Photography is a passion of mine – it has been for several decades at least – so I find it surprising that a lot of photographers still seem to regard digital photograph as some form of “cheating”. I constantly hear how photography used to be more difficult “back in the day”, and that’s probably true.

Does that mean that the best shots taken today are somehow devalued though? I don’t think so. There are too many advantages to digital, especially with the latest technology. Here are a few of the main advantages I can think of, let me know if you come up with any more.

1. The lack of physical film means you don’t have to worry about running out at the crucial moment. Yes, this means that you can take lots of shots rather than having to wait for the best one, but it just makes the end result easier and doesn’t devalue the shots.
2. Digital editing with tools such as Photoshop is a lot easier. Editing still went on with film cameras, it was just much more difficult! At least everyone is now aware how much a photographer can change his pictures.
3. Everyone can get into photography now. In the past, expensive cameras meant that fewer people had a chance to enjoy photography. Now, nearly everyone has a digital camera with them at all times (on their cell phone).

I agree that some of the “romantic” parts of photography are lost with digital cameras. Excitedly waiting in the dark room to see how your photo turned out is one example. Overall, I don’t think anyone can argue that digital isn’t an improvement though.