Saturday, December 4, 2010

Digital Cameras Explained

By Oscar Gilman


Digital camera devices are just one of the major compact devices that are making their ways towards the average consumer homes because they are highly affordable and the more expensive models are very rich in features. Dozens of companies are highly competitive in this industry compared to the times when film photography was the norm. Even mobile phone manufacturers are making quality phones that have many features that actually compare with the entry-level compact cameras while DSLR cameras reign on the quality side. But the best functional digital cameras combine digital technology with advanced optics so those companies that have been heavily active in the film industry get an advantage.

Every modern digital camera contains a built-in computer that electronically records the image and stores it in its internal or external memory depending on the model. The actual process of capturing an image is quite similar from the traditional cameras because the digital camera uses a series of lenses to create the image by focusing light on the subject. What makes digital photography so different is the way the light is actually focused. Rather than using film, a semiconductor device is used instead. The built-in computer then breaks down the information into readable digital data after the sensor converts the light into electrical charges.

The sensor works differently as well with the key role to convert the light into electrical charges. This process often consumes a significant amount of power especially if the sensor is a CCD (Charged Couple Device) for best image quality. Those that want to conserve power can try the digital camera equipped with a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) sensor instead.

Another key difference lies on the digital camera's primary specification which is the megapixel count. Pixels are elements of digital images that build up the picture so generally the more pixels, the finer the image and the better it comes out when printing then image on larger media. Advertisers often hype this specification because more is generally better but most consumers should be satisfied with a 10-megapixel camera. The real specifications to concentrate on are the technologies being used to capture the image such as face recognition along with the interface. The algorithm that the camera uses to produce the right colors also varies.

The way digital SLR cameras work is similar but the main difference is the extra step in attaching the desired lens to get a certain effect when each picture is taken. These types of cameras have much larger image sensors and more sophisticated electronics to contribute to their higher image quality and improved color accuracy, contrast, and brightness.

All these technologies found in digital cameras successfully match the quality with film quality. But digital cameras go beyond that by providing small displays that serve as the interface and viewfinder alternative. Plus there are many other nifty extras in the best digital camera models ranging from blur reduction to smile detection. Digital cameras continue to evolve each year while their general functions remain the same.




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