“Connected,” that’s the word we’re hearing more and more in our digital lives. Connected via email, Facebook, Twitter, the Cloud…you know the drill. Most recently, Samsung has begun hinting that an explosion of cloud related storage and sharing options might accompany new cameras with built-in WiFi and 4G protocols. Yep, it’s not hard to envision the day when we can permanently retire sync cables and card readers from our photographic lives.

But why wait? We crave smaller−but full-featured− cameras now. And we want to move images from our cameras to our iPhones and iPads now, with currently available technology. The good news? It’s easy.

Why Micro Four Thirds?
There are many occasions when I go out the door with just an iPhone as my main camera. There’s a spontaneity and informality about shooting with the iPhone that’s fun and liberating. With inexpensive apps that tackle everything from HDR to image stitching, it’s tempting to feel we can do anything with an iPhone in our pockets. A recent Wall Street Journal article even asked the rhetorical question, “Is the iPhone the only camera you need?”

The iPhone isn’t ideal in all situations. Sometimes we want an ultra-wide lens (wider than the iPhone 4S’s 28mm equivalent); other times we need noise-free long exposure performance in low light. Forget about wildlife shooting with a long telephoto—honestly, anyone who hangs one of those absurd giant lenses off the corner of an iPhone is a glutton for punishment.

DSLRs are big. Yes, you’re right, I am getting old, and the older I get the less stuff I want to schlep around. But I’m fully convinced that today’s DSLRs are tomorrow’s Speed Graphics. In time you’ll see these monster Uzi cameras (capable of 10-12 frames per second with giant file sizes) relegated to sports photographers and professional photojournalists only. For the rest of us, a smaller camera will be a friendlier, easier companion that fits in a pocket or small case.