Digital Camera  

Ferdus Rifa  

City College of New York  

Writing for Engineering  

Professor Sara Jacobson  

April 12, 2023  

 

Outline of content 

Introduction……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………3 

Background Information………………………………………………………………………………………………….3 

Parts of a digital camera………………………………………………………………………………3 

Functions of camera……………………………………………………………………………….14 

Conclusion………………………………………………………………………………………16 

References………………………………………………………………………………………..17 

 

Introduction 

Humanity has always been attracted by the idea of “catching moments,” or of preserving moments of great significance and extraordinary beauty. People will always want to capture their memories in the form of photographs, which will stay forever. Digital cameras are the most useful thing that helps everyone to do so. A digital camera is a camera that takes photographs and stores them in digital memory. It creates digital images that can be saved on a computer, displayed on a screen, and printed. The concept of a digital camera was first proposed in 1961, but the technology to make one did not then exist. Steven Saison, an engineer at Eastman Kodak, designed the first digital camera in 1975. It primarily used a charge coupled device, which is a form of image sensor, however it originally captured images using a camera tube. Kodak later digitized this feature. Digital cameras did not become widely available as consumer electronics until the mid-1990s. By the mid-2000s, digital cameras had mostly overtaken film cameras as the user’s favorite camera. At the time, cameras were huge and expensive, and they were difficult to use. In fact, developing the images on the paper took quite some time. Yet, there are other digital camera devices that are extremely easy to use and can be carried wherever because they are pocket-sized. There are numerous benefits to utilizing a digital camera. Nowadays, a digital camera is one of the most useful tools for everyone.  

With the digital camera being a crucial component of many people’s everyday activities, whether professionally or for leisure, it is important to understand the parts of the digital camera and how to maximize their use in order to take better images.  

Parts Of Digital Camera 

Camera body 

The base of the camera itself is its body. It is the portion you are holding, and it contains several important parts. The majority of the time, when referring to DSLR cameras, the term “camera” refers to the body. 

Figure #1: Camera Body 

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/images/images1000x1000/canon_eos_5d_mark_iii_847546.jpg  

Figure #2: Views of Each Side 

https://d1hjkbq40fs2x4.cloudfront.net/2018-04-03/files/eos-1500d_1766.jpg  

Camera Lens 

The camera’s lens is, by far, its most important component. Light is the central element in photography, and the lens is what controls the light to enable us to take beautiful pictures. Glass fragments that have been formed and polished into lenses are used to focus light on a certain direction. Many seasoned photographers will just say “glass” when referring to lenses because they are nothing more than a collection of glass. Some cameras feature permanent lenses that are included into the camera’s body; this type of lens is common on compact-style cameras. Bigger cameras with interchangeable lenses include DLSRs used by professional photographers. The ability to switch lenses enables photographers to employ various types of lenses to produce various effects or techniques. 

Figure #3: Camera Lens 

https://www.usa.canon.com/pro/lenses  

Lens Aperture 

The aperture of the lens, which is internal to it, can be adjusted to manage how much light enters the camera through the lens. The “Depth of Focus” or ratio of in-focus to out-of-focus areas in an image is also influenced by aperture. 

Figure #4: Lens Aperture 

https://media.istockphoto.com/id/476118864/vector/camera-shutter.jpg? 

Lense Release Button 

The lens release button enables us to remove the lens by unlocking the lens mount. It is next to the lens mount on the camera’s front. 

Figure #5: Lens Release Button 

https://d1hjkbq40fs2x4.cloudfront.net/2018-04-03/files/eos-1500d_1766-7.jpg  

Lens Mount 

The device that manually connects the lens to the camera is known as a lens mount. 

Figure #6: Lens Mount 

https://static.bhphotovideo.com/explora/sites/default/files/tsc/1a_mg_7969.jpg  

Camera Shutter 

The shutter is positioned inside the camera’s body. Its function is to prevent light from the lens that enters the camera from reaching the image sensor. The shutter is controlled by the release button. By pressing this button, the shutter opens, letting light enter the camera’s image sensor and capturing the intended picture. 

Figure #7: Camera Shutter 

https://www.dpreview.com/forums/thread/4476248  

Mode Dial 

The Mode dial is another part of a camera used to switch between modes. Aperture mode, Shutter mode, Manual mode, and Auto mode are some of the standard modes. It is situated on the upper side. 

Figure #8: Mode Dial 

https://www.aperturebuzz.com/how-to-use-custom-settings-c1-c2-u1-u2/   

Picture Sensor 

The camera’s body carries the camera sensor. To build our image, the sensor records the light as it is detected. Once the shutter opens, the sensor gauges the amount of light it receives. The sensor is made up of discrete parts known as pixels. By counting the number of photons that arrive at the pixel, each pixel calculates the brightness of the light. The camera receives this information as a voltage value, which it can then record. 

