A digital camera focuses light through a lens onto a sensor, that records images electronically. This electronic information is then converted into binary digital data, and stored on a fixed or a removable device for being read by a computer. Below is a more outlined way of understanding how digital cameras work.
1. The CCD
In practice, most digital cameras use a charge coupled device (CCD) as an image sensor. Some digital cameras use a complimentary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) instead. Both these sensors convert light into electrical charges, that are transferred to a storage disc. The sensors also filter the light into the three primary colors and then combine them to create the full spectrum. The more expensive cameras use three sensors. Each of them has a filter of a different color.
2. Light Control
Aperture and shutter speed is used to control the amount of light that reaches the sensor. The aperture setting is automatic in most digital cameras. Some cameras also allow manual control, for professionals and enthusiasts. The shutter, in contrast, is set electronically.
3. Lenses
The digital cameras use four kinds of lenses. These are: fixed-focus, fixed-zoom lenses; optical-zoom lenses with automatic focus; digital-zoom lenses, and replaceable lens systems. The fixed focus and fixed zoom lenses are used in inexpensive cameras while the optical zoom lenses have both wide and telephoto options. The digital zoom lens culls pixels from the central part of the image and enlarges them to fill the frame. Of course, this can at times result in a grainy or fuzzy image.
4. LCD Screen
This is the screen where you view the image. For better viewing or printing, the image needs to be transferred to a computer. The quality of the image depends on the resolution of a digital camera, and is measured in megapixels. The higher the resolution, the better is the image quality.
5. Resolution
The resolution is also important in deciding the size of printed photographs. A 1 megapixel digital camera will produce images that are good for e-mailing or posting on the Web. This is because their resolution is low. The images taken from a 2 megapixel camera are suitable for 4x5 inch prints while those taken from a 4 megapixel camera can produce 16x20 inch prints.
6. Memory
Most digital cameras store images within the camera on memory cards. These were then transferred with the help of cables to computers. Today, most digital camera makers provide reusable and removable storage devices. These include SmartMedia cards, CompactFlash cards and Memory Sticks. Some other removable storage devices include: floppy disks, hard disks, or microdrives, writeable CDs and DVDs. The vast volume of memory has increased as the technology increased, and exciting prospect.
Yes, incredible as it sound, this fantastic technology does work. The Face detection technology, available from great manufacturers such as Canon, Pentax, FujiFilm and Sony, uses special and highly technical algorithms to judge the picture while you aim the camera. What is it looking for? I hear you ask, well it is looking for the shapes of human faces. When the digital camera locks onto a face, the camera automatically adjusts both the focus and the exposure to ensure you are provided with the best photo possible from the camera.
You will also be pleased to know that advancements are always being made with this technology, with some manufacturers actually managing to enhance their cameras to scan for a noses ears and chins to give a more comprehensive picture, this can normally work for parties upto 10. In normal circumstances, a scanned face has to cover around 10 percent of the height of the viewfinder LCD, remember that this requirement is important because this stops the camera from trying to focus on potential faces in the background.
The face identification process takes around four one-hundredths of a second, however remember that some manufacturers are better then others. Also note that you can turn off the face detection technology within most of the top of the range digital cameras when you are taking pictures without human subjects, although it is doubtful many people will turn off this feature because in a new report, it has been stated that at least 70% of all pictures taken have a human subject.
Face recognition can also be used for more than just the autofocus. Some cameras capture the location of the identified faces within each photo taken. This lets you zoom in and examine pictures after taking the shot, this is useful if for instance you want to check if everyone in the photo had their eyes open during the shot.
You will also not be surprised to hear, that continuous vast amounts of money is being invested in this type of technology, and in particular into developing these algorithms. The next stage of this technology involves a digital camera remembering a subject and tagging the person appropriately, next time the subject is seen, the camera will automatically tag the subject and adjust setting accordingly.
As for the question about animal faces, unfortunately current technology only focuses on human faces, however because of the love owners have of their pets, we will expect this to be a new addition into future digital camera.
As mentioned there are many high profile manufacturers who include this technology within their digital cameras, so if you are considering making a new purchase, ensure you do your homework and conduct a full comparison of the cameras. Once you have made your choice, enjoy!
Adam Jonathan Raymond Westrop has sinced written about articles on various topics from Information Technology, Digital Camera and Photography. Adam Westrop has a passion for delivering key information and showing the best prices on the range. Adam Jonathan Raymond Westrop's top article generates over 110000 views. to your Favourites.