Why would someone switch from film to digital?

• There are no ongoing costs for film and film processing with digital.
• You can review images on the computer before printing them. This allows you to be selective.
• Digital memory takes up less physical space than film. In fact, you can store a few hundred high-quality pictures on a memory card smaller than a matchbook.
• Unlike film, images on digital cameras cannot be harmed by airport scanners.
• It's more convenient to make reprints from a digital file than from a film negative. Literally thousands of images can be stored on your computer's hard drive, allowing you to print any of them at will.
  

What should I consider if I decide to buy a digital camera?

Resolution

Resolution in digital cameras is measured by how many million light sensitive dots (megapixels or MP) the camera's sensor contains. Generally speaking, higher megapixel cameras provide better images, but sometimes other factors, such as lens quality, make a bigger difference. How many megapixels are enough? The answer has a lot to do with how big you intend to make your prints. Use this chart as a guide.

Decide what things are most important to you in a camera

No single digital camera will be ideal for all users. By deciding which characteristics are most important to you, you can narrow your choices. For example, if you're an experienced amateur photographer, you'll probably want a camera with manual controls. Need a camera to take with you everywhere? Consider a pocket-sized model. If landscapes or architectural scenes are your passion, find a camera with a wide angle lens. If you need a general- purpose camera for snapshots, you'll probably be happy with a mid-range model in terms of price and size.

Memory card format

Digital cameras often use removable memory cards to store photos. If price is a concern, limit your search to cameras which use standard memory formats like Compact Flash (CF) rather than proprietary formats like Sony's Memory Stick. Proprietary cards can cost up to twice as much as standard cards for the same capacity. Check out the Wikipedia entry for memory cards for more information.

Camera reaction speed

Unfortunately, there is a frequently a small delay between the time you press the shutter button and when the digital camera actually takes a picture. This delay, called "shutter lag," isn't much of a factor in landscape shots, but can be a major burden in candid or action photography. If you think your shooting style might be affected by this delay, take a look at reviews on The Imaging Resource for shutter lag tests.

Research, research, research

Fortunately, there are many gear-obsessed photographers who test new equipment and report their results on the Internet. Their reviews have a wealth of product images, sample photos, reader reports and recommendations. Visit the Resources section for a list of these sites.

Are there downsides to this technology?

Digital cameras, despite recent price drops, are still more expensive than film cameras. In addition, digital cannot capture subtle gradations of color as well as film, but this is really only a problem for the most demanding of photographers.

Final thoughts

If you don't already have a digital camera, now is a great time to buy. Sales and special promotions abound as manufacturers vie for a share of this expanding market. You'll probably want to get an additional memory card too, as manufacturers are notoriously stingy with included memory.

Resources

Web Sites

• Digital Photography Review
• Digital Camera Resource Page
• Imaging Resource
• Steve's Digicams

Books

• Drafahl, Jack and Sue. Step-by-Step Digital Photography: A Guide for Beginners (778.3 DRA)
• Stone, M. David and Ron Gladis. Faster Smarter Digital Photography (778.3 STO)
• Sammons, Rick. Rick Sammons Complete Guide to Digital Photography (778.3 SAM)
• Ang, Tom. KISS Guide to Digital Photography (778.3 ANG)