I like the idea of having a dedicated camera, and I can imagine carrying that instead of a second phone. The only problem is the time it takes to set up, and two-handed operation at that. Let's say I'm working in a tight spot and need to document something quickly, right now I can just use a motion gesture to open my phone's camera. I don't even need to unlock it. I would be happy to compromise some convenience but consider the whole process to take a single picture with a dedicated camera:
- Put away phone (there's a good chance I was already using it for something, like as a flashlight or to take text notes).
- Walk over to toolbox.
- Find camera in toolbox.
- Walk back to the photography target.
- Remove the camera's lens cover.
- Power on the camera.
- Change settings as appropriate (phone/OpenCamera automate(s) this better than any small camera I've used).
- Take the picture.
- Confirm the picture is usable (difficult on any small camera I've used).
- Transfer S.D. card to Pyra.
- Move pictures to Pyra.
- Move S.D. card back to camera.
- Reverse steps 7-5.
- Reverse step 2-4.
- Pull out phone again if applicable.
Obviously a bit of an exaggeration but consider the alternative of just using a shortcut on the Pyra to open a camera program for an integrated camera... I really wish a dedicated camera were practical for me but it just isn't. Another option could be to use an external camera with the Pyra, such that I could just plug it in and have the Pyra automatically open the appropriate camera program all ready to go. I don't know what sort of U.S.B. cameras are available but that should at least eliminate steps 1, 15, 6-7, 13, and 9-12.
It seems like the integrated camera market is poised for some innovation. I read that Pelican was bought out, P.C. monitors and laptops are being sold with integrated 3d cameras and eye-tracking systems, and there's a lot of movement in virtual/augmented reality headsets, which rely on that sort of low-latency 3d imaging. I don't know how it will play out in the long-run but it's interesting that cameras are becoming an alternative input device.
Here's a list of some 3d imaging applications from 2015. Full disclosure, I have been playing flight simulators over the past few days.
My main objection to having an integrated camera is that it could leak some image/video when I don't want it to, I think that's the same for everybody. Running linux, I am much more confident that the camera will not leak any image/video than I would be using a Windows laptop. Moreover, a lens cover, rotating mount (below the display), or pop-out arm (terrible idea) could be used to physically obstruct the camera when it is not supposed to be in use. Of course some people really wouldn't use it, but it could easily be sold as a separate module to off-set cost. I think the only practical reasons to not offer a camera is that it would increase development complexity. I agree with the decision to not include it on the current Pyra so they can start shipping right away, but I also think it could be a great addition in the future.