A camera is a device used to record visual images in the form of pictures
or video. The first camera invented was drastically different from the
sophisticated digital cameras used today.
The History of Cameras
Louis Daguerre invented the first practical camera, the Daguerreotype,
in 1839. Though previous cameras were designed to capture images, the
Daguerreotype is recognized as the first camera to capture a permanent,
lasting image.
The Daguerreotype, invented in 1839.
The Daguerreotype, invented in 1839.
The nineteenth century witnessed a steady progression of camera
development as inventors sought to replace the expensive and heavy
process of the Daguerreotype with something more portable. A
photographer named George Eastman discovered the solution when he
developed flexible paper film, and in 1888 he introduced the world’s
very first Kodak camera.
More than 50 years later, the Polaroid camera was invented by Edwin
Herbert Land, which made it possible for anyone to take photographs
and instantly see the result. From this point forward, color photography
became a hallmark of American life. Technology continued to advance
and brought on the introduction of the first underwater camera and the
first digital camera by 1975.
The Polaroid, invented in 1948.
The Polaroid, invented in 1948.
As cameras became a common household item, camera designers
adjusted to serve both professionals and normal, everyday people. The
year 2000 marked a true transformation as the first camera phone was
introduced by Sharp, ushering in the age of citizen photojournalism.
In fact, digital cameras hit such a high demand in 2004 that Kodak
stopped producing film-based cameras entirely! Today, the majority of
photographs are taken on phones, since even the most basic cell phones
are equipped with camera technology.
A common compact digital camera.
A common compact digital camera.
Basic Parts of a Camera
Just like there are countless models and designs of cell phones, cameras
are available in a multitude of shapes, sizes, and functions. Regardless
of the complexity, all cameras include five common parts: lens,
diaphragm, shutter, body, and viewfinder.
The lens serves to focus the passing light in order to produce an image,
and it’s made of either glass or plastic. The diaphragm works hand in
hand with the lens to control the amount of light coming into the lens,
since too much or too little light can ruin a picture. Meanwhile, the
shutter controls the length of light exposure, which is typically shorter
for moving objects. Any camera’s body must protect its inner workings
while remaining light and durable, especially in a cell phone. Last of all,
the viewfinder displays the image that will be taken.
A look at some of the key parts of all cameras
A look at some of the key parts of all cameras
Uses of cameras
Photography has become an integral part of life, especially digital
cameras and cell phone cameras. You can catch people taking pictures
nearly anywhere you go. These new cameras are easily accessible,
simple to use, and relatively affordable.
Parents snap pictures of their children, friends capture moments of each
other at special events, and family members take photos on
anniversaries, vacations, and holidays. Social media websites then help
us share these photographs with others. Of course, professionals also
use cameras. Reporters, scientists, and photographers take pictures of
events, people, animals, and places. Both television and the internet rely
on these images for communication and viewer engagement.
