1 - Differences
What is the difference between the two?
Compact Film Camera:
You have to load a 35 mm film onto a film camera. There is a lever to advance to the next frame after one shot.
These days there are cameras available that automatically forward the film. After you finish clicking the entire
roll of film, you have to rewind the roll and give it in the Lab for developing.
Compact Digital Camera:
In the case of digital camera, there is a memory card. All the photos clicked are stored in this memory card.
The number of photos that you can store depends on the storage capacity of this memory card. Generally, even the
simplest of compact digital camera manage to store a large number of photos. Once you have reached the capacity,
you must transfer your photos onto a computer. Then start clicking again. You also have the display that allows
you to preview your shot.
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2 - Which is Better?
Both have their pros and cons. However, digital cameras are growing in popularity because of the following reasons:
Easy Sharing:
Digital pictures are easier to share. You can send them via email as attachments or transfer them as files. You can
upload them online and just share the link of your page. You do not have to take multiple prints to share your photo
with someone. You do not have to wait for your son or your mother to visit your place in order to show them the photographs.
Preview:
Digital cameras have small screens that are 1.5 to 2 inches wide. You can preview your photos before clicking on this
screen. This allows you to compose your shot well before clicking.
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Immediate feedback:
The moment you click your photograph, the screen gives you a preview of your photo. You already know what your shot looks
like. If you are dissatisfied, you can go for another shot and delete this photo. |
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3 - Film Vs. Digital
Photo Storage:
You had used the camera on your birthday party last year. You used your camera this year for your birthday party.
Moreover, you may not use it until your next birthday party. The film roll would stay as it is. You can give the
roll for developing after 3 years and you shall get good prints. In the case of a digital camera, storage of your
photos depends on the battery. If the battery’s charge goes off, then you would end up losing all the photos stored
in the camera.
Shutter lag:
In almost all digital cameras, there is a time lag between the clicking and the capturing of an image. Let us consider
that you want to photograph an individual while he is in the sitting posture. The individual stands up after u click.
Now since there is a shutter lag, the digital camera will end up capturing the person getting up. This does not happen
in a film camera.
Battery:
You do not have to carry a charger with you all the time. Keeping spare batteries for emergency will suffice. |
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Enlargement:
All negatives may be developed to produce prints that are large sized and shall give you equally good print quality.
In the case of a digital camera, you will need a camera with a higher resolution.
Upgrade:
With personal computers being upgraded every year, digital cameras may also be required to be correspondingly upgrade.
With film cameras, a 20-year-old camera will function as well as it did 20 years ago.
Digitize:
You can digitize your photos clicked on film too. You could scan your photographs and publish them online or send them
across as files. Another option would be developing them digitally rather than printing them.
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4 - Features
Lenses:
The lenses could be of the fixed variety or a zoom lens. Zoom lenses are advantageous; since they help, to get the
focus a little closer to your subject. This is useful if you cannot get closer to your subject, yet want a close-up
shot.
Focus Modes:
Compact cameras do not require you to focus on the subject you want capture. That is why they are auto-focus. Advanced
compact cameras offer various focus modes such as macro mode for extreme close-up, infinity mode for landscapes and focus
lock to adjust your over all composition.
Exposure Modes:
All compact cameras automatically adjust the exposure based on the situation. They have automatic light metering and
exposure compensation to give better photo quality. High-end cameras allow you to select your own exposure mode.
Continuous Shooting Mode:
Check if your camera offers continuous shooting mode. You will need this feature if you want to click consecutive frames
of any motion.
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Red-Eye Reduction:
Have you clicked photos in which you find people have devilish red eyes? This is the red-eye effect. The camera flash
brightens up the retina of the eye. This results in the red color of the retina, (thanks to the presence of blood vessels),
be visible through the iris. The camera captures this. To avoid this, the flash must be set in such a way that it does
not capture the red eyes. This is termed as red-eye reduction. It is very important, since capturing people with red-eyes
would almost ruin a good picture making an angel look like the devil! |
Date Imprinting:
This feature enables printing date and time on the photograph. This is for you to remember the date when you cherished
the moment you have captured. In case you do not wish to imprint dates, you can switch off this feature.
Self-Timer:
You want to click your family photo, and include yourself in the picture too. Whoever clicks the picture, will not be a
part of the family photo. This is where the self-timer helps. You compose your shot and place the camera on a stand, set
the self-timer and click. The actual capturing of image will take place after 10 to 12 seconds. You have 10 to 12 seconds
to get back to your family and pose for the photo.
Self-Timer:
This refers to the body of the camera. Where and how will you be using your camera? If you are going to subject it to lot
of rough handling, your camera should be a sturdy piece. If you are using your camera only at home and family get-togethers,
you do not necessarily need a sturdy piece. If you shall be traveling a lot, then opt for a camera that is water-resistant
or all weather friendly.
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4 - Conclusion
How often you will be using your camera, what are the features that you need the most? Cameras today, come with lots of
advanced features. However, opting for a camera with many advanced features will only complicate your job. Do not forget
that you require a camera that need not be manually set. With too many advanced features, you will end up manually setting
every photograph. So scrutinize your needs before buying a camera.
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