Digital Cameras vs. Film Cameras- the debate goes on

One of the biggest debates in the photography world is whether digital cameras are better or film cameras better? The answer to this question cannot be answered in a simple yes or no. There are several issues which need to be considered while answering this question.

To make things simple and without getting too technical, the major benefits of using a digital camera is that it is cheap and fast. There is no cost involved in clicking digital photographs as compared to film cameras. Also, you can preview the pictures before choosing to print them; hence there is little/no wastage of snaps involved.

However, for traditional users, a digital camera is not such an easy gadget to use. One does not only need to learn how to use a digital camera but he/she also needs to gain mastery over the computer. This can get to be a little difficult for those who are computer-averse.

As far as image quality is concerned, there are four major factors ? picture resolution, presence of noise/grain in cameras, dynamic range and the color quality of the image.

Resolution, in photography language, means the sharpness and the visibility of the image. In this area, the film camera definitely wins since nearly a 6 mega pixel camera is needed to match a 35mm film camera.

Noise/grain refers to the amount of grains which appears in cameras. Digital cameras are extremely sophisticated in this aspect in comparison to film cameras and the level of noise/grain appearance is much lower.

The dynamic range is one of the main weaknesses of a digital camera. The range of a digital camera largely gets affected in contrasting light and normally occurs in the form of white highlights in the image. But some of the latest digital technologies are trying to eliminate this problem in digital photography.

Color quality in digital photographs is much, much better than those images which are taken from film cameras. The pictures are much sharper, brighter, and more vivid and tend to have a three-dimensional quality ? which is very difficult to obtain in prints from film cameras.

Thus, overall, both the digital and the film camera have their own advantages and disadvantages. It depends on the user and his personal preferences to choose one over the other.

If you are an average, computer-friendly individual who uses the camera for taking pictures of your family, then a digital camera is recommended due to its lower price and greater convenience.

However, if you are an avid photographer, then it is best that you master both technologies. Since, as the future unfolds, it will be necessary for all to know how to use a digital camera with expertise.

Kevin Rockwell worked as a network TV cameraman for 20 years shooting news and sports. Now a devoted fan of digital photography and video he works to gather information, tips and news for digital camera users. Oh and he loves to shoot pictures of his kids playing sports. http://www.great-digital-cameras.com/gdcj.html

---

Selecting Good Stock Photography in the Age of Digital

The business of stock photography has drastically changed over the... Read More

Disposable Cameras for Weddings

Disposable wedding cameras (also called single-use cameras) will never replace... Read More

Nude Art Photography

Nude photography is the genre of art photography, whose subject... Read More

9 Tips For Taking Great Digital Photos

IntroductionModern cameras are highly automatic in operation. They have auto... Read More

Canon-Powershot-A80 Review

Last month we bought the Canon Powershot A80 online for... Read More

Color Management, the Digital Darkroom, and Adobe Photoshop

PrefaceIn order to understand color management, it is important to... Read More

Birthday Party Photo Tips ? How to Make Yours Truly Stand Out

How many of the birthday party pictures you've seen are... Read More

Basics of Photography

Understanding light is one of the very basic principles of... Read More

Take Spectacular Nighttime Photos with your Digital Camera - Part I

Night photographs express a special something that cannot be seen... Read More

The Well-Dressed Photographer - Winter

Some of the best images can be captured during the... Read More

Get The Most Out of Your Digital Camera Today!

Point and click. The new life of digital cameras gives... Read More

Digital Cameras Demystified

Demystifying Digital Camera JargonWant to buy a digital camera but... Read More

Digital Imaging Explained

Digital Imaging is a process where an electronic photograph, scanned... Read More

How To Become A Digital Photography Pro

Being a professional digital photographer is a dream many people... Read More

Where Do Great Ideas Come From?

At a Photo Club meeting I attended recently, the President... Read More

Crooked Horizons in Your Photos? ? Here is a Five Minute Digital Fix

Remember the good old photography days?Film camera in hand, you... Read More

A New Way to Use Old Snapshots

If you're like me, you have hundreds of photographs sitting... Read More

A Guide to Underwater Camera Cases

If you are buying a new underwater camera or video... Read More

Panasonic Digital Cameras - The History Behind Their Cameras

Panasonic is a world-renowned consumer electronics company today. Its digital... Read More

How to Easily Select the Important Photography Category for Your Home Based Business

You may have already started to make money from your... Read More

Light Meter Readings for Film and Digital

Reflected Light Readings for Film and Digital ImagesIn order to... Read More

Photography Courses Online

There are also some excellent online courses available and some... Read More

The Paradigm: Going Digital

As you might imagine the paradigm shift from traditional film-based... Read More

Photography Workshops and Master Classes

Several years ago, I met a fellow photographer - albeit,... Read More

Taking Professional Quality Pictures

By now I'm sure you've used Either a digital or... Read More

Take Spectacular Nighttime Photos with Your Digital Camera - Part II

Night photos can take on a somewhat magical quality you... Read More

Stitching Memories

Sometimes, usual photographs look so common and boring. Converting your... Read More

Making Money With Digital Photography And Live Events

A few years ago I became interested in digital photography,... Read More

Applications of Underwater Video Cameras

There's so much you can do with an underwater video... Read More

History of the Camera

Early cameras of the 16th and 17th century were able... Read More

Exposure Compensation

The digital camera is in reality a great possession with... Read More

The Well-Dressed Photographer - Summer

Outdoor photographers shoot year round. That includes the hot summer.... Read More

How to Create a Great Video - a Simple Guide on How to Shoot Home Movies with a Camcorder

So you have bought a camcorder and have shot some... Read More