Capturing images without the need for film is the greatest advantage of the digital camera. Unlike the conventional camera, it does not rely on mechanical and chemical processes. You no longer have to send photos to a developing lab to have the pictures blown up or adjusted as long as you have a home computer. A series of ones and zeros is how all digital information is stored although the images are no different when viewed

Many similarities exist between the two types of camera because lenses are still required to capture light just the same as a film version. Using an electronic system, a lower specification digital camera does away with film although it is still capturing the light as with a traditional camera. Images seen on good and more expensive models are captured using an alternative method of a charged coupled device commonly known as a CCD which you may have heard of. Some people believe the device used to capture an image in cheaper cameras the CMOS will eventually be the replacement for the better CCD but this is highly doubtful.

The CMOS device is this reason that many models have come down in price so much as they are easier and cheaper to produce than their CCD cousins. Whilst both the CMOS and CCD systems both capture an image using millions of solar cells to make up the whole picture, they perform this in slightly different ways Information to help you choose a suitable model of camera is mention in this review. Image quality is the all important factor and the higher the resolution the more you will be able to enlarge your picture; they can also provide prints that are larger without any degradation

Always choose a digital camera with an optical zoom as this will enable you take pictures without any distortion; portrait shots that require ‘framing’ are so much easier with a an zoom facility. Rechargeable batteries are the best you can use with the NMIH versions able to be charged at anytime, even if they are not fully discharged; this will save money on batteries that are disposable. most models come equipped with some sophisticated software that can create interesting shots; below are just a few examples:

* Video capture * Time lapse (i.e. one shot every 5 minutes for example) * Self-timer

High resolution cameras require more space to store images so you will probably need an additional storage card. Although larger storage cards have plummeted in price, a 1GB card should be enough for most peoples needs; some cameras won’t accept very high capacity cards anyway.

Cameras are now very tiny compared to a few years ago so you can actually carry around a high specification variant in your pocket and still be able to take fantastic pictures. Professional photographers may need heavy, bulky equipment but there is no requirement for a keen amateur to do so! Hopefully, these few tips will be enough to steer you in the right direction when you come to buy your camera. With all its technology, versatility and portability, the digital camera is the future of photography.