Graphics Programs Reference
In-Depth Information
3624 mm. All but the highest-end digital cameras have sensor sizes smaller than
full frame (see Figure 1.9). Larger sensors capture more pixels with a greater
dynamic range and can operate in lower light conditions and with less noise.
FIGURe 1.9
Charge coupled device image sensor
Professional and advanced amateur cameras have the ability to store unpro-
cessed sensor data called RAW files, which can be thought of as digital negatives.
Lower-end cameras lack this ability and process sensor data into JPEG digital
positives within the camera circuitry, losing a great deal of information and
image quality in the process but also minimizing file storage requirements.
Modern digital cameras are now better than film cameras in every respect.
Disposable film cameras remain popular however, and film photography will
probably always exist as a creative anachronism.
Consumer point-and-shoot cameras and many smartphones are convenient
for shooting photos and video, but the downside is low picture quality due to
their very small lenses. Digital single-lens reflex (DSLR) cameras on the other
hand are designed to accommodate interchangeable lenses of varying use, cost,
and quality. The two most fundamental lens parameters are focal length and
maximum aperture.
O
Kodak stopped
making traditional
35mm film cameras
in 2004, and the
once ubiquitous
Kodachrome film
was discontinued
in 2009.
