|
Traditional film technology |
Digital imaging technology |
| How does it work? |
Exposes a visual image onto special light-sensitive
chemicals within the film.
The film itself contains a
physical representation of the image.
Films are either
Colour Negative (yielding prints) or Transparency (slides,
which require a slide projector/viewer or to be scanned into a
computer).
Films are available in various numbers of
exposures usually 12, 24 or 36. |
Creates a digital representation according to the colour
and intensity of light falling upon an array of special
digital receptors.
Images are digital files stored in
digital memory. All but the least expensive digital cameras
use removable memory cards that are available in various sizes
(typically from 8MB to 128MB)
Some cameras allow you to
choose whether to store more images of lower quality, or fewer
images of higher quality. As a rule of thumb, 8 MegaBytes (MB)
of storage will accommodate 16 high-res images or
approximately 50 low-res images from a 2 Megapixel
camera.
There are several different types of memory
card—see our feature on Solid State Memory Cards. |
| What is the future of this technology? |
Film technology dates back almost 200 years, and is thus
now mature and affordable.
APS system is a hybrid between
traditional and digital photography
technologies.
Mainstream uses of film likely to decline as
digital cameras become increasingly affordable and
impressive. |
Based on still-evolving digital semiconductor technology,
therefore performance should keep improving and costs will
continue to decrease. |
| Is it easy for beginners to use? |
Yes: even affordable cameras have high-tech systems
built-in to automate every aspect of camera operation, from
loading the film, to taking the picture. |
Yes: just switch on, point and click, then upload pictures
to your PC when desired, or transfer them on the solid-state
memory card. PC software will be probably supplied with the
camera to enable storage, indexing and simple editing of your
images. |
| What are the options for more serious photography? |
Best choice of flexible, high performance products and
systems for enthusiast and professional photographers, at the
best prices. |
More expensive models now offer enthusiast facilities,
such as full manual exposure and focussing, alongside full
automation for high-quality ‘point and shoot’ photography.
High-end digital cameras are still more expensive than their
film-based equivalents. |
| Which format's pictures are the longest-lived and the
easiest to share with friends and family? |
Once exposed, and if properly developed, transparency and
negative films (and prints made from them) should last for
decades. Prints are easiest to pass around and view with
friends and family in person. |
Digital images exist only as digital data (in a camera's
memory or PC's hard disk) and thus are not physically
permanent, but in theory could last forever if properly
stored.
It is often not convenient for a group of people to
view pictures on a PC screen or a camera’s built-in LCD
screen, but they are much easier to send by email.However
users can make hard copies with a suitable PC inkjet printer
and special photographic paper, or via the service of an
online photo-finishing company.
Alternatively,
unbeatable.co.uk now stocks dedicated photo printers that can
link direct to some of the latest cameras and produce prints
just like those from 35mm film.
And digital images can be
easily 'backed up' like PC data, taking up much less space
than stacks of photo prints or boxes of transparencies. |
| What about running costs? |
With a film camera, the principal running costs are their
films and their developing costs. Occasionally you will need
to replace the small batteries that run built-in flashguns,
exposure automation and film winders. This becomes more of an
issue with cameras including power zoom lenses and more
complex electronics (e.g. in the most expensive SLRs). |
With a digital camera there are no film costs, but their
all-electronic systems consume a lot of power. Battery costs
soon mount up unless the camera includes a rechargeable
option. Some cameras now use alkaline batteries alongside
rechargeable, to extend operation. Also, don't forget the cost
of producing prints from a digital camera whether via PC
printer, dedicated photo printer or an online photofinishing
service. |