Figure #9: Picture Sensor 

https://electronics.howstuffworks.com/cameras-photography/digital/question362.htm  

Viewfinder 

Users can construct your shot and observe your subject through the camera by using the viewfinder. Electronic (EVF) and optical (OVF) viewfinders are the two main categories. One may see what the camera is viewing using an electronic viewfinder (EVF). For the purpose of screen display, the camera retrieves data from the camera sensor. As the data in an EVF is directly from the sensor, it provides a more accurate representation of the image you will take.  

Figure #10: Viewfinder 

https://portraitsrefined.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/close-up-camera-viewfinder.jpg? 

LCD Display 

The majority of more recent models of cameras include an LCD screen mounted on the body’s rear. There are three main uses for the LCD display. Initially, the screen gives you the option to change the settings and view the ones in place. Also, it displays useful data like a histogram to help us understand what the camera is viewing. Second, we may observe our subject and compose the shot using the screen as a viewfinder. Finally, after we take the photograph, we can review it on the screen to make sure the photograph is how we want it by viewing it while it is being taken.  

Figure #11: LCD Screen 

https://shuttermuse.com/glossary/tft/  

Flash 

When taking a picture, the flash is utilized to illuminate the subject. This can be done to illuminate the subject in dimly lit areas or to stop motion and provide clearer shots. There are two types of flashes which are built-in flash and external flash. In addition to being stand-mounted independently from the camera, external flashes can also be camera mounted. More than with a built-in flash, moving the flash allows us to control the lighting. The greater power compared to most built-in flashes is another benefit of the external flash. To obtain better lighting or to achieve a certain effect, we can change the flash’s power level and use several flashes. Since professional photographers usually utilize external flashes, many higher-end cameras lack built-in flashes for this reason. 

Figure #12: Flash 

https://snapshot.canon-asia.com/article/eng/what-are-the-benefits-of-an-external-flash  

Shutter button 

This button is at the top of the camera. Press the shutter release button to start the shutter after positioning the subject and composing the shot. 

Figure #13: Shutter Button 

https://www.learnphotographyskills.com/what-is-a-shutter-button/  

Flash Button 

A flash button on a camera could be on the top or front, depending on the model. This button, as its name implies, activates the built-in flash. 

Figure #14: Flash Button 

https://www.peachpit.com/articles/article.aspx?p=2432257&seqNum=10  

Multi-controller button 

The Multi-controller buttons are specific buttons that enable us to navigate menu items.  

https://d1hjkbq40fs2x4.cloudfront.net/2018-04-06/files/eos-1500d_1766-23b.jpg  

The timer switches  

When setting the duration, a timer switch is essential since we want the shutter to remain open. 

Lock switch 

The wheel is locked to prevent unintentional changes to the exposure compensation or aperture. When the switch is turned on, the wheel will still spin, but the settings will not be altered by the revolution. 

storage-card door 

A memory card is used by digital cameras to store content. A detachable card is accessible on some models through a unique memory card door. 

Battery door 

We remove the old batteries from the camera before replacing them with new ones. Even when someone wishes to inspect the batteries, you may reach them by sliding on the battery door. 

Ports and Memory Card Slots 

We can see a slot for the memory card and some docking ports as soon as we open the memory card door. To transfer videos or photographs to an external device, such as a laptop, you will use the docking connectors. There are cameras with two memory card slots that enable simultaneous usage of two cards.  

Figure #15: Memory Card Slot 

https://www.imaging-resource.com/PRODS/canon-eos-r6-ii/canon-eos-r6-iiA.HTM  

It is crucial to understand the fundamental components and functions of a camera to make the most of the camera’s capabilities.  

Functions of Camera 

User Controls 

The camera’s controls are what give us the ability to change the settings and control the distinct functions. While some cameras have their own dedicated knobs, dials, and buttons for configuration, others have menus that must be accessed via the LCD screen. 

One of the most significant technological advancements is the camera, which comes in a variety of shapes and functions. The camera aids in the creation and preservation of emotive and/or historical memories. With the advent of the camera, learning has taken on a new dimension since images and videos may now be used as teaching resources. We can take instant photos, edit our photos, and distribute them more easily via websites, e-mail, and mobile phones thanks to this technology. Digital cameras are becoming increasingly common in people’s daily lives. They are properly displacing typical old cameras from the market because of their ease of use and image quality. Photographic delight is increased by digital cameras, which also offer many benefits, many of which are not achievable with a traditional film camera. Digital cameras are more practical than film cameras, and their running expenses are lower because they do not require the purchase and development of film. 

Light balancing and controlling 

Digital cameras have a unique feature called white balancing that makes sure that white light is replicated exactly as it was in real-world media so that the colors in the image area look realistic. The fundamental idea behind a camera is that it uses a lens to regulate how much time and light it exposes to the outside world. We can construct a picture on top of an image if there is enough light. A measurement of the vulnerability of light is called exposure metering. Intense lighting locations and shadow areas can be manually listed to suit the preferences of the photographer. 

