Everything you need to know when considering a new camera purchase, from the kind of user you are to current technologies to consider.
Last updated: 3rd November, 2006.
2. What kind of digital camera is best for me?
3. How many megapixels do I need?
4. What kind of lens do I need?
6. What kind of battery is best?
7. What else can my digital camera do?
1. How do digital cameras differ from film?
If you're used to shooting with a film camera, you'll notice some differences when you switch to a digital model. Here's a quick summary.
Key differences:
Powering the camera |
Recording pictures |
Framing shots |
Snapping shots |
Storing pictures |
Displaying pictures |
Printing pictures
Many digital cameras use batteries designed specifically for them.
Film: Takes disposable batteries that require infrequent replacement.
Digital: Takes one or more of a variety of battery types -- both disposable and rechargeable -- that require frequent replacement or recharging.
A CCD is like film that you can reuse.
Film: Uses film, which comes in various frame sizes and different sensitivities to light.
Digital: Uses a fixed, light-sensitive, silicon chip that comes in two varieties: CCD or CMOS. This chip determines the frame size and the light sensitivity of the camera. You can simulate the effects of using different types of film via settings within the camera.
Some cameras have LCDs that flip out and/or twist, to help you frame difficult shots.
Film: Uses an optical viewfinder that shows 97 to 100 percent of the scene.
Digital: Uses an optical viewfinder, as well as an LCD that displays 100 percent of the scene. But an LCD can be hard to see in bright light and uses a lot of battery power. Many cameras substitute the optical viewfinder with the kind of electronic viewfinder (EVF) that is used on camcorders. Photographers who are used to optical viewfinders don't always like EVFs, so try before you buy.
Film: Instantaneous capture.
Digital: Varies wildly, depending upon image size, file format, media type, memory available for temporary storage, sensor type and speed of autofocus.
Film: Stores images directly on the capture medium (film), which is single-use and supplies a fixed number of frames per roll.
Digital: Stores images as digital files on reusable memory cards or discs, both of which come in various capacities and can hold a variable number of frames per card.
Digital camera LCDs allow you to view all the images you've taken.
Film: Aside from a few Advanced Photo System consumer models, can't display shots until after developing. Once film is developed, you can scan the photos or negatives to display on a monitor or a TV.
Digital: Plays back images on the LCD. In addition, many cameras allow you to connect to a TV for group viewing. You can also upload the pictures to an online photo-album site to share with the geographically remote.
Unlike with film cameras, you can print digital photos at home.
Film: Deliver to a photofinisher in order to get prints or digital files.
Digital: You can download image files to your computer for printing on your home printer, or, if you have a compatible printer, you can attach your camera directly to it. Another option is getting traditional silver-halide prints from an online service or a local photofinisher who accepts digital files.
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e
08/11/2004 06:38 PM
what is ccd?
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vinuxavier
25/01/2007 11:48 PM
charge coupled device......
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sweetness
29/04/2007 07:39 AM
but are the alkaline batteries cheaper?
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phil
13/02/2008 02:36 PM
how come everytime I click on to something on your site, the article is like 2 - 3 years old, really I dont bother using it anymore
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Zennith Geisler
15/02/2008 12:38 PM
hi phil -- all our features are updated periodically, so while this particular article is a year old, you can expect an update soon. if there's something specific you're looking for, try posting in our forums for a quick response.
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