This image illustrates the difference between bitmap and vector images. The bitmap image is composed of a fixed set of dots (pixels), while the vector image is composed of a fixed set of shapes. In the picture, scaling the bitmap reveals the pixels and scaling the vector image preserves the shapes.
Vector images scale without file size increase / decrease
Bitmap images scale resulting in file size increase / decrease
Vector images scale without distortion to the image
Bitmap images distort (pixellate) when scaling
Bitmaps are better for photo editing
Bitmaps require less processing power to display
Exercise: Vector vs Bitmap
You wish to create an image that will be made into a giant banner for the side of a building. What type should you use and why?
Answer:
Vector, as it allows for scaling without distortion and retaining its file size
You wish to create an image that will be used in a game, that will run on a mobile phone and a home console. What type should you use and why?
Answer:
Vector, as it allows for scaling without distortion and retaining its file size. You would only need one image to use on all the different systems.
You want to take an image of a local cat stuck in a tree. What type should you use and why?