| A digital camera is an electronic device used | | | | filter. |
| to capture and store photographs | | | | |
| electronically instead of using photographic | | | | • Storage Media: There are several |
| film like conventional cameras. Modern | | | | types of flash memory cards used for "digital |
| compact digital cameras are typically | | | | film," but no matter which type the camera |
| multifunctional, with some devices capable of | | | | uses, the one that comes with the camera is |
| recording sound and/or video as well as | | | | typically undersized. Plan on purchasing a |
| photographs. Professional digital cameras are | | | | larger one when you buy the camera (see flash |
| generally dedicated to photography. In the | | | | memory). |
| Western market, both types of digital cameras | | | | |
| now outsell their 35 mm film counterparts. | | | | • Data Transfer: Digital cameras come |
| | | | with a USB cable for transfer directly to the |
| Digital cameras can be classified into | | | | computer, and many computers come with one or |
| several categories: | | | | more memory card slots. Printers may also |
| | | | come with card slots, allowing you to print |
| • Professional video cameras such as | | | | your photos without using the computer at |
| those used in television and movie | | | | all. Wireless (Wi-Fi) transmission is also |
| production. These typically have multiple | | | | available on some cameras. |
| image sensors (one per color) to enhance | | | | |
| resolution and color gamut. Professional | | | | • Battery Duration: Digital cameras use |
| video cameras usually do not have a built-in | | | | either rechargeable or standard AA batteries. |
| VCR or microphone. | | | | It can take an hour or more to recharge a |
| | | | battery, so an extra one, fully charged, is |
| • Camcorders used by amateurs. They | | | | always a good idea to have along. AA |
| generally include a microphone to record | | | | batteries can be purchased almost anywhere, |
| sound, and feature a small liquid crystal | | | | and rechargeable AA batteries can also be |
| display to watch the video during taping and | | | | used. |
| playback. | | | | |
| | | | • Video Capture: Most digital cameras |
| • Webcams are digital cameras attached | | | | now have a video capture facility (although |
| to computers, used for video conferencing or | | | | SRLs don't), meaning you can create short |
| other purposes. Webcams can capture | | | | film sequences. The quality isn't always very |
| full-motion video as well, and some models | | | | good (mainly dependent on the mega pixel |
| include microphones or zoom ability. | | | | sensors) some cameras don't have a sound |
| | | | recorder. But it's still handy to capture |
| Features: | | | | good moments on video. |
| | | | |
| • Resolution: The resolution of a | | | | The ease of use: You have to get used to a |
| digital camera is determined by the camera | | | | new gadget - finding out what all the buttons |
| sensor that turns light into digital | | | | are for and getting used to the menus all |
| information, replacing the job of film in | | | | requires a bit of practice. Testing the |
| traditional photography. The sensor is made | | | | camera and it's functionalities out before |
| up of millions of "buckets" that collect | | | | buying it can be useful to check if you like |
| light. Generally, these buckets college only | | | | it's look and feel. |
| a narrow range of light due to a color | | | | |