Unlike conventional cameras, the digital camera does not use photographic film. Digital cameras capture a photograph electronically and store them in digital format and in today's market the digital camera is outselling the 35 mm film camera. Small enough to carry in your pocket, car console or handbag these cameras can often double as a video camera and also record sound.

The beauty of these compact wonders is the ability to check your photo immediately. Instantly can will know if you have captured the shot exactly how you wanted it and you then have the opportunity to take anther if you are not satisfied. Great when you are on holidays or taking a snap of the grandchildren. The unwanted shots can be immediately deleted saving space on the disc. It is also much easier to modify images taken digitally rather than traditional shots. No more red eye!

Unfortunately there are some disadvantages to digital cameras, one being that many have to be charged using electricity instead of batteries also some applications such as the use of infrared light are not available with digital cameras unless specially converted or a special filter used over the lens but this does need a very long exposure. Due to the fact that digital images can be so easily modified, images taken with a digital camera are not readily accepted as court evidence. For the average person, the advantages far outweigh the disadvantages but not everyone sees it that way.

Digital cameras are also now being used for underwater photography. This is achieved by putting a digital camera into a watertight underwater housing much the same as you would use a conventional camera. Although there are some brilliant specially designed cameras for underwater use, using a digital in the watertight housing has the advantage of not limiting the photographer to the amount of shots he can take as would be the case with 35mm film which only has a maximum of 36 exposures.

Many professional photographers do not use digital cameras for most of their work. They have found editing and post processing takes longer than the traditional camera. When traveling, recharging is more difficult and also, if a conventional camera breaks down, as all cameras do from time to time, it is much easier to repair conventional than digital cameras. In saying that, there has been a swing to digital, especially in the area of photojournalism, where getting that all important great shot happens on the spot. The print media is now accepting more and more digitally captured images.

Over the last few years digital cameras have become much more affordable as the demand for these cameras has increased. More and more features are available and combined with the everyday use of computers the general public who can now easily shoot their photos, go home and print them out on their computers. The many benefits of these multi-functional, light and compact cameras are changing the way we capture our memories like never before.