Objective: The aim of this in vitro study was to compare the effects of different exposure values on the image clarity of 3 digital radiographic systems and 1 conventional direct-exposure emulsion x-ray film. Method and materials: Three digital radiographic systems, Digora, RVG, and Sidexis, were compared with the conventional dental x-ray film, Ektaspeed Plus. A medullary bone fragment and human teeth were radiographed with varying voltage, exposure time, and focus-receptor distance. Clinical criteria to evaluate image clarity were detail resolution, sharpness, contrast resolution, and artifacts of the different tooth and jaw structures. Results: The optimal exposure times for digital imaging varied between 0.02 and 0.13 seconds and depended on the objects and the imaging systems. Optimal resolution was obtained when a voltage of 60 kV was used. The focus-receptor distance of 33 to 40 cm resulted in the best contrast and sharpness. Digital images did not always provide the detail resolution or sharpness achieved by conventional radiographs. Conclusion: The recommended exposure time for digital images amounted to approximately half the time needed for conventional film. Digital images had to be modified by adjusting the contrast and brightness to optimize the visibility of the areas to be diagnosed.