The basics
Basically, a camera is simply a light-tight box, the famous “camera obscura” from in Italy, but with a lens instead of a simple hole, consisting of one or more glass lenses, allowing the entry and the focusing of the light, and a light control mechanism (shutter and diaphragm).
Click to enlarge: Schematic view of the “camera obscura”
Today
Today a camera is a mechanism for capturing still or moving images (video). This mechanism may be independent or it may be integrated within another device, like a smart phone. Stand alone cameras are increasingly being replaced by smart phones, equipped with electronic sensors and lenses, enabling them to capture still or moving images (video) at high resolution.
Digital or film?
Fewer and fewer photographers still use film technology, i.e. using photographic film cameras, in part because of its relative complexity and the high cost of film and developing. In addition, digital technology is more flexible from all points of view. The image is visible immediately, so it is possible to know if the photo is good or not. Also, a color image can very easily be converted to black and white. Or in myriads of ways not possible otherwise. Alss, it can beinstantaneously transmitted to the other side of the world, shared with thousands of people, etc. Personally, I ONLY see advantages to modern digital technology. However, some photographers still prefer the look of silver-based images and traditional processing methods,such as developing films, working in the darkroom, etc.
Boy! So much technical terminology!
Don’t worry! One of this site’s the goals is to help you find your way and understand the technical jargon.
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© Charles Martel 2015