Digital Photography Introduction

Digital photography uses electronic devices to record and capture the image. This helps storage and editing of the images on personal computers. It also aids in the ability to show and delete unsuccessful images immediately. No more waiting to process and print film to see the results!

Digital cameras now outsell film cameras and include features that are not found in film cameras such as the ability to shoot video and record audio. Some other devices, such as mobile phones, now include digital photography features.

How Did The Digital Age Come About?

Traditional photography burdened photographers working at remote locations without easy access to processing facilities. Competition from television pressured photographers to deliver images to newspapers ASAP! Photo journalists at remote locations often carried miniature photo labs as a way of transmitting images through telephone lines. In 1981, Sony unveiled the first consumer camera to use a charge-coupled device for imaging, eliminating the need for film: the Sony Mavica. While the Mavica saved images to disk, the images were displayed on television, and the camera was not fully digital. In 1990, Kodak unveiled the DCS 100, the first commercially available digital camera. Due to its high cost, it was usd only for photojournalism and professional photography.

Good Bye Film Photography?

Digital imaging has rapidly replaced film photography in consumer and professional markets. Kodak announced that it would no longer produce reloadable 35 mm cameras. Nikon later followed suit and announced that they will stop the production of all but two models of their film cameras: the low-end Nikon FM10, and the high-end Nikon F6. Last but not least , Canon also announced they will stop developing new film SLR cameras. Don't throw away your film camera just yet. I think these will become antiques and hot items to sell!