[1][2] In the 21st century, photography came to be predominantly digital, but traditional photochemical methods continue to serve many users and applications.
The quantity of picture elements (pixels) in the image sensor is usually counted in millions and called "megapixels".
However, as with a digital system, poor optical quality of lenses will decrease the resolving potential of a film emulsion.
[7][8][9] Shot noise, produced by spontaneous fluctuations in detected photocurrents, degrades darker areas of electronic images with random variations of pixel color and brightness.
[6] However, even if both techniques have inherent noise, it is widely appreciated that for color, digital photography has much less noise/grain than film at equivalent sensitivity, leading to an edge in image quality.
[10] For black-and-white photography, grain takes a more positive role in image quality, and such comparisons are less valid.
[citation needed] Banding may be visible in the unusual case that it is not obscured by noise, and detail may be lost, particularly in shadow and highlight areas.
When the film is returned, it is possible to see the photograph, but most digital cameras incorporate a liquid crystal display that allows the image to be viewed immediately after capture.
Digital images may be conveniently stored on a personal computer or in off-line storage such as small memory cards.
When edited in suitable software, such as Adobe Photoshop or the GNU program GIMP (which uses dcraw to read raw files), the user may manipulate certain parameters, such as contrast, sharpness, or colour balance before producing an image.
JPEG images can be similarly manipulated, though usually less precisely; software for this purpose may be provided with consumer-grade cameras.
With a digital SLR, dust is difficult to avoid but is easy to rectify using a computer with image-editing software.
[citation needed] Compact digital cameras are fitted with fixed lenses, which makes it harder for dust to get into the image area.
Some modern DSLRs, like the Olympus E-3, incorporate extensive dust and weather seals to avoid this problem.
[14] Other costs of digital photography include specialized batteries, memory cards and long-term data storage.
Mobile phones such as the iPhone X, Samsung Galaxy S8 and the Nokia Lumia 1020 are capable of images that can rival or beat cheaper dedicated cameras.
Most famously, Tarantino suggested in 2012 that he wanted to retire because (although he can still shoot on film) he cannot project on 35mm prints in most American cinemas, because of the rapid conversion to digital.
There also are many film directors such as Peter Jackson, Guillermo del Toro, George Lucas, and James Cameron who are adamant supporters of digital cinema and the potential for higher frame rates that it brings.