The Development of Digital Photography
Despite early breakthroughs in camera development starting in the early 1970s, it would take nearly two decades before the first camera capable of capturing images as computerized files would actually enter circulation in professional markets. And, it was not until 1994 that the first consumer camera model officially hit the mainstream consumer market (Encyclopedia Britannica.com).
The widespread accessibility of camera devices quickly transformed photography from a specialized artistic field into a regular pastime of the general public. The streamlining of compact digital cameras was the primary catalyst in the rapid popularization of photography. In a broader sense, this transition from traditional methods to digital ones represented a major turning