zondag, oktober 10, 2004
The true cost of digital photography
Digital cameras have come way down in price, but not nearly far enough. While digital camera prices in the 100 - 500 dollar range may appeal to a wide array of buyers, many don’t understand that the functionality of the cameras they’re purchasing in this price range may leave a lot to be desired.
Those coming from film cameras, for instance, will be sorely disappointed to learn that virtually every digital camera under 1,500 dollars will suffer from shutter lag, a delay between the time that you press the shutter and the time that the camera actually snaps a picture.
Just about any inexpensive film camera will take pictures almost instantly. Digital cameras, by contrast, too often force you to think about the camera rather than the picture you want to take. It’s not uncommon for camera buyers to begin a cycle of upgrading when they learn that the affordable cameras aren’t as snappy as they expect.
It’s only when you get into the range of interchangeable lens digital cameras, such as the Canon 20D or the Nikon D70, that you find cameras that function as quickly as you do. Expect to spend at least 2,000 dollars, though, for one of these cameras plus a lens and a few accessories - and don’t expect to end up with a “pocketable” small camera. Currently, there really is no miniature digital camera that responds instantly to your picture taking wishes. They all suffer from some degree of shutter lag.
Hidden costs are huge
Yet the price of the camera you ultimately end up with is just the beginning of the expense of digital photography.
Today’s high-megapixel cameras are great for capturing fine detail, but the files from these cameras can require vast amounts of storage space. Your 120-gigabyte hard drive that you thought would last you for years will suddenly fill up in two months, thanks to your digital images.
More hard drive space is something that virtually every digital photographer requires. Some of the most avid digital photography enthusiasts today invest in second computers simply for storage. Storage capacities of four to eight 250 gigabyte hard drives are required by some. The cost of storage itself can surpass the cost of a digital camera.
Printing and paper costs can be enormous, as well. Printer manufacturers lure customers with low prices for photo printers, but the true cost lies in purchasing refill ink cartridges. Two sets of ink cartridges can be more expensive than the printer. Photo paper is not cheap, either. In your typical photo printer, a few sheets of high-quality photo paper are typically supplied. But purchase 50 or 100 sheets of this paper, and you’ll soon understand why more is not given away with the printer.
What’s the final cost?
So when shopping for a digital camera, know what you’re getting into. For most, the price of the digital camera is just the beginning. Storage, accessories, computer upgrades, and printer expenses will usually dwarf the amount you spend on a camera in short order. Digital photography is fun. But don’t let anyone tell you it’s cheaper than film-based photography.
Bron: DPA.
Those coming from film cameras, for instance, will be sorely disappointed to learn that virtually every digital camera under 1,500 dollars will suffer from shutter lag, a delay between the time that you press the shutter and the time that the camera actually snaps a picture.
Just about any inexpensive film camera will take pictures almost instantly. Digital cameras, by contrast, too often force you to think about the camera rather than the picture you want to take. It’s not uncommon for camera buyers to begin a cycle of upgrading when they learn that the affordable cameras aren’t as snappy as they expect.
It’s only when you get into the range of interchangeable lens digital cameras, such as the Canon 20D or the Nikon D70, that you find cameras that function as quickly as you do. Expect to spend at least 2,000 dollars, though, for one of these cameras plus a lens and a few accessories - and don’t expect to end up with a “pocketable” small camera. Currently, there really is no miniature digital camera that responds instantly to your picture taking wishes. They all suffer from some degree of shutter lag.
Hidden costs are huge
Yet the price of the camera you ultimately end up with is just the beginning of the expense of digital photography.
Today’s high-megapixel cameras are great for capturing fine detail, but the files from these cameras can require vast amounts of storage space. Your 120-gigabyte hard drive that you thought would last you for years will suddenly fill up in two months, thanks to your digital images.
More hard drive space is something that virtually every digital photographer requires. Some of the most avid digital photography enthusiasts today invest in second computers simply for storage. Storage capacities of four to eight 250 gigabyte hard drives are required by some. The cost of storage itself can surpass the cost of a digital camera.
Printing and paper costs can be enormous, as well. Printer manufacturers lure customers with low prices for photo printers, but the true cost lies in purchasing refill ink cartridges. Two sets of ink cartridges can be more expensive than the printer. Photo paper is not cheap, either. In your typical photo printer, a few sheets of high-quality photo paper are typically supplied. But purchase 50 or 100 sheets of this paper, and you’ll soon understand why more is not given away with the printer.
What’s the final cost?
So when shopping for a digital camera, know what you’re getting into. For most, the price of the digital camera is just the beginning. Storage, accessories, computer upgrades, and printer expenses will usually dwarf the amount you spend on a camera in short order. Digital photography is fun. But don’t let anyone tell you it’s cheaper than film-based photography.
Bron: DPA.
# posted by Jan-Edward : 13:40
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