An iPad has a lot of light, and is usually HD, the pics look great.

my two fave types of lighting are natural evening twilight; both for pics and enjoyment.  sometimes it's blue and sometimes it's amber.  i especially like the amber.

i also like warm artificial light which i use for photographing rustic vintage stock.

i don't like flash photography either and rarely use it.  it darkens the background and lightens the subject

too much.  i find that when photographing stock for sale, it doesn't give a true representation of the colour 

of the item.  that's bound to lead to disappointment from the buyer.  it also highlights flaws and dust

beyond that of natural light and sight so again, does not accurately represent the item.

I love this thread. 

I am awestruck by the talent of the photographers on this board.