Digital photography

Living in a digital world, we are getting used to everything becoming digital. The ways of life have changed along with the growth of technology...

What is digital photography?

Digital photography refers to the process of capturing and storing photographic images using digital technology rather than traditional film photography.

In digital photography, a digital camera captures an image through an electronic sensor (usually a CCD or CMOS sensor^[1]), which converts light into digital data. This data is then saved as a digital file that can then be transferred to a computer or other device for viewing, editing, and sharing.

Unlike film photography, where images are chemically developed^[2], digital images are stored as computer files and can be transferred to a computer or device for immediate viewing, editing, and sharing.

As I'll touch on later, this accessibility and ease of editing are major advantages of digital photography, allowing photographers to edit or alter images in ways that were previously difficult or impossible.

Here is the difference between a digital camera and a film camera:

How do digital cameras work?

Digital cameras use an electronic image sensor, usually either a CCD (charged coupled device) or a CMOS (complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor) sensor, to capture the image. The image sensor converts the light that enters the camera through the lens into an electronic signal, which is then processed by the camera's electronics to create a digital image.

In a nutshell, the process is fairly simple. When you press the shutter button, the camera's lens allows light to enter which then hits the sensor, which contains millions of tiny, light-sensitive cells called pixels.

Each pixel measures the intensity and color of the light that strikes it. Here's an example showing how light enters using a DSLR camera when the mirror is up:

CCD sensors

In a CCD sensor, light creates a charge in each cell that is then transferred across the chip to be processed as an image.^[3]

CMOS sensor

In a CMOS sensor, they use transistors at each pixel to amplify and move the charge using traditional wires.^[4]

Here’s an analogy to make it easier to understand how CCD and CMOS sensors work:

Imagine each pixel in the sensor as a bucket collecting rainwater (light).

• For a CCD sensor, picture these buckets lined up in rows. After collecting water, each row of buckets is carefully passed along a conveyor belt (representing the sensor) to a single point where the water is measured and recorded. This sequential transfer helps maintain a consistent and high-quality reading of the light, but it’s a bit slower and uses more energy because every bucket has to pass through the same path.

• For a CMOS sensor, each bucket has its own tiny pump (the transistor at each pixel) that moves the water directly to its recording spot through a network of small pipes (traditional wires). This setup allows each bucket to send its information independently and more quickly, which uses less power but can sometimes introduce small differences in quality.

In short, CCD sensors work like a conveyor belt, transferring all the information along a single path, which helps with uniformity and quality but uses more resources. CMOS sensors, on the other hand, work like a network of independent pumps, making them faster and more energy-efficient but occasionally less consistent.

Digital photography examples

Here are some examples of notable digital photography works:

1. "Barack Obama and the Situation Room" by Pete Souza (2011)

This famous image, captured by White House photographer Pete Souza, shows President Obama and his team during the raid on Osama bin Laden's compound. Taken digitally, the photograph captures intense focus and the high-stakes atmosphere in the room.^[5]

2. "Albatross" by Chris Jordan (2009)

Chris Jordan’s digitally captured image of the carcass of a bird filled with plastic waste is iconic in environmental circles, drawing global attention to pollution and the impact of human waste on wildlife.^[6]

3. "Black Lives Matter Protester in Baton Rouge" by Jonathan Bachman (2016)

This powerful image by photojournalist Jonathan Bachman shows a lone woman, Ieshia Evans, standing calmly as police officers in riot gear approach to arrest her during a Black Lives Matter protest in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Taken with a digital camera, this photograph went viral and became a symbol of peaceful resistance and the power of protest. The image’s composition and emotional impact resonated globally, capturing the strength and dignity of the movement.^[7]

Has digital photography made us better photographers?

Digital photography has certainly made it easier and more convenient to take and share photographs, but whether it has made us better photographers is a matter of debate.

On the one hand, many, including me, believe that digital photography has allowed us to take more photos more easily, which can help us learn and improve our photography skills through trial and error. Additionally, the ability to review and edit photos instantly can help us identify areas for improvement and make adjustments on the spot.

However, some argue that the ease and convenience of digital photography have also led to a decrease in the quality of our photos,^[8] as we may rely too heavily on post-processing tools rather than focusing on capturing the best possible image in the camera.

Additionally, the instant gratification of digital photography can lead us to take more photos without careful consideration, leading to a larger volume of mediocre photos rather than a smaller number of high-quality ones.

What do you think?

What is the purpose of digital photography?

Now that we know what digital photography is all about let us talk about its purpose. Digital photography has pretty much the same purpose as film photography.

For many people, the ability to capture life’s important moments is the primary reason for taking photographs. The invention of photography also allows people to see public figures as realistically as possible, far better than paintings.

Nowadays, photography serves so many purposes for all the genres of photography. Whether for professional purposes or personal purposes.

Remember that the advantage of digital photography over film photography is the speed and ease of use. Therefore, the most common purposes of photography can be described based on the types of photography as follows. These are just a few:

1. Commercial photography

Commercial photography is often used as advertising material. It is usually used to promote or sell products.

Professional photographers are hired to take photos of the products. Later, the photos are used as campaign materials such as brochures, pamphlets, billboards, and other types of advertising campaigns.

2. Documentary photography

Just as it sounds, documentary photography is primarily focused on documenting life moments and events. The moments captured may vary from personal events like weddings and birthdays to moments such as political events or festivals.

The purpose is to capture the moment so it will not fade away. We can thank the documentary photographers of the past for capturing some of the most important moments in modern history.

For example, the image I showed earlier of "Barack Obama and the Situation Room" by Pete Souza (2011) is a great example of this:

3. Journalism photography

Journalism photography has almost the same purpose as documentary photography.

The difference between the two is documentary photography is usually taken to document moments, while journalism photography has another purpose, which is to deliver the news.

That’s why journalism photography must answer the what, when, where, who, why, and how. The goal of journalism photography is to make people understand what happened at that moment in relation to the news.

Journalism photography can complete a story or article, but it should also be able to stand alone.

For example, the image I showed earlier of "Black Lives Matter Protester in Baton Rouge" by Jonathan Bachman (2016) is a great example of this:

4. Editorial photography

Editorial photography is usually used for publications such as magazines. It may include fashion products and events, but it focuses on the story.

It’s the difference between editorial photography and product photography or commercial photography. Editorial photography is not created to sell products but to tell stories and for educational and informative purposes.

5. Art photography

Art photography is a form of photography used by artists to show ideas, concepts, messages, and emotions through a picture. It’s the same as other art forms, but the artist uses photographs as their medium.

Art photography can vary significantly depending on the artist. As a form of art, it can also have genres such as abstract, conceptual, portraits, black and white, and many more.

Along with the growth of digital photo manipulation, art photography has entered a new phase of possibilities.

Advantages of digital photography

These are some of the most common advantages of digital photography:

1. No film is needed

Images captured digitally mean you do not have to purchase single-use photo films and don’t have to go through the process of film processing, which can take time. With digital photography, you can save both time and money.

2. Larger storage

While manual cameras have limited storage depending on the length of the film roll, digital cameras have much larger storage.

It is easier for photographers to just go with their camera and memory card and not have to carry rolls of film that can be bulky and heavy. Nowadays, you can easily store your photographs in the cloud or save them in a digital photo album.

3. Preview screen

With a digital camera (DSLR), you can review the photograph immediately after it is taken. If you don’t like it, you can just delete it to save some space for better shots. In comparison, film cameras require you to wait until the film is processed just to see the result.

4. Environmentally friendly

Everything is processed digitally, so we don’t have to waste chemicals to process the image, and we don’t have to worry about recycling the film plastic container.

5. Advanced features

Digital cameras have features such as face detection and motion detection to help us avoid getting blurry images. They also have other features, such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and even video recording capabilities.

Disadvantages of digital photography

Now that we know the advantages of digital photography, let’s talk about the disadvantages of digital photography:

1. Storage problems

Digital cameras store the images on the memory card. Sometimes, the memory card can get corrupted, and all the data can be lost completely.

2. Price

High-end digital cameras can be more expensive compared to film cameras.^[9]

3. Battery consumption

Digital cameras consume more battery than film cameras. We may need some extra batteries in hand, especially when we need to perform a long-time outdoor photoshoot.

4. Image resolution

Images produced by a digital camera can be used for digital purposes just fine. However, when it comes to prints, some film cameras still win on the resolution and quality front.

5. Dynamic range

Film cameras have a better dynamic range than digital cameras. This means the film camera can capture a wider range of tonal qualities.

With this capability, film cameras can avoid overexposure of highlights, which often happens with digital cameras.

6. Shutter lag

Digital cameras sometimes have problems with shutter lag. This creates a delay between pressing the button and capturing the images. This can make the photo that is captured vary from the way that you wanted it to be.

What is the difference between photography and digital photography

The main tool used in photography is the camera. So, the main difference between photography and digital photography is the camera used.

Think of "photography" as the parent category and digital photography as a child category that falls under the branch of photography.

Traditional film photography uses a film camera with light-sensitive films to capture the image. The chemical layer on the film's surface reacts as the light strikes and records the image.

Digital cameras use optical sensors to capture images. Unlike photo films, these sensors can be used and re-used an unlimited amount of times without replacement.

Differences also exist from an image processing perspective. In a film camera, we can only see the result after the images are fully developed. With a digital camera, we can see the results right away and start processing them at once.

What are the two main types of digital photography?

When we talk about digital photography, we mostly talk about the digital camera. Now, what are the two main types of digital photography/digital cameras?

Digital photography can be divided into two main types as follow:

1. Digital consumer camera

Digital consumer cameras are usually marketed as all-in-one devices completed with some features to attract the regular consumer. There are two types of consumer cameras:

Compact camera

Created mainly for functionality and practicality. They are compact and lightweight, so you can always bring them with you. They usually have lower image quality and have very basic user control.

This kind of camera can be used even by an amateur with no photography knowledge, so it is perfect for those who only want to capture moments without wanting to get more technical.

An example compact camera is the Canon PowerShot ELPH 360 HS which is a compact, lightweight camera designed for casual users who want to capture moments without needing extensive photography skills. It offers basic features, such as auto-focus and a built-in zoom lens, making it easy to use.

High-end consumer camera

This camera has more user control but is still limited compared to the pro cameras. This camera is perfect for those who want to learn more and gain more control over their cameras.

An example would be the Canon Rebel T7, it offers more control and flexibility than a compact point-and-shoot camera, including features like interchangeable lenses, manual shooting modes, and a larger APS-C sensor for better image quality. While it doesn’t have all the advanced features of professional models, it’s a great option for beginners and hobbyists who want to learn more about photography and have room to grow without a significant investment.

2. Digital prosumer camera

The prosumer camera is a term used to describe a professional-quality camera sold at a consumer price. These cameras have more user control, interchangeable lenses, and other features required for professional usage.

An example would be a higher-end camera such as the Sony a7iii. If you want to get deeper into photography, you may consider buying this type of camera.

In conclusion, that is everything you need to know about starting out in digital photography and what is digital photography. We have discussed the types, purposes, advantages, and disadvantages of digital photography. Hopefully, the merits of digital photography will have convinced you. So, now you are ready to start your photographic journey.