Focus 

The focus setting is utilized to deliver the intended point in the finest detail. We must make sure to manually or automatically correct the camera to obtain a speedy and amazingly clear image.  

Aperture 

The modifications to the iris are referred to as aperture. Usually, this value regulates how much light will enter the lens. The depth of the field and focus have both been known to be somewhat influenced by the aperture. 

Shutter speed  

Shutter speed refers to the mechanisms that regulate how quickly a shutter closes and opens. Often, milliseconds per second are involved. This is the period of time during which the storing medium is exposed to the imaging medium and the light. 

Zoom capacities 

A photographer cannot enter the field to photograph a sporting event. To get near to faraway subjects, they must utilize a zoom lens. 

 

Conclusion 

In every person’s life, photographs play a significant role since they help us remember our history and bring back memories of certain people, places, emotions, and events. They can aid in our self-awareness. A transformation for the better may result from photography’s ability to inspire a large number of people. The camera is photography’s primary tool. The history of photography has been transformed by digital cameras. One of the most significant technologies of all time is the digital camera, which has made it possible for individuals to take pictures and share them with people all over the world without having to be physically there on the stage. It provides us with quick photos, enables us to edit our photos, and makes it simpler for us to share photos via email, websites, and mobile devices. Cameras developed into an excellent instrument for scientific research and were able to catch the people of far-off tribes as well as newly discovered animals and field trip proof. Digital cameras have truly brought upon a revolution in the world of photography.  

 

Work Cited 

Digital Camera. (2023 March 22). In Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Digital_camera  

Woodford, Chris. (2006/2022) Digital cameras. Explain that stuff! https://www.explainthatstuff.com/digitalcameras.html.  

N.Kay. (2009, June 28) Basic Functions of a Digital Camera. Ezine articles.http://EzineArticles.com/2538282   

Patrisha Kichline. (2008). Why Is the Camera Important? Techwalla. 

https://www.techwalla.com/articles/why-is-the-camera-important   

Masakatsu Nagayama. (2018, Feb 15). What are the Benefits of an External Flash? Digital Camera Magazine. https://snapshot.canon-asia.com/article/eng/what-are-the-benefits-of-an-external-flash  

Shawn. (2022, Nov 22). WHAT IS A SHUTTER BUTTON? Learn photography skills. https://www.learnphotographyskills.com/what-is-a-shutter-button/  

(2000, April 1). What is the difference between CCD and CMOS image sensors in a digital camera? HowStuffWorks.com. https://electronics.howstuffworks.com/cameras-photography/digital/question362.htm  Kaikov. (2020, March 22). EOS R dust shutter problem. Digital Photography Review. https://www.dpreview.com/forums/thread/4476248

David Em. (2021, August 23). What’s a Viewfinder in Photography? Portraits Refined. https://portraitsrefined.com/articles/  

Slater Bradley. (2023 February 9). Digital Camera Advantages and Disadvantages. Camera snipe.com. https://camerasnipe.com/digital-camera-advantages-and-disadvantages/  

SAMUEL RICHARDS. (2020, October 26). The Essential Functions of a Digital Camera. BiblioTech. https://www.bibliotecalibre.cl/2020/10/the-essential-functions-of-a-digital-camera/  

Daven Mathies. (2019, July 19). What does this button do? A quick guide to understanding your camera’s controls. Digitaltrends. https://www.digitaltrends.com/photography/what-does-this-do-an-explanation-of-dslr-buttons/  

 

Self-Reflection 

This is the third assignment of this course which is ‘Technical Description’. It is an interesting assignment which required us to describe a technological object and its purpose which we are interested in. We can inform users about the product or process using technical descriptions. Technology has made a massive impact in the world as well as in the engineering field. We continuously use different technologies to complete daily activities, study, entertainment etc. Engineers use their knowledge to develop innovative technologies. I like to take photographs. The camera is photography’s primary tool. The history of photography has been transformed by digital cameras. So, while going through this assignment, it came to my mind to describe the importance, parts, and purpose of a digital camera. And its functions too. This assignment required us to write an introduction, background information, description of parts, its functions, visualization, conclusion, and citations. At first, I started with an introduction and included the background information with it. I tried my best to research about the object and describe the parts and functions precisely. And I tried to add all those elements and make my essay well structured. I tried to make it easy to understand for the readers. It is hard to divide my own camera into parts and take pictures, so I decided to take pictures from online. I was confused about if the image citation is proper or not. I faced difficulties to cite the images as it is my first time working on an image citation. After working on the parts and functions, I worked to develop a strong conclusion. And lastly, I tried to put all the citations properly. After completing my first draft, the peer review also helped me. By this I got to know some of my major mistakes. I tried to work on them and make my final draft clearer and more precise. Overall, it is an interesting assignment and easy to understand.