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What do we mean by digital?
Anything that stores information in electronic, numeric form — specifically the binary language of ones and zeroes — can be considered digital. These days, digital technology is in nearly everything we use: watches, cars, TVs, coffee makers, computers and, of course, digital cameras.
How do digital cameras work?
Digital cameras use a series of lenses to focus light and create an image in much the same way as film cameras. But, while traditional cameras make a photochemical record on film, digital cameras record light as electrical voltages, which are turned into digital information stored on a memory card that computers can read.
Digital pictures stored on portable memory cards can then be printed professionally, just like film. You don't even need a computer!
Why go digital?
Digital cameras use a series of lenses to focus light and create an image in much the same way Digital photography has opened whole new worlds of possibilities for picture takers.
· View your pictures as you take them and keep only the ones you want.
· Take hundreds of pictures at no cost unless you print them.
· Flash memory is smaller and holds many times more pictures than a roll of film.
· Digital cameras can be lighter and smaller than film cameras.
· Add colour, crop, rotate shots, and eliminate red-eye. Save so-so photos and edit for better pictures.
· Some digital cameras can also record sound and movies.
· Some digital cameras can be used as Internet PC Cams.
· Print just the pictures you want. E-mail your pictures right after taking them, before printing.
· You can print photos yourself on an inkjet printer or take them or email them to a shop or photo-processor.
Why should I care about pixels?
One of the most discussed elements in digital photography is pixel resolution. A digital camera’s resolution is often measured in "pixels". Many people believe, "The more pixels a camera has, the sharper and smoother the images are". While this may have some truth to it, pixels really relate to the size you can print or display an image.
If you only want to have a photo-quality 4" x 6" print, you usually require a camera with a little more than a million pixels (1.2 megapixels). An A4 print requires at least 3 megapixels.
You can easily make A4 prints on your home inkjet or dye sublimation printer. If all you simply plan to do is to email your images, a digital camera with less than a million pixels will do, or one with the ability to capture the image at 640 x 480 pixels.
The actual image resolution (sharpness, smoothness and colour fidelity), is a result of many factors including the pixel count, lens, focusing system and image processor used by the camera. It is "picture quality not pixels" that is important. Buy the digital camera with pixels that meets your printing or display needs.
What is the difference between Optical and Digital zoom?
Today, many of the ultra-compact models have a 2x or 3x optical zoom.. The optical zoom lets you get closer to your subject and using an optical zoom lens, provides the best resolution possible.
There are also "digital zooms" to consider, which let you zoom much farther than the optical capability provided. However, the digital zoom merely "blows up" the image in the viewfinder and crops it, thereby reducing the clarity and pixel resolution of the image.
How does storage impact my picture-taking experience?
One of the greatest benefits of digital photography is the ability to store electronic files on removable memory (often called media). Removable memory enables your files to be portable, easily transferred to a computer and to be erased so the media itself can be used over and over again.
The most common form of memory is flash memory, which exists in different proprietary formats such as SmartMedia™ cards, CompactFlash™ cards, and Memory Stick™.
Getting started
Many cameras come with all the basics you'll need "in the box," but to give you a sense of what to look for, here are some common accessories for digital cameras.
Accessories that you need...
· Flash memory (Takes the place of film - make sure it is the correct type for your camera)
· Power Source (Batteries - rechargeable batteries are best)
Accessories that you may want...
· AC Travel Power Adapter
· Audio/Video Cable
· Battery Charger
· Protective Case or Bag with pockets for cables, memory and batteries
· 4" by 6" photo printer
· Photo paper for inkjet printer
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