I think that digital cameras shine brightest for web site graphics and electronic postcards. Issues related to image resolution, color correction and sizing are much easier to cope with on the Internet than in the print world. But with a little trial and error and a trusty ink jet printer, today's consumer cameras can easily render 8" x 10" prints and very acceptable images at even larger sizes.

If you're in the market for a camera, here's what to look for:

• Megapixel resolution -- the minimum now is 1.3 megapixels, and you can get 3.3 megapixel cameras for under $600.
• Optical zoom lens of 3x or more to capture "tighter" images.
• Compact removable media to extend picture taking sessions (e.g. SmartMedia andCompact Flash). SmartMedia cards hold up to 128 MBs and Compact Flash is reaching capacities of 512 MB and beyond.
• Lithium or rechargeable Nickel-Metal Hydride batteries for extended power.
• Image editing software to sharpen and enhance pictures (e.g. Adobe Photoshop).
• Card readers for digital media to avoid lengthy downloads via a serial or USB cables to the computer. My favorite combination is a PCMCIA reader (such as Microtech SSFDC Type II Adapter) and a laptop computer. New portable readers such as Microtech's Zio can be purchased for less than $30.

Electronic VS Print Output

Electronic publication is much more feasible than print output with inexpensive cameras because less image resolution is required. To publish a picture on the Internet, your image resolution only needs to be 72 dpi (dots per inch). Using JPEG compression, a 640 x 480 pixel picture can be as small as a 100k file and still retain good image quality.

To make a print of the same image, on the other hand, would require resolution somewhere near 266 dpi with file sizes of 10 megabytes or more. The problem is that print images require finer resolution than computer monitors.

Here's the rub: most of the time, when you're reading the specifications for a digital camera (640 x 480 resolution and upward), those specs are at 72 dpi, not 300! Here's how that works in real world use:

• A 640 x 480 image in a digital camera at 72 dpi produces a file size of about 900k.
• That image published on the Internet would be
  roughly 6.5" x 9".
• That same image size (6.5" x 9") resampled for print publication would produce a file size of 12MB!
• If you keep the file size at the original 900k but make a print (266 dpi) instead of publishing on the Internet (72 dpi), your print would be a teeny 2.5" x 1.8".

Should You Go Digital?

When people ask me if they should buy a digital camera, I usually respond by asking, "Do you want 20 prints from each roll of film, or are you shooting for one or two prints per roll?"

Folks who like having lots of prints should stick with film cameras for the time being unless they are into web publishing. Digital cameras are perfect for electronic display, but for the time being, it's still cheaper and easier to make prints from film.

Either way, the most important thing is to practice your craft and have fun -- regardless of the type of camera you're using.

D. Story
Jan 2002