Why I've gone Digital - And Still Keep My Old Camera

There has always been a debate about what is better. Traditional cameras using film, or the so called new technology, storing pictures in digital form on memory cards, in computers or on CD-ROM.

As being a photographer for more than half of my life, I stuck with traditional film for very long. About 7 years ago I started to supplement my work with photos taken the digital way. A point and shoot camera with just 640x480 pixel resolution was the most attractive gadget I had these days. Its lens was even capable of doing close-up work, using a macro switch. That Fujifilm DX-7 was upgraded with a bigger Memory-Card and the camera served me well for several years. Anyway, over time, I was still more satisfied with the possibilities my collection of Pentax SLR cameras gave me. It started with using the best lenses for each picture or just using a Zoom (which offers a range from wide angle to telephoto), changing the shutter speed to either stop or blur the motion of objects in the picture, use external flashlights, change the aperture openings to adjust the range of sharpness and lots

more. Not forgetting the better picture quality I could get from a 35mm negative or slide. I was happy to use my heavy, solid metal camera.

The world changed for me when camera makers like Nikon and Canon introduced their Digital SLR Cameras. I went to my local camera shop every week and debated with the salesman about advantages and disadvantages of the models they had on sale. Also I checked with lots of users in online services to get first hand feedback on how these cameras performed. Finally, when Pentax introduced their Digital SLRs, I couldn't wait much longer. I needed to have one of those. With the Pentax 1st DS have a whole list of advantages over smaller Digital Cameras:

I can use the same lenses that fit my traditional camera

Have full control over speed and aperture

I can see the picture immediately after it is taken

I can shoot a series of pictures and choose the best (at no extra cost for film or paper)

A good resolution of 6 Megapixel which allows quite big prints

It weights more than a compact digital

camera, so you can hold it steady more easily

Make use of all the filters, flashlights, lenses and accessories I have collected over the years.

Storing the pictures on the PC via a fast USB connection

Up to 1 GB storage on a SD Memory Card (about 380 jpg photos)

Selecting only the best photos for printing



With all these advantages of digital SLR Cameras, you may wonder why I still keep my old 35mm film cameras with me. First, it is emotional, and second, photographing the old fashioned way keeps me calm. You just need more time to produce an excellent, satisfying photograph (because you cannot see the result right after the shot).

About the author:

Tom has spent most of his free time behind cameras of different types. He specializes in close-up work and travel photography. To share his experiences and fascination about digital photography, he has set up www.digitalcameratips.de which covers topics for beginners as well as advanced users of digital cameras.

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