An integral part of any photo identification system is the ID card camera. Back in the days of yore, ID cards were crudely assembled using cut-and-paste methods. The photos for the cards were usually created with a point and click Polaroid camera that produced near-instant images (after a few moments of shaking the exposed print). While this technique was effective at the time, it has now been replaced by digital technology that is far superior in many ways.

Today’s photo ID systems are completely digital, so the process of creating an ID card no longer resembles an arts and crafts class. The printers are designed specifically for producing high-quality identification cards and badges, while ID card software allows for custom card designs. The cameras themselves are digital. Digital cameras not only bring quality and convenience to the ID card making process, but they’re also extremely cost effective. Supplies for those old Polaroid cameras aren’t exactly cheep. And what are you going to do if someone absolutely hates their photo? Taking another one isn’t an option because each print costs money. With a digital camera, once you make your initial purchase, you’re set. No more supplies are necessary. Since there’s no film, you can take as many photos as you like and you can view the results instantly. If a photo is not up to par, simply delete the file and take another. This of course can be a blessing and a curse (consider those who’ve never seen a picture of themselves that they like), but for the most part, yes, it is a blessing.