I need a camera and a calculator. Is it better, smarter,cheaper to buy them individually or buy a "smart phone" that has both?

It is not cheaper, but it is Smarter and Better to buy separate items.

Simply buy a used ipod touch. it is a touch screen and can be used for much more. 4th generation has a camera and is way cheaper than a smartphone. it can install apps but it cant call or use data, so you have to have a wifi conenction. its a cellphone that cant call or use data. heres a used listing for $35 for a general reference of the price used. https://swappa.com/listing/view/LTMF03800

really depends on how often and where you use a calculator.   You can get a little pocket calculator for under $10 ($5) at office depot.  If you need a printing calculator, they're $50 to $100.   And laptop / desktop 'puters have calculator apps

Owning the smartphone allows you to carry only one device.

Every smartphone out there has both a camera and a built-in calculator. This is something you should go for.

Cheaper? Usually the smartphone, but that would depend on the type of camera you want (as far as calculators go, apart from the physical keys, the phones have them licked - up to the HP48 or Wolfram Alpha).

it might be better to buy the smart phone