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Digital
- Digital Cameras vs. Traditional Film Cameras
Author:
Jennifer Newton
Many
times I am asked, "Should I buy a digital camera or
a standard film camera?" This all depends on the photographer's
needs. I will admit, I know I claim to be a Digital
Diva, but I do shoot with a traditional film camera
from time to time. There is no reason why we can't
have both in our bag. Each type has its special purpose
and features. But they also have their strengths and
weaknesses.
The
Digital Strengths
- The
number one advantage of a digital camera is the
fact that you can view the image instantly and delete
it if you don't like it. This feature alone is a
time and money saving decision making factor for
me. No more surprises and disappointments when viewing
my prints!
- You
can manipulate and edit your images on your computer.
There is a vast array of image editing software
available on the market, allowing you to have your
own digital darkroom. For images that have bad lighting
and shadows, this is a great way to make all of
your images perfect.
- No
More Film! With the purchase of one 256 MB compact
flash card, I can store over 200 images! This is
great for vacations and trips that in the traditional
camera world, I would have used 5-6 rolls of film.
- Digital
image storage is reusable. Once I have uploaded
my images to my computer, I can clear my compact
flash card and start all over again with a clean
slate! I also have several cards in my camera bag
to make for easy swapping when I am shooting more
than one card can hold.
- With
traditional cameras, the film speed is fixed. But
with a digital camera, the ISO value can be adjusted
as needed with just a few clicks of the buttons.
- TIME!
No more one or two day turn around waiting for prints.
You can simply upload the imaged from the camera
and print the images you want!
The
Digital Weaknesses
- If
you have an SLR camera and like the freedom and
flexibility of adding lens and manually adjusting,
you will have to pay more for those features in
the digital world. The range of digital SLR cameras
is much less than those offered in traditional cameras
and they are considered high end. There are digital
SRL's available for under $1000.00 but they are
still considerably more than their traditional counterparts.
- BATTERIES!
They eat them up way too quickly! Be sure to look
for cameras that take standard AA batteries. This
will give you the option to invest in rechargeable
batteries.
- The
majority of digital cameras offer no way to adjust
their aperture. Typically, the zoom on the camera
is what controls aperture. This unfortunately gives
little of no depth of field.
- Shutter
speed is generally linked to their flash synchronization
speed. This makes action and sports shots a bit
more challenging.
- A
built in flash is generally a standard feature and
the majority are automatic as well. Because built
in flashes tend to be in-line with the lens, this
unfortunately makes for many red eye photos. Of
course, this can be corrected in your digital darkroom!
- Recovery
time between exposures can be quite long. The amount
of time does vary between models, but there is a
delay in all models. The best way to decrease the
delay is to shoot the camera in manual mode or without
the flash, if possible.
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