| The Digital Era:
The development of digital camera technology is considered to be
linked to the development of TV and Video technology. The principles
of transmission and recording of audio-visual images using digital
electrical impulses finds use in camera imaging as well.
Through the 1990?s the developments continued in camera technology,
the focus now shifting to the field of digital imaging which is
where the future lies. Use- friendly features like software that can
download digital images directly from camera onto home computers for
storing and sharing on the internet is the new norm in the market
place.
The camera, the computer, the software industry and the worldwide
web are today irrevocably interlinked to empower the user in
experiencing the benefits of camera usage to full potential. The
innovation that sparked many an invention in the camera industry
found its way into the digital world as well and continued among
digital camera manufacturers. During 2001, the Kodak and Microsoft
partnership ensured that digital camera manufacturers could use the
power of Picture Transfer Protocol (PTP) standard through Windows.
The digital photo experience is a key visual driver in the Internet
era. Many of Kodak digital camera models with EasyShare capabilities
are compatible with Windows XP. The Kodak EasyShare software enables
users to transfer digital camera pictures directly from camera to
their computers and then print the pictures or even email them.
Manufacturers in a related industry like the printing industry have
adapted their products to be in sync with the images created by
digital cameras. Cell phone manufacturers have tied up with digital
camera manufacturers to develop new age camera phones in recent
years. These camera phones can capture images and share the images
through the cell phone.
Among the 21st century digital developments are the advanced product
offerings from digital cameras manufacturers and these are sure to
occupy an important place in the ensuing history of camera
development. For instance, the Kodak Professional DCS Pro SLR/c is a
high-end digital camera and the Kodak website calls the DCS Pro SLR
models the most feature-rich digital cameras on the market. It has
an image sensor that can handle 13.89 million pixels and this makes
it the highest resolution digital camera available. High resolution
determines the sharpness or level of detail in photographic images.
This is just a glimpse of the capabilities that digital technology
places in a user's hands. Digital camera sales figures for 2003 show
that the two key players Kodak and Canon have recorded impressive
growth.
What does the future hold for camera users?
The features offered by digital cameras can be quite mind-boggling
for the average user and pretty exciting for most pros. Four key
ongoing camera developments that are likely to further improve the
process of photography:
- Greater resolution from even the simplest, low cost camera models
- Usage in any type of lighting conditions,
- Compatibility across a range of software, hardware and image
types
- Rich
colours and tone
While the higher-end digital evolution continues, the prices of the
simple camera have crashed to such an extent that even children and
teens are proud owners of uncomplicated cameras. The camera and
photography interest starts young and this creates a truly large
audience base for the camera industry.
And throughout history, it is evident that the
endeavour of
researchers and developers has been to make the camera available to
a wide section of society. Without camera technology and
photography, the other key developments of cinema and TV would have
been delayed and what a boring place the world would have been
without TV and films!!
The author, Chris Haslego, is founder of
www.cameramanualstore.com
the internet's foremost source of camera manuals. With over 4000+
camera manuals available from all major manufacturers.
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