They started life just like most, ultimately life-changing technologies - overpriced, cumbersome and very poor-quality.

In their early days, digital cameras were the preserve of the wealthy technophile, who would most probably have a state-of-the-art 35mm traditional camera held in reserve just in case.

Now, the picture couldn't be more different, with improvements in technology - and tumbling prices - making the digital camera a more or less must-have technological accessory.

Not only can they take high-quality photographs, but many double-up as mini-movie recorders as well.

Indeed, sales of digital cameras now outpace their 35mm counterparts by 15 to 1, prompting high-street retailer Dixons to reveal today that once the current stock of traditional cameras runs out, no new inventory will be ordered.

Dixons is going digital.

The retailer, which began life as a photographic studio and whose first ever sales line was a camera, said that interest among consumers for its 35mm camera range simply does not match up to demand for the digital machines.

Bryan Magrath, marketing director at Dixons, said: "Last year, we pulled the plug on video recorders, but today's announcement is in many ways a more sentimental event. 35mm cameras were the first products we ever sold and film processing has been a part of our lives for several decades.

"Time and technology move on, though, and digital cameras are now the rule, rather than the exception. We have decided that the time is now right to take 35mm cameras out of the frame."

Indeed, Dixons carried out a test of 100 customers and found that 93 of them were unable to tell the difference in quality terms between digital and 33mm film prints.

Mr Magrath said: ""Statistically, this tells us that there is no real difference in quality between digital and film. The digital camera, which delivers huge benefits due to its memory, speed, image quality and transferability of images, is a big winner with the millions of customers that shop with us every year."

Dixons said sales of 35mm cameras peaked in 1989, when 2.9 million cameras sold, according to GfK. However, sales have been falling gradually since 1990, when the first digital camera was introduced.

However, in a concession to the hardy photo-loving tourist - or the specialist seeking a duty-free deal - Dixons will continue to sell film-based cameras in its outlets at airports.

The City is rarely one for sentimentality and sent shares in Dixons up 1p to 156p.

Times Recommends

• Lies and cover-up at MG Rover exposed by report
• High oil prices push manufacturing costs up
• Primark founder steps down as chief executive