SamuraiBigEd - that Ars article suggests the iPhone is using 3 exposures. The article cites the same pitfalls but does go on to say that with the HDR feature, the middle of the three is the one with the "right" exposure(*) and that's usually the keeper when the HDR effort fails.
I'm personally very impressed with the iPhone camera - I think it's an pretty-good point and shoot and does give very decent color quality.
Here are some of Caloy's snaps with the Evo -
http://androidforums.com/htc-evo-4g...avigation-camera-battery-life.html#post874896 - I think we'd agree that many Android cameras are pretty ok.
So - I'm on two sides of the fence on your post. On one hand - agree - get the quality before adding bells and whistles. On the other - disagree - if the hardware and software can support a feature, put it out there and let people learn. If it opens a door into a larger world of photography, what's the harm in that?
(PS - Here's a convenient link for your archives next time you're discussing megapixels with people -
http://androidforums.com/htc-evo-4g/131153-htc-evo-poor-picture-poor-sound-quality.html#post1311932)
(*) Note - lately, I've been quoting things. I tend to hate that (per Dave Berry if you've read his take on that) and in this case, I'm pointing out that the article referred to the right exposure and ask that we simply accept by context what they were meaning to say.
No sarcasm or criticism intended my brother. It's
true.