Digital imaging is here and is rapidly replacing film use. The experts at R.I.T. are predicting that digital camera sales will match those of conventional silver based imaging by the end of the decade. Before you dismiss the thought, think about the Compact Disc revolution. For now, digital imaging is simply not affordable for most. However, snapshot-type digital cameras are already selling for less than $400. Through continual price reduction, I predict it won’t be long before the whole concept will be embraced by the general public. You won’t have to be a computer whiz to view your photos just as you do not have to develop your own film. You will be able to take pictures and see the results instantly on your TV or computer screen. Don’t like the photo? Erase it and shoot it again. Want a print? Take the floppy disk to your film processor just as you do now with conventional film. The concern of permanence of a magnetic image compared to a silver-based film image will probably be immaterial to the general public. The convenience of camcorders gave the home movie film industry a quick death with little thought to which format would last longer.

Longevity aside, I think most of the discussion of silver based imaging versus digital is moot as digital imaging is not going to go away. Most of us probably view digital images every day and are not even aware of it. Shunning this new technology could be likened to those who initially shunned the automobile. Horses have not dissappeared and it will be a long time before silver based imaging is tossed aside. (Unless the EPA has something to say about it.)