Advantages and Disadvantages of Digital Cameras

Digital cameras have become hugely popular all over the world in the last few years. In this article, we take a closer look at the advantages and disadvantages of digital cameras.

It is really interesting to notice how cameras have evolved over the years. As a kid, I distinctly remember how flabbergasted I was, when told that the funny-looking thing propped up on a tripod in the Charlie Chaplin film was nothing but a camera! Having seeing Walkman-sized roll film cameras all my life, it was quite difficult to believe that the weird-looking device on the tripod was actually a camera. To come to think of it, I guess an 8-year old who has seen digital cameras all his life, would pretty much feel the same when it comes to hand-held roll film cameras of yesteryear.

So why exactly are digital cameras so popular today? Is there some kind of rocket science involved, which makes digital cameras so very superior to roll film cameras? Are they really a blessing to all shutterbugs, or do they have some drawbacks too? On that note, let us look at some of the advantages and disadvantages of digital cameras with respect to photography.

Advantages of Digital Cameras
First the good news. Digital camera advantages are plenty, and they are applicable to everyone, right from amateur photographers to professional shutterbugs. Here's how:

• Eliminates Film Processing: This is probably the most significant of all digital camera advantages. No longer do you have to waste your time and energy in developing the roll of film in a dark room. With digital cameras, you simply click the picture and transfer it to your computer using the camera's data cable. If you wish to print it, you can take it to the photo store in a CD and get it printed instantly. It's as simple as that!
• Massive Photo Storage: Digital cameras can easily store up to 10,000 photos, depending on the size of the memory card. This completely outweighs the storage capacity of traditional roll film cameras.
• Operating Speed: In case of earlier cameras, one always had to wind the film after clicking a photograph. This led to a certain amount of time delay and inconvenience. No such activity is required in case of digital cameras. You simply click, click, and click!
• Face Detection: High-end digital cameras have been meticulously designed for face detection through the camera lens. Hence you can say goodbye to all those blurry faces and red-eye photographs!
• Motion Detection: These days, high-end digital cameras also come equipped with inbuilt motion detection mechanisms which adjust moving images and thereby avoid blurriness. This becomes particularly useful when clicking pictures of moving objects; for example, a horse race or a football match in progress.
• Night Modes: Clicking pictures in the dark or in dim-lit surroundings has become much more easier, thanks to special night mode features that are commonly available in today's digital cameras.
• Easy Image Editing: Digital images can be edited with ease. Image editing softwares are easily and widely available and they allow you to tweak the photograph as per your wish and requirement.
• Viewing Screens: Digital cameras have viewing screens on the camera body which allow you to view the image as soon as you have clicked it. If you do not like it, you can simply delete it then and there. Isn't that great?
• Video Recording: Today, most digital cameras come fully-equipped with inbuilt video recording features. So if you come across something that you would prefer to record rather than click, you can easily do it using the same camera.
• Waterproof: These days, there are many waterproof digital cameras which allow you to indulge in underwater photography. Now you can enjoy viewing all those corals and capture them on camera too!
• Total VFM: Digital cameras are extremely cost-effective, adaptable, and offer total VFM (value for money). Besides, they are constantly being upgraded with new features, thanks to continuous technological advances.

Disadvantages of Digital Cameras
There are two sides to every coin. Similarly, there are a few drawbacks or disadvantages of digital cameras as well. These are some of them:

• Personal Preference: Professional photographers who are used to working with roll film cameras are sometimes reluctant to switch over to digital cameras. Although this cannot be termed as a disadvantage as such, it does become a case of personal preference.
• Memory Card Problems: All the photographs, video clips, etc., are stored on a memory card. In certain rare cases, the memory card can become corrupt or can develop other problems which can result in loss of data.
• Higher Cost: High-end, fully-loaded digital cameras tend to be a little bit costly as compared to roll film cameras.
• Battery Consumption: Battery consumption is much more faster in case of digital cameras. This makes it necessary to keep a few spare batteries in hand, especially during lengthy photo sessions.

These were some of the advantages and disadvantages of digital cameras. Though it is evident that digital camera advantages significantly outweigh their disadvantages, choosing between digital and roll film cameras remains a personal decision.

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