A still camera that records images in digital form. Unlike traditional film cameras that record a light image on film (analog), digital cameras record discrete numbers for storage on a flash memory card or optical disc. As with all digital devices, there is a fixed, maximum resolution and number of colors that can be represented. Images are transferred to the computer with a USB cable, a memory card or wireless. Digital video cameras (see camcorder) also use FireWire.
Digital Advantages
There are three distinct advantages of digital cameras over their analog counterparts. First, you can review the finished image immediately and erase the others. Second, you can take and print one picture without waiting to develop an entire roll of film. Finally, memory cards, the storage mechanism most widely used for "digital film," are reusable over and over.
Chips: The Camera's Film
Digital cameras record color images as intensities of red, green and blue, which are stored as variable (analog) charges on a CCD or CMOS image sensor chip. The charges are converted to digital and stored in flash memory chips on a memory card such as CompactFlash, SD or Memory Stick. Some still cameras use optical discs for storage instead of flash memory, and video cameras use tape, optical discs and hard disks (see DV).
The size of the CCD or CMOS chip determines the picture's resolution, but the analog-to-digital converter (ADC), which converts the charges to digital data, determines the color depth. In 2002, Foveon introduced a breakthrough in color accuracy with its X3 CMOS chip (see Bayer pattern and X3).
Digital video cameras use the same image sensing methods as still cameras, but in addition to storing the images digitally, they output NTSC video for playback on any TV. See flash memory, photo editor, photo scanner, X3, digital camera record modes and DSLR.
Major Features
Following are the major features and some caveats of digital cameras.
Resolution in Megapixels
The number of pixels determines the maximum size of the resulting image and its sharpness, especially when printed. The higher the resolution to start, the better the results. You can easily reduce a high-resolution image to low resolution in the computer, but you cannot go from low to high with great results. The bottom line: know the final destination of your images. Following is a guide to the amount of megapixels required in the camera:
User Interface
Nothing is more critical to photographers than the feel of their cameras. Because it uses a combination of physical buttons and on-screen menus, a digital camera's interface can be more daunting than that of a desktop computer. At the very least, spend some time in the store reviewing the basics. If at all possible, borrow the camera from a friend for a photo session.
Optical and Electronics Quality
As it has in film cameras for nearly two centuries, the optical quality of the camera's lens greatly contributes to the resulting picture quality. In addition, the color and geometric accuracy of the pixels in the CCD or CMOS sensor combined with the camera's internal processing circuits can make all the difference. Specifications on paper are not enough, and reviews from sources such as photographic Web sites are very informative.
Optical vs. Digital (Interpolated) Zoom
The optical zoom is the real resolution of the lenses. The digital zoom is an interpolated resolution computed by software. The higher the optical number, the better. A 10x optical is far superior to a 10x digital (see optical zoom).
Storage Media
There are several types of flash memory cards used for "digital film," but no matter which type the camera uses, the one that comes with the camera is typically undersized. Plan on purchasing a larger one when you buy the camera (see flash memory).
Data Transfer
Digital cameras come with a USB cable for transfer directly to the computer, and many computers come with one or more memory card slots. Printers may also come with card slots, allowing you to print your photos without using the computer at all. Wireless (Wi-Fi) transmission is also available on some cameras.
Battery Duration
Digital cameras use either rechargeable or standard AA batteries. It can take an hour or more to recharge a battery, so having an extra, fully charged battery is recommended. AA batteries can be purchased anywhere, and rechargeable AA's can also be used.
Interchangeable Lenses
Digital SLR (single lens reflex) cameras are the digital counterparts of their analog predecessors and may use the same removable lenses that you already own. However, the sensor chip may be smaller in size than a 35mm frame, which means your 28mm wide angle lens might function like a 42mm lens. Lenses made specifically for the digital SLR do not have this focal length mismatch. See DSLR.
LCD Screen and Viewfinder
Small, point-and-shoot cameras use a "live preview" LCD screen to take pictures and display the stored images. Digital SLRs have a traditional viewfinder that you press your eye against for taking pictures and mostly use the LCD as a monitor to show the results. The larger the LCD screen, the more the camera serves as a convenient playback device.
The eyepiece viewfinder has always been an effective method for taking pictures because pressing the camera against the eye actually steadies it. It also helps the photographer frame the picture by eliminating everything outside the viewing area. In addition, the LCD can sometimes be so washed out in a bright sunny day that it becomes difficult to take a picture. As a result, some point-and-shoot cameras also include a viewfinder. See viewfinder.
Digital Camera
Behind the lens, a CCD or CMOS image sensor chip picks up the image as variable (analog) charges that are turned into digital by an analog-to-digital circuit (see A/D converter). A DSP chip adjusts contrast and detail and compresses the digital data for storage.
Camera and "Film"
A classic now, the DC50 was one of the first digital cameras from the venerable Kodak company. Holding 24 images in internal memory, it used flash disks for more storage. (Image courtesy of SanDisk Corporation.)
Photo Printer
FARGO made one of the first printers designed for 4x6\" photographic prints. The 1995 introduction of the $595 FARGO FotoFUN! was a breakthrough price for a dye sublimation printer. (Image courtesy of FARGO Electronics, Inc.)
CYCOLOR Printer
CYCOLOR printers are different than other digital printers, because the imaging is done inside the paper, which is sensitive to light (see CYCOLOR). (Image courtesy of Cycolor, Inc.).
Print Via the Web
Photo printing companies such as Photoworks and Kodak EasyShare Gallery (formerly Ofoto) let you upload your digital pictures to their Web sites so they can be previewed by family and friends from any Internet connection. Clicking on a thumbnail (top) displays a larger, low-res image (bottom). High-resolution prints can be ordered by anyone. Undeveloped analog film can also be sent to the companies for processing. (Images courtesy of Jim and Karen Clayton.)
Digital Advantages
There are three distinct advantages of digital cameras over their analog counterparts. First, you can review the finished image immediately and erase the others. Second, you can take and print one picture without waiting to develop an entire roll of film. Finally, memory cards, the storage mechanism most widely used for "digital film," are reusable over and over.
Chips: The Camera's Film
Digital cameras record color images as intensities of red, green and blue, which are stored as variable (analog) charges on a CCD or CMOS image sensor chip. The charges are converted to digital and stored in flash memory chips on a memory card such as CompactFlash, SD or Memory Stick. Some still cameras use optical discs for storage instead of flash memory, and video cameras use tape, optical discs and hard disks (see DV).
The size of the CCD or CMOS chip determines the picture's resolution, but the analog-to-digital converter (ADC), which converts the charges to digital data, determines the color depth. In 2002, Foveon introduced a breakthrough in color accuracy with its X3 CMOS chip (see Bayer pattern and X3).
Digital video cameras use the same image sensing methods as still cameras, but in addition to storing the images digitally, they output NTSC video for playback on any TV. See flash memory, photo editor, photo scanner, X3, digital camera record modes and DSLR.
Major Features
Following are the major features and some caveats of digital cameras.
Resolution in Megapixels
The number of pixels determines the maximum size of the resulting image and its sharpness, especially when printed. The higher the resolution to start, the better the results. You can easily reduce a high-resolution image to low resolution in the computer, but you cannot go from low to high with great results. The bottom line: know the final destination of your images. Following is a guide to the amount of megapixels required in the camera:
Destination Minimum Megapixels
Web site images 1 MP
Computer screen 2 MP
3x5 and 4x6 prints 2 MP
8x10 print 4 MP
11x14 print 6 MP
16x20 print 12 MP
User Interface
Nothing is more critical to photographers than the feel of their cameras. Because it uses a combination of physical buttons and on-screen menus, a digital camera's interface can be more daunting than that of a desktop computer. At the very least, spend some time in the store reviewing the basics. If at all possible, borrow the camera from a friend for a photo session.
Optical and Electronics Quality
As it has in film cameras for nearly two centuries, the optical quality of the camera's lens greatly contributes to the resulting picture quality. In addition, the color and geometric accuracy of the pixels in the CCD or CMOS sensor combined with the camera's internal processing circuits can make all the difference. Specifications on paper are not enough, and reviews from sources such as photographic Web sites are very informative.
Optical vs. Digital (Interpolated) Zoom
The optical zoom is the real resolution of the lenses. The digital zoom is an interpolated resolution computed by software. The higher the optical number, the better. A 10x optical is far superior to a 10x digital (see optical zoom).
Storage Media
There are several types of flash memory cards used for "digital film," but no matter which type the camera uses, the one that comes with the camera is typically undersized. Plan on purchasing a larger one when you buy the camera (see flash memory).
Data Transfer
Digital cameras come with a USB cable for transfer directly to the computer, and many computers come with one or more memory card slots. Printers may also come with card slots, allowing you to print your photos without using the computer at all. Wireless (Wi-Fi) transmission is also available on some cameras.
Battery Duration
Digital cameras use either rechargeable or standard AA batteries. It can take an hour or more to recharge a battery, so having an extra, fully charged battery is recommended. AA batteries can be purchased anywhere, and rechargeable AA's can also be used.
Interchangeable Lenses
Digital SLR (single lens reflex) cameras are the digital counterparts of their analog predecessors and may use the same removable lenses that you already own. However, the sensor chip may be smaller in size than a 35mm frame, which means your 28mm wide angle lens might function like a 42mm lens. Lenses made specifically for the digital SLR do not have this focal length mismatch. See DSLR.
LCD Screen and Viewfinder
Small, point-and-shoot cameras use a "live preview" LCD screen to take pictures and display the stored images. Digital SLRs have a traditional viewfinder that you press your eye against for taking pictures and mostly use the LCD as a monitor to show the results. The larger the LCD screen, the more the camera serves as a convenient playback device.
The eyepiece viewfinder has always been an effective method for taking pictures because pressing the camera against the eye actually steadies it. It also helps the photographer frame the picture by eliminating everything outside the viewing area. In addition, the LCD can sometimes be so washed out in a bright sunny day that it becomes difficult to take a picture. As a result, some point-and-shoot cameras also include a viewfinder. See viewfinder.
Digital Camera
Behind the lens, a CCD or CMOS image sensor chip picks up the image as variable (analog) charges that are turned into digital by an analog-to-digital circuit (see A/D converter). A DSP chip adjusts contrast and detail and compresses the digital data for storage.
Camera and "Film"
A classic now, the DC50 was one of the first digital cameras from the venerable Kodak company. Holding 24 images in internal memory, it used flash disks for more storage. (Image courtesy of SanDisk Corporation.)
Photo Printer
FARGO made one of the first printers designed for 4x6\" photographic prints. The 1995 introduction of the $595 FARGO FotoFUN! was a breakthrough price for a dye sublimation printer. (Image courtesy of FARGO Electronics, Inc.)
CYCOLOR Printer
CYCOLOR printers are different than other digital printers, because the imaging is done inside the paper, which is sensitive to light (see CYCOLOR). (Image courtesy of Cycolor, Inc.).
Print Via the Web
Photo printing companies such as Photoworks and Kodak EasyShare Gallery (formerly Ofoto) let you upload your digital pictures to their Web sites so they can be previewed by family and friends from any Internet connection. Clicking on a thumbnail (top) displays a larger, low-res image (bottom). High-resolution prints can be ordered by anyone. Undeveloped analog film can also be sent to the companies for processing. (Images courtesy of Jim and Karen Clayton.)
 | Reproduced with permission from Computer Desktop Encyclopedia. Copyright (c) 1981-2009 The Computer Language Company Inc. All rights reserved. |
Additional Resources
- Smartbook AG gets some Swarovski baubles plus higher price tag
- Last week, it was the Olympus Pen E-P1 digital camera. Now the Smartbook AG Zenid CG is being decked out in some Swarovski crystals too. Is it just because shiny stuff always looks better during the holidays or is this really becoming a new trend among gadgets? by Rachel King
- Blog posts 2009-11-30
- iVideo Converter 2.1.2 (Mac)
- Video : mpeg1, mpeg2, mpeg4, H.264, XviD, Theora, avi, wmv, mov, flv, dv, 3gp, svq, mvk, ffv1 and more. Audio: mp2, mp3, m4a, aac, flac, alac, wav, wma, ac3, ogg and more. Other Formats: .avs, .dxa, .flic, .fli, .mlp, .mvi, .nsv, .pva, .nuv, .swf, .mts, .dca, .mpc, .mtv, dca, ......
- Software downloads 2009-11-28
- Video Capture Master 7.1.0.200 (Windows)
- Do you want to grab real-time video or image? Video Capture Master is a useful application that enables you to record video and image from video devices in real time. Video Capture Master is a hot piece of application designed to suit your needs. With it you can effortlessly record...
- Software downloads 2009-11-26
- EyeSoft 2.3.5 (Windows)
- EyeSoft is a network video surveillance software application for recording IP cameras, megapixel network cameras, and USB Web cams. Supports over 400+ multi-vendor IP camera models as well as most USB Web cams, analogue capture cards, and live IPTV streams. Allows you to build powerful surveillance applications with easy to...
- Software downloads 2009-11-26
- Holiday Gift Guide 2009: Digital cameras for kids
- Kids love digital cameras. Whether it's the happy chorus of "Can I see? Can I see?" and subsequent jockeying to get a glimpse of the LCD, or the fact that you can just let them snap away randomly without worrying about wasting film, digital cameras make great gifts for kids....
- Blog posts 2009-11-25
- Nikon Camera Control Pro 2.7.0 (Mac)
- This software remotely controls most functions of Nikon digital SLRs from a computer that is connected via USB cable or though wired or wireless LAN using a wireless transmitter. Advanced functions of the new D3 and D300 such as the Viewer for preview and selection o images prior to transferto...
- Software downloads 2009-11-25
- GoPro Motorsports HD Hero
- GoPro had a hit on its hands with the first-generation GoPro Hero. The small camera combined decent video quality and rugged reliability in a small package that was easy to use in action-based scenarios. However, the Hero wasn't without its flaws. Finicky battery choices that often cut recording sessions short...
- Product reviews 2009-11-24
- Creative unveils third-gen Vado HD mini-camcorder; selling at $179.99
- ISWhat these handheld video recorders need is image stabilization. I have a Vado HD and it is tough to hold it steady and nauseating to watch if not perfectly still.noOptical stabilization is too space-consuming and complicated for a device like this. Digital stabilization wastes valuable space on the sensor...
- Discussion threads 2009-11-24
- A-PDF Image to PDF 3.0 (Windows)
- A-PDF Image to PDF is an utility that lets you convert photos, drawings, scans and faxes into Acrobat PDF documents. Its features include supporting almost all of image formats includes TIFF, JPEG, GIF, BMP, PNG and ICO, even acquiring images from scanner or digital camera directly. It also is able...
- Software downloads 2009-11-24
- A Better Finder Rename 8.42 (Mac)
- A Better Finder Rename is the most complete renaming solution available on the market today. That's why, since 1996, thousands of hobbyists, professionals and businesses depend on A Better Finder Rename to organize and maintain files. A Better Finder Rename's user interface supports complex renaming tasks without sacrificing ease and...
- Software downloads 2009-11-24
- Snapz Pro X 2.2.2 (Mac)
- Snapz Pro X allows you to effortlessly record anything on your screen, saving it as a QuickTime movie or screenshot that can be e-mailed, put up on the web, or passed around however you want. Snapz Pro X is a quantum leap in video capture technology, adroitly capturing full motion...
- Software downloads 2009-11-24
- Recuva 1.33.451 (Windows)
- Recuva (pronounced "recover") is a freeware Windows utility to restore files that have been accidentally deleted from your computer. This includes files emptied from the Recycle bin as well as images and other files that have been deleted by user error from digital camera memory cards or MP3 players. It...
- Software downloads 2009-11-23
- Flipping Fantastic
- I used to carry around a 1/2 dozen.......100 watt daylight-balanced, blue incandescent photoflood bulbs that I'd use to swap over at any normal interior location, to boost up the ambient light levels. With excellent automatic white balance nowadays, you wouldn't need the expensive blue photo bulbs, just ordinary incandescent...
- Discussion threads 2009-11-21
- ARRIRAW Toolkit for Final Cut Studio 1.0.6 (Mac)
- ARRIRAW Toolkit for Final Cut Studio allows users to import and work with files created by the ARRIFLEX D-21 Digital Cinema Camera. The software will perform all of the importing, playback, debayer, Exposure Index/ASA and White Point color correction functions. Any QuickTime enabled application is instantly compatible with the ARRIRAW...
- Software downloads 2009-11-21
- Vignetting Reducer 1.6 (Windows)
- The word vignetting is used to indicate an unintended darkening of the image corners in a photographic image. It is a common problem due to the use of improper attachments to the camera lens. Vignetting Reducer is a simple tool for reducing vignetting in digital photos.
- Software downloads 2009-11-21
- Samsung Convoy SCH-U640 (Verizon Wireless)
- Photo gallery:Samsung ConvoyEditors' note: This review originally reported that the Convoy does not support Verizon's push-to-talk network. In fact, the phone does support the service. We apologize for the error.Hot on the rugged heels of the Motorola Barrage comes an equally durable phone for Verizon Wireless called the Samsung Convoy....
- Product reviews 2009-11-20
- Photo Download Tool 2.1c (Windows)
- A simple digital camera download tool that downloads photos in a single step from up to 5 different cameras / mobiles / HDD videos - Manages your photo directories automatically with current date so prevents overwriting any photos. Photo backup option is also available. All photo and other file types...
- Software downloads 2009-11-20
- Picture Information Extractor 5.45 (Windows)
- The deluxe photo data toolkit. Image browser that extracts all metadata from JPG and RAW files of almost any digital camera. Allows to edit metadata and adjust date/time picture taken without destroying Makernote data. Transfers images, renames automatically, rotates losslessly. Includes file manager and fast picture viewer with slide show...
- Software downloads 2009-11-20
- Camera Tilt and Zoom for iPhone 1.0 (Mobile)
- With Camera Tilt and Zoom for iPhone tilt your iPhone to the right and zoom-in on your photo. Tilt your iPhone back to center and tap anywhere on the screen and take the picture. Camera Tilt and Zoom for iPhone allows you to seamlessly take photos in any orientation at...
- Software downloads 2009-11-19
- My Inventory 9.0 (Windows)
- My Inventory is a fun and easy to use home and office inventory manager that allows the end user to provide an additional layer of protection to the insurance coverage they maintain. By having an inventory and photos of possessions it acts as proof and as a reminder should the...
- Software downloads 2009-11-19
Neighboring Terms
Premier Vendor Content Whitepapers, webcasts & resources from our Power Center Sponsors
- The more you simplify, the more you save
-
When you transition from your existing Red Hat environment to SUSE Linux Enterprise from Novell, you can recognize dramatic cost savings, perhaps as much 50%
- Learn more >>
- Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online - Free Six-Month Trial for Eligible Organizations
-
Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online provides fast online access, simple contact management and better sales performance for a low monthly cost - the best value on the market today.
- Learn more about the free, six-month trial offer>>
- Save time with automated shipping solutions
-
The Business Essentials Guide provides you useful tools and templates to help grow your business and save you time with automated shipping solutions.
- Visit the UPS Business Essentials Guide
Popular Sanity Saver Videos
