photo sharing site Flickr, the iPhone is neck-and-neck with the Canon Digital Rebel XTi as the most popular camera of users on the site. But what exactly is it that appeals to those who shoot photos or video with their phone? Is it the increasing popularity of social networking and the need to keep others informed, the rise of the mobile Web, or an increase in image quality of cameraphones? It's probably all of the above, and more.

An ever-rising number of consumers in key age demographics are using wireless phones to capture and share still and moving images. In the 18-29 demographic, 74 percent share images on their phone and 57 percent say they send images wirelessly from the phone. While many of these consumers may still use a traditional digital camera, certainly they no longer see it as their only imaging option.

The Consumer Electronics Association's (CEA) recent CE Sales and Forecast (July 2009) predicts an increase in shipments of smartphones through US consumer channels in 2009. CEA forecasts 2009 will outdo last year's shipments by over two million units with an additional eight million units predicted to ship in 2010. By comparison, the same report shows shipments of digital cameras decreasing over the same period, from 33.2 million units shipped in 2008 to 28 million predicted in 2010.

The increase in picture taking on a cell phone may just boil down to convenience, connectivity and simplicity. Since many people carry a phone wherever they go, it's easier to nab candid shots or videos and have one less thing to carry. What about connectivity? The ability to instantly connect to the Web right from the device is likely another critical feature, since more and more consumers are sharing photos and video on social networking sites. According to a January 2009 CEA study, Digital Imaging: A Focus on Sharing, among adults ages 18-29 who use their smartphones to take digital photos, 66 percent share photos by sending them wirelessly from their smartphone. Could digital cameras with built-in WiFi appeal on the same level to these types of consumers? After all, with a WiFi connection, a digital camera can upload pictures on Facebook or Twitter with the same speed as a cameraphone.

Finally, is it ease of use that makes cameraphones so appealing? That makes sense, too. They offer a Craigslist-like experience for photo and video capturing -- a simple interface, few buttons and settings and good enough image quality for most occasions.

How do you use the camera function on your smartphone?  Do you prefer taking pictures using a digital camera?

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New cell phones have cameras that rival point and shoot cameras you can find the latest camera phones on Retrevo. They come in all shapes and sizes like this lightweight cellphone or this compact digital camera.