Cost considerations of converting to digital photography.
OBJECTIVE
To provide the practicing surgeon with data to make an informed economic decision regarding conversion from analog to digital photography.


METHODS
A cost analysis of photography based on 35-mm vs digital platforms (low-, medium-, and high-cost hardware).


RESULTS
Break-even thresholds for the investment in a digital platform of low, medium, and high costs were 3674, 15,789, and 34,000 images, respectively.


CONCLUSIONS
Given the current excellent image quality and ongoing refinements in digital photography, a digital photography platform may be cost-effective for a busy facial plastic surgery practice.
Hollenbeak
C S
CS
Department of Health Administration, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, Mo., USA.
Kokoska
M
M
Stack
B C
BC
D000703:Analog-Digital Conversion; D003365:Costs and Cost Analysis; D006801:Humans; D010781:Photography / Q000191:economics* / Q000295:instrumentation*; D013518:Surgery, Plastic