Unlike conventional film cameras, digital cameras dispense with the need for film, development and print processing. Digital cameras use digital film in the form of removable storage cards that can be used over and over again. Sony digital cameras, for instance, make use of Memory Sticks while Kodak, Canon, Nikon and Casio use a standardised CompactFlash memory card to store images. Manufacturers like Olympus and FujiFilm use the wafer-thin SmartMedia card. The quality of images produced by digital cameras are comparable to those produced by conventional cameras.
Consumers are spoilt for choice when it comes to digital cameras.
Prices vary with the resolution, measured in terms of millions of pixels or megapixels. Resolution measures the ability of the camera to resolve the images and hence be able to reproduce them in print. The base model today is 1.5 megapixels and goes up all the way to 3.4 megapixels. Sex appeal Manufacturers are not only enticing consumers with megapixels but also with style and sex appeal. Canon places lots of emphasis on design and style as seen in its sleek and trendy Digital Ixus.