Digital photography has taken the photography industry by storm since it’s introduction to the consumer market in 1990. It was in 1990 that Kodak introduced a digital camera that was priced well out of the general consumers price range but well within the range of professional and photojournalism’s wallet. This introduction drove the demand for digital higher and within the last sixteen years, digital photography has become so widespread that many photography companies are discontinuing their film models. Kodak was the first to announce in January of 2004 that they would no longer produce reloadable 35 mm cameras and Nikon followed suit in January of 2006 with the discontinuation of all but two film models; they decided to continue to produce the low end Nikon FM10 and the high end Nikon F6. In May of that same year, Canon also announced that they would discontinue with the reload able film cameras as well. It is not surprising that the consumer market for the film version of any camera is on the decline as the digital versions offers so many more perks.

The Draw of Digital Photography

Digital photography has grown in consumer popularity largely due to the instant rewards of using the product. Many of the newer digital cameras allow for the consumer to use the camera for still photography and as a movie camera, capturing movement and sound. To a generation that was used to having to send photos away for developing only to get back 24 or 36 pictures (that may or may not be any good), the newer digital camera with a camera card can hold 400, 500, even 600 pictures in one card. The digital photographer can view the picture the minute it is taken, deleting and retaking if it isn’t to their choosing. In addition, should the moment be one that needs videotaping, a simple push of a button or click of a switch and the still photo camera becomes an instant movie camera.

The Speed of Digital Photography

There is little doubt that the digital camera has replaced most 35 mm camera in the traditional American family home. While it is still possible to purchase and develop the 35 mm film, the opportunity to purchase a new camera is quickly disappearing. The speed of digital photography is almost impossible to compete with; images can be downloaded to a computer for immediate viewing and printing, the camera can be attached to a television by way of a USB connection for immediate large screen viewing and the camera card can be removed from the camera itself and used to print images at a photo stand or on a specialized printer.