Digital camera - Definition


Digital camera - Definition

A Digital Camera, as opposed to a film or video camera, uses an electronic sensor to transform images (or video) into electronic data. Modern digital cameras are typically multifunctional and the same device can take photographs, video, and/or sound.

In 2004, digital cameras are starting to push traditional film cameras out of many markets. Shrinking device sizes have recently allowed miniaturized digital cameras to be included in multifunctional devices, such as cell phones and PDAs.

Contents

1 Classification

1.1 Video cameras
1.2 Still cameras
1.3 Webcams

Classification

Digital cameras can be classified into several groups:

Video cameras

Professional video cameras such as those used in television and movie production. These typically have multiple image sensors (one per color) to enhance resolution and color gamut. Professional video cameras usually do not have a built-in VCR or microphone.
Camcorders used by amateurs. These are a combination of camera and VCR to create an all-in-one production unit. They generally include a microphone to record sound, and feature a small LCD display to watch the video during filming and playback.

Still cameras

Digital still cameras are generally characterized by the use of flash memory and USB for storage and transfer. Most have a rear LCD for reviewing photographs. They are rated in megapixels; that is, the product of their maximum resolution dimensions. The actual transfers to a host computer are commonly carried out using the USB mass storage device class (so that the camera appear as a drive) or using the Picture Transfer Protocol and its derivatives.

Standard Digital Cameras: This encompasses most digital cameras. They are characterized by great ease in operation and easy focusing; this design allows for limited motion picture capability. They have an extended depth of field. This allows objects at multiple depths to be in focus simultaneously, which accounts for much of their ease of focusing. It is also part of the reason professional photographers find their images flat or artificial-looking. They excel in landscape photography and casual use.
Digital SLRs typically have a sensor nine times larger than that of a standard digital camera, and are targeted a professional photographers. They resemble ordinary professional cameras in most ways, with replaceable flash and lens components, which give the user maximum control over light, focus and depth of field. They are also bulkier and more expensive than their casual-use oriented counterparts. They are superb for portraiture and artistic photography because they can be customized for various applications with a comprehensive range of exchangeable lenses.

Webcams

Webcams are digital cameras attached to computers, used for video conferencing or other purposes. Webcams can capture full-motion video as well, and some models include microphones or zoom ability. These devices range in price from very inexpensive to expensive higher-end models; many complex webcams have a servo-controlled base capable of tracking facial motion with the help of software.

Connectivity

Many digital cameras can connect directly to a computer to transfer data. USB is the most widely used method, though some have a Firewire port.

Storage

Digital cameras need memory to store data. Cameras use a removable memory card to store data, but the cheapest and smallest cameras may simply use fixed internal memory instead.

Autonomous devices

An autonomous device, such as a PictBridge-compatible printer, operates without need of computer control. The camera connects to the printer, which then downloads and prints its images. Some DVD recorders and television sets can read memory cards.