Many features of digital cameras are based on those of traditional cameras. The main handling difference is that rather than loading film you slot a memory card. Nearly all digital camera features require electrical power, while many traditional camera features can be mechanically governed.
Digital zooming
This feature takes the biggest image produced by the lens and then enlarges the central portion typically by two or three times. Digital cameras thus offer a zoom range that appears to be longer than that offered by the lens. The process is like you using your software to open the image produced by the camera’s longest focal length setting and enlarging the middle of it. Digital zooming saves you the trouble and may possibly give better image quality, but it enlarges only the middle part. If you were to zoom into the image yourself, you can choose what part of the scene to enlarge.
Shutter control
The shutter button on a digital camera is in reality a switch that sets a whole series of complicated electronic operations in train.
Windows
You view the subject through the viewfinder window while other windows are used for autofocusing functions.
Flash
A built-in flash is handy for working informally in low-light conditions.
Zoom lens
Many digital cameras offer a zoom lens so you can easily change the field of view. But extreme wide-angle effects are harder to obtain.
Transferring images
The camera’s capacity to record images is limited by the capacity of the memory card in use. You can slot in a new card as the first fills up or transfer files to other storage devices or a computer. Some cameras connect directly to a printer, allowing you to print without any intervening computer.
Controls
Switches and buttons set different modes of operation, such as the image-quality settings.
LCD screen
The LCD enables the camera to display images within seconds, as well as providing information on the video cameras settings used.
Setting buttons
Combinations of buttons and LCD information enable a large range of settings to be made, adding to the camera’s versatility.
