Digital Photo Myth #1:
Digital "Isn't Quite There Yet"

Occasionally you will hear people say that digital "isn't quite there yet" when compared to film. It's important to note that comments like that usually don't come from professional photographers. I asked someone once what they meant by that, and their response was "well, really I'm just too used to film, I'm not sure I trust digital".

As far as technology goes, there are what are termed slow adopters and fast adopters. Fast adopters tend to be on the bleeding edge. They're willing to try out all the latest technology, even though some of it may not work quite they way they expected it to and even though it's outrageously expensive. Then there are the slow adopters, who refuse to try out any new technology until it's long past tried and true and is reasonably priced. Most people fall somewhere in the middle.

Me, I'm a slow adopter. By the time I start using something, you KNOW it's here to stay, very reliable, and produces great results. And I started shooting strictly digital in about 2001. According to About.com, the world's first megapixel camera was invented 20 years ago (in 1986), and the world's first professional digital camera system was introduced 15 years ago (in 1991).

Many, many, many professional photographers use digital cameras. A few still use film, but they generally use film in addition to digital, and then only if their client requests it. I refuse to use film, not because there's anything wrong with film, but because when I use digital you get better pictures from me -- and more of them. I want to give people the best pictures possible.

I think that the "isn't quite there yet" phrase is also sometimes used to talk about print quality. But, I've yet to meet someone who could tell me what kind of a camera my photos were taken with -- even on a 3ft by 4ft enlargement.

© 2004-2008 Jacqueline L. Beck. All rights reserved.