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The introduction of digital cameras spawned many new discussions among photographers about quality and photography opportunities. The debate tends to center on which type of camera captures picture quality better.

To produce a 35mm picture, a chemical process is required because of the use of film. Digital cameras, on the other hand, do not use any film and photos can be easily downloaded onto a computer that allows multiple printing options.

Digital cameras normally possess a number of advanced features, while the 35mm camera is generally regarded as easier to use for simple pictures. However, after the shots are taken, film cameras become much more cumbersome because of development techniques requiring specialized skills normally handled by professionals.

Though there are still many conventional photographers who argue that the durability of the standard paper used in processing film from 35mm cameras is significant, there are circumstances now where digital photography is actually used to salvage deteriorating 35mm film photographs.

The trend is strongly turning in favor of digital cameras as the "people's choice." Given this, traditional photographers fear that the emerging technology of digital photography may make obsolete the use of film cameras.

Amateur and Professional Digital Photography

Digital cameras are more convenient to handle, especially when used by amateur photographers. They can produce some professional grade shots that surpass the quality of those taken by pros through their 35mm cameras.

This is because most digital cameras include automated features activated through one click that must be done manually by the professional photographer using conventional cameras. Furthermore, a digital camera can also be used in unusual locations, like underwater, and can take wide shots with vivid details and colors.

Digital or 35mm Camera

Though the popularity of the 35mm traditional camera has waned as people have come to embrace the digital generation, others hold on to the older technology out of both comfort, knowledge, and sheer quality preference.

Because news and sporting events force photographers with time constraints to produce their output quickly, the preference for using digital cameras is prominent. Doing so results in quick turn-around and easy opportunities to snap pictures multiple times without waste.

The advertising industry also leans heavily on digital photography as well. This is because their photos require digital enhancements using computer software to accentuate details and finishing touches - features a conventional camera simply doesn't have.

Nature photographers, however, still largely rely on their 35mm conventional manual cameras for better results in the natural habitat.

Digital and 35mm Side-by-Side

Despite that cameras and preferences of photographers are quite different, technology and varying needs enable the two to live together in harmony while each has its contexts for creating wonderful photos.

In fact, a growing number of photographers own both types, with one serving as the primary and the other as backup.

In the future, though, it is likely that the overall popularity, ease, and flexibility of digital cameras will only increase, making them the clear photography tool of choice. But in the meantime, both have their advocates for reasons of history and quality.