Digital Flash

Get the most from your digital camera flash

The term “digital flash” can be applied to both digital flash photography and digital flash memory. However, these are two very different topics. To learn more about these respective forms of digital flash, read on for a description on concepts and products related to each of them.

Digital Flash Photography

Flash photography began with film cameras. The function of the flash is to provide a momentary burst of bright light to illuminate a scene while it’s photographed under low-light conditions. Flash photography is most often used at twilight, during the night, or when the subject being photographed is backlit. Modern cameras have light sensors, which tell it whether or not a flash is necessary given the lighting conditions. Most modern digital cameras also include a flash feature which reduces red eye in the subject being photographed.

Sophisticated cameras include connectors that give you the ability to add external flash sets. While most cameras have built-in flash capabilities, professional cameras also let you buy flash attachments that give you a brighter, more far-reaching and controllable flash of light. However, given that prices range from hundreds to thousands of dollars for these attachments, do your homework before you buy.

Digital Flash Memory

Flash memory is a term used to describe a certain way which data is stored. USB thumb drives use flash memory, and so do digital cameras. It allows you to store pictures on your camera; however, most built-in flash memory systems can only hold a few megabytes. If you want to increase your digital camera’s storage capabilities, you’ll have to buy an external flash memory stick.

Cards for smaller cameras can be the size of a fingernail, while older cameras may use the larger SD digital flash memory cards. This is the type of flash memory card found in Kodak digital cameras. Kodak also makes its own brand of Kodak digital camera flash memory card. This does not mean, however, that only the Kodak digital camera flash memory card will work with Kodak digital cameras. An SD digital flash memory card is a universal type of card, as is its smaller counterpart that is used in smaller cameras.

These cards are available in a range of memory sizes (which don’t corresponding to the physical size of the card – only to its price). The best bet for the average amateur photographer is a 2 GB memory card, as it provides an optimal balance between price and storage space.