A camera that stores images digitally rather than recording them on film. Once a picture has been taken, it can be downloaded to a computer system, and then manipulated with a graphics program and printed. Unlike film photographs, which have an almost infinite resolution, digital photos are limited by the amount of memory in the camera, the optical resolution of the digitizing mechanism, and, finally, by the resolution of the final output device. Even the best digital cameras connected to the best printers cannot produce film-quality photos. However, if the final output device is a laser printer, it doesn't really matter whether you take a real photo and then scan it, or take a digital photo. In both cases, the image must eventually be reduced to the resolution of the printer.
The big advantage of digital cameras is that making photos is both inexpensive and fast because there is no film processing. Interestingly, one of the biggest boosters of digital photography is Kodak, the largest producer of film. Kodak developed the Kodak PhotoCDformat, which has become the de facto standard for storing digital photographs.
Most digital cameras use CCDs to capture images, though some of the newer less expensive cameras use CMOS chips instead.
Digital Camera Resource Page Excellent resource for current or future owners of digital cameras. Contains a wealth of useful links, articles, and product information.
Digital Camera Technology Overview Outlines the technology underlying the digital camera and the features offered by a modern, consumer model. Includes graphics, diagrams and an integrated glossary. This page is from "The PC Technology Guide."
Digital Eyes An independent, online publication covering digital cameras and scanners that features news, reviews, and specifications for digital cameras, scanners, and the software that controls them.
Webopedia's Quick Reference: The Digital Camera Picture If you can't keep up with advances in digital camera, you're not alone. We help you make sense of megapixels, zero in on the zooms (digital, optical and total) and delve into everything from price points to paper to printers.
