The desktop darkroom. (Special Section).(Buyers Guide)

Just as word processors revolutionized writing and CDs changed recorded music, digital imaging is transforming photography. Capturing an image digitally frees it from film's limitations.

Anyone using a home computer can refashion the image--change its dimensions, adjust colors and tonality, jettison distracting objects or insert pleasing ones--then transport it virtually anywhere via e-mail or the Web. Digital imaging gives you the chance to make your pictures come out just as you wanted.

STAYING WITH FILM

If you relish the convenience of one-hour processing and don't want to invest in a new camera and other gear right now, you can stick with a film camera and still reap the benefits of digital imaging.

To do so, you'll have to convert your photographs to digital form either by having the photo processor put them onto a CD when the film is first developed or by using a scanner to transfer the images directly into your computer from prints, negatives, or slides.

SWITCHING TO DIGITAL

If you're prepared to Learn some new tricks, a digital camera offers many benefits. You can display every shot instantly, reshoot any duds, and transfer the best ones from the camera into your computer immediately--without paying for film or processing.