Hello - first, please provide your iPad model - I'm still using an iPad 2 which has a lousy 0.7 MP camera which is worthless; the newer iPads have a 5 MP camera which can take decent images - also, if you do have the higher resolution camera, there are plenty of suggestions online to improve your photos, such as HERE - take a look.
As to an alternative, there are SO MANY choices depending on whether you want subcompact, compact, or larger size digital camera, point & shoot vs. a DLR, inter-changeable lenses, and cost (just some of the criteria that come to mind) - I'll let you provide some more information before continuing. Dave
Thanks for the information - you'll never be able to obtain decent images from the iPad 2's camera - as mentioned in my previous post, the resolution is less than 1 MP (you can try some of the suggestions in the link provided) - you either need a new iPad w/ a higher resolution camera or just a nice point & shoot digital camera - Dave
Honestly...I have never taken pictures with my iPad. It's just way too big and I am also nervous about dropping it.
However, my iPhone 5 takes awesome pictures. I took this picture at Yellowstone National Park. This is at Riddle Lake after hiking for 10 miles. Let me find that picture so you can see...