Focusing On Digital Cameras And Images

Monday, March 1, 2004

Focusing On Digital Cameras And Images (NAPSA)—In today’s column, Jim Barry aka “”of the Consumer Electronics Association explains how the world of photography is changing as digital cameras and digital images become more and more widespread. 1) What are digital cameras and digital images? Digital cameras represent the new generation of pho- tography. A digital camera capturespicJim Barry ——_ tures electronically and stores them as computercode. Digital cameras are becoming increasingly popular. Americans are now buying more digital cameras than film cameras. 2) How does a digital camera work? Digital cameras can look like a film camera, although most have a screen for framing and reviewing yourpictures, in addition to a lens and shutter. The major difference is that a digital camera has a built-in memory or removable memory card (or both) that records the picture and stores images aselectronicfiles. 3) Are digital cameras better than traditional cameras? Each has advantages and limitations. We all know how inexpensive and easy to use film cameras are and how good the pictures can be. But digital camera prices are falling rapidly and save money by eliminating the cost of film developing. With digital, you only print the pictures you want to show and keep. Since you can review the pictures on the camera’s screen, you can delete a bad shot and reshoot it immediately. Digital cameras also let you A. WY 7) (se all DR. ~ CP Pixelated about pixels? They’re picture elements. Basically, the morepixels, the better the picture. send a picture almost instantly to someone anywhere in the world on the Internet or change the image in the computer (crop the picture, eliminate redeye or add a different background). 4) Do digital cameras have a zooming feature? Somedigital models offer virtually all the features once found only on film cameras. Virtually all now offer a simple digital zoom, while newer models feature optical as well as digital zooms. 5) What about printing digital images and photos? You can print digital pictures using a computer printer or a sep- arate printer that doesn’t require a computer. 6) What are the different kinds of digital cameras and what do they cost? There are many choices, ranging from degrees of optical zoom lenses to various sized LCD screens. A major quality and cost factor is the number of megapixels or picture elements. Basically the morepixels, the higher the resolution. Pixels are measured in millions (mega). For more information, check out www.CE.org.