In comparison to film cameras, digital cameras have number of advantages which includes displaying the image on the camera screen right after recording, a single small memory device can record thousands of images, records video with sound, provision to edit images, and above all storage capacity can be re-used by deleting the images.How does a digital camera work, exactly, and why does it have the same settings as a manual even thought it doesn't actually expose any true film? How does a digital camera work? What could they be used for in an educational setting?

Zoom

Zoom lenses, with their greater flexibility to frame and bring images close, are worth the extra expense unless your use will be very basic. A 3x zoom will give you reasonable range for typical shots, but wildlife shots would benefit from a 10x. Zoom in and out and see what this does in relation to the surroundings. Adjust the camera angle and move your position relative to the subject.

Resolution

Resolution in non-technical language means the fine details of the picture. The more megapixels you have, the better quality your pictures will have. Resolution is measured in megapixels (MP) or literally, ""millions of pixels"". Three to four MP should be adequate for the average photographer.

Megapixels

For example, a 3 megapixels (MP) camera outputs images that are anywhere from 1 to 2 MB in size while a 7 MP camera outputs images that are 4 to 5 MB in size. If you are a professional photographer then you should go for high pixel cameras; beginners can look at low or mid-end cameras. If you only intend to take pictures for online use such as to email pictures to friends or place on website then a camera of 2 or 3 megapixels is enough for you. However, if you plan to print large photos or need clearer pictures for business use, you will need more pixels. The N73, at 3 megapixels, and the N95, at 5 megapixels, add an extra processing layer, extra edge-enhancement, to attempt to compensate for the noise blurring. For 'natural' shots, with leaves, twigs, human features, animals, and so on, this works very well most of the time, while for arty shots and special effects, the artificial edges really stand out and annoy.

Shutter

When you click the shutter, all of these sensors are simultaneously exposed to ""the picture"" that you're trying to take. Each sensor picks up a certain level of brightness in the color that it can detect (red, green, blue). Three factors go into exposure: aperture, shutter speed, and sensitivity. By adjusting these factors, either separately and manually, or by using predefined exposure settings, you can affect the way your digital camera handles photos taken in unusual settings (such as photos taken of people running, or photos taken at twilight).