A comparison of digital cameras: features essential for the orthopaedic surgeon.

To make recommendations for the selection of digital imaging equipment and its use in the typical orthopaedic surgery practice, we investigated four digital cameras with maximal resolution ranging from 1.3-3.34 megapixels. We took images of a plain radiograph, a magnetic resonance image, a hand model, and a minifragment plate with all four digital cameras and a 35-mm film camera. Several variables were evaluated to determine their effect on image quality, including adjusting maximal camera resolution, using a flash, using a camera stand, and using a macromode. Images were graded on a 3-point scale on the computer desktop and as 5 x 7 inch prints by two blinded observers. A maximal camera resolution of 2.1 megapixels was required to make photograph-quality 5 x 7 inch prints of all subjects imaged. No difference in print quality was seen between images taken in the highest quality JPEG format and the uncompressed TIFF format. A macromode with closest focal length less than 5 inches was needed for imaging small subjects. The 1.3-megapixel camera was comparable with the higher resolution cameras for imaging radiographic studies and when viewing color images on the computer desktop.