Image Manipulation: Digital Versus Analog

Abstract

A conceptual difference between “analog” and “digital” digitizing is reviewed. Analog and digital type image filing systems are discussed from a comparative point of view: The analog type is advantageous in the number of recordable images, the recording and reproducing speed, and the ability to record a moving picture, while the digital type, in which images are digitized when recorded, is capable of reproducing a higher quality image that does not deteriorate when copied repeatedly. It has the advantage that it easily interfaces with computer systems. As technology developed to compensate for the drawbacks of the digital type systems, image data compression was introduced. Finally, the possibility for recording a moving picture in a digital type system is discussed.