digital photography: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Neutral to technical; common in everyday, business, academic, and technical contexts.
Quick answer
What does “digital photography” mean?
The process of capturing, storing, and manipulating still images using an electronic image sensor and digital memory, rather than photographic film.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The process of capturing, storing, and manipulating still images using an electronic image sensor and digital memory, rather than photographic film.
The art, practice, technology, and industry associated with creating photographs through electronic means. It encompasses everything from camera technology and software to the cultural impact of instantly shareable images.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences. Spelling within the term is identical. The phrase itself is used identically across both varieties.
Connotations
Identical. Both associate it with modernity, accessibility, and technological advancement.
Frequency
Equally frequent in both dialects, as the technology is globally standardised.
Grammar
How to Use “digital photography” in a Sentence
study/practise/teach + digital photographythe rise/advent/evolution of + digital photographydigital photography + has/have + transformed/simplified Xswitch/move/transition to + digital photographyVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “digital photography” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- They are planning to digitise the archive of film photographs.
- The lab will digitally process the image.
American English
- They are planning to digitize the archive of film photographs.
- The image will be digitally enhanced.
adverb
British English
- The image was captured digitally.
- He processes all his work digitally.
American English
- The scene was photographed digitally.
- She works almost exclusively digitally now.
adjective
British English
- She is a digital photography enthusiast.
- The course covers digital photography techniques.
American English
- He bought a new digital photography kit.
- The digital photography revolution changed everything.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Refers to a sector of the consumer electronics and imaging industry, e.g., 'The digital photography market is driven by smartphone cameras.'
Academic
Studied in media, technology, and visual arts departments, e.g., 'The paper examines the democratising effect of digital photography on visual culture.'
Everyday
Commonly used by hobbyists and general public, e.g., 'I use my phone for most of my digital photography.'
Technical
Involves specifics of sensors, file formats, and post-processing, e.g., 'High dynamic range is a key technique in professional digital photography.'
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “digital photography”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “digital photography”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “digital photography”
- Incorrect: 'I took a digital photography of my dog.' (Use '...took a digital photograph...').
- Incorrect: 'He is good at digital photographies.' (Usually uncountable; use '...good at digital photography.')
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
The primary advantage is immediacy and cost-efficiency after initial investment; you can see results instantly, shoot unlimited frames without buying film, and edit photos without a darkroom.
Yes, some professionals and artists use film for its specific aesthetic qualities, texture, and workflow, but digital photography dominates the commercial and journalistic industries due to its speed and flexibility.
A megapixel equals one million pixels. It refers to the resolution of a digital camera's sensor, indicating the amount of detail it can capture. More megapixels generally allow for larger prints without losing quality.
Absolutely. Smartphone cameras are a ubiquitous form of digital photography, using electronic sensors and digital processing to capture and store images.
The process of capturing, storing, and manipulating still images using an electronic image sensor and digital memory, rather than photographic film.
Digital photography is usually neutral to technical; common in everyday, business, academic, and technical contexts. in register.
Digital photography: in British English it is pronounced /ˌdɪdʒ.ɪ.təl fəˈtɒɡ.rə.fi/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌdɪdʒ.ɪ.t̬əl fəˈtɑː.ɡrə.fi/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “The digital photography revolution”
- “In the age of digital photography”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: DIGital = uses digits/binary code; PHOTOGRAPHY = writing with light. So, digital photography is 'writing with light using digital code'.
Conceptual Metaphor
PHOTOGRAPHY IS A DIGITAL FILE (editable, copyable, instantly transmittable, as opposed to a physical object).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the key technological component that distinguishes digital photography from film photography?