What would our grandparents have thought if they had been told that one day photographers would be able to take photographs without the use of film? Surely it would have sounded like science fiction, but that day is here, and plenty of photographers - both amateur and professional - are embracing the technology that allows images to be captured and stored digitally. In 1999, worldwide shipment of digital cameras exceeded 6.5 million units.
Here are some of the compelling reasons why photographers are choosing to go digital:
- No film needed.
- Provides instant gratification.
- Saves time and money.
- No more darkroom.
- Offers a quick way to check your photos.
- Provided an easy way to obtain an image for a Web page.
Digital cameras offer photographers many benefits, but two compelling reasons typically sway people to make the switch from film cameras:
- The freedom to manipulate the output.
- The instant gratification that comes from being able to access the results immediately.
With new digital cameras and countless new options popping up every day, millions of people are discovering the joys of digital photography. Even people who never thought of themselves as shutterbugs are hopping on the digital camera bandwagon. Why? Because this is one piece of high tech equipment that is actually fun to use.
How many times have you been walking down the street, visiting relatives, or just clowning around with your kids when you see something or someone and think - that would make a great picture. A digital camera means you will never again miss that wonderful shot.
Once you are hooked on digital photography, you won’t want to leave your camera at home, and thanks to its portability, you won’t have to. Because a digital camera is compact and lightweight, it is easy to carry in your pocket or purse. And since it doesn’t need film, there is no need to worry about whether it is loaded. You are always ready to capture the moment, so you can grab it and start snapping away.
After you have gotten that one in a lifetime shot, it is easy to download it to your computer and send if off via email to loved ones near and far. Part of the beauty of digital photography is the ease of sharing photos. It is fun to take digital photos, and it is even more fun to show them to others.
With more than half of American households owning personal computers, it is no wonder that folks are embracing digital photography instead of, or in addition to, their traditional cameras. They are finding that it is a cinch to download digital photos into a computer, and it is great fun to get really creative, using software to modify a picture, then zapping it off on the internet for others to experience. Faster and more sophisticated software programs are continuously appearing on store shelves, making the options for modifying digital images almost limitless.
The bottom line, then, appears to be this: Digital photography provides a new and exciting way for ordinary people to express their creativity. It also offers them a means to communicate with friends, relatives, and business associates in the next town or half a world away.
