Most of the digital cameras now use flash memory, which is a type of computer memory that can be erased electrically and then reprogrammed. Memory cards are the most frequent type of storage for this technology.
Flash memory is erased and reprogrammed in blocks. When first created, the entire chip had to be erased before it could be reprogrammed. Costing far less than other types of technology, flash memory has become the main technology when large amounts of storage are necessary. Digital cameras, digital audio players and mobile phones all use flash memory technology. However, the early digital cameras like the Sony Mavica used floppy disks as their means of storage.
Digital cameras are data storage devices because they not only record information -- your photos -- but they also process information when connected to your computer or printer. They are considered nonvolatile storage because the date will remain on them even if the power is disconnected from the camera.
Digital photography uses electronic sources to record images as binary data; this makes storage and editing on personal computers much easier. This also allows the photographer to view, edit, and delete photographs immediately, directly on the camera, thus eliminating the necessity of using numerous rolls of film to get one good shot.
Features available in digital cameras are not available in film cameras, causing digital cameras to outsell film cameras. Some of these features include the ability to shoot video and record audio at the same time. Many other devices now include digital photography; the most common of these is the mobile phone.
Digital photography has become popular with many people as it has become easier to use. Schools now teach digital photography as one of the selected courses in most high schools.
Due to their ease of use, digital cameras have become the preferred means of photography among many people who appreciate the ability to take and store hundreds of photos on one small memory card.