Thursday, August 6, 2009

What Is The Difference Between Digital Cameras And Film Cameras







Digital cameras provide convenience that you cannot find with a film camera.


When it comes to taking pictures, you have the option of going with a traditional film camera or getting a digital camera. While they can both get the job done, each provides the user with different features that you may prefer, depending on your photography needs. For most users, digital cameras are the better option, but some still like the benefits that a film camera provides.


Digital vs. Film


With a film camera, you must have a roll of film before you can take a picture. You take a photo and the camera allows light onto an exposure of film so that it creates an image. By comparison, with a digital camera, you do not use film. Instead, the camera saves the image on a memory card. You can then view this picture on the preview screen of your camera or on a computer screen. Both cameras provide you with the ability to print your pictures.


Number of Pictures


One of the key differences between digital and film cameras is the number of pictures that you can take. With a film camera, you can only take as many pictures as the roll of film you have will allow. For example, a roll of film might only allow you to take 24 pictures. With a digital camera, you could potentially take hundreds or thousands of pictures, depending on the size of the memory card being used.


Cost


Another potential difference between using a film camera and a digital camera is the cost involved. When you use a film camera, every time you push the button, you have used an exposure on the film. You also must pay to have the film developed before you can see the picture. With a digital camera, you can look at the picture immediately after you take it. If you are not satisfied with the picture, you can simply delete it and take another one. This means that in the long run, digital cameras will be cheaper to operate because you do not use up a limited number of pictures on your film.


Considerations


While digital cameras are more convenient and more economical in the long-term, some photographers prefer the images that are created with film. One argument is that the clarity of the pictures on high-end film cameras is better than what you get from digital cameras. While this may be true of entry-level digital cameras, higher-end digital cameras can create images that are similar to those produced by regular film cameras.

Tags: film camera, digital camera, digital cameras, digital cameras, film cameras, roll film