Mastering Digital Photography and Imaging
Chapter One
Introduction to Digital Cameras
Unless you plan to digitize existing photographs
with a scanner, as discussed in Chapter 2, you'll need a digital camera-often
called a digicam-if you want to make digital images. In some respects, these
cameras are similar to their 35mm counterparts. They include most of the
same features, but gain many others that are exclusive to the digital process.
At first glance, a digicam may seem expensive compared with a 35mm
film camera. That's true, but it can offer better value in the long run, at
least for photographers who shoot a great deal. Because digicams store
images on a memory card, there's no need to pay for film or processing;
think of the card as "reusable film." Granted, you'll want prints of some
images, but this is cheaper than paying to print every picture on a roll of
film. Digicams are also a lot more fun than 35mm cameras. At a party, for
example, you can snap a lot of pictures and show them to friends on the
camera's color display immediately. Delete any rejects and take some pics
over again if you're not happy with the poses or expressions. Many cameras
will even record short video clips.
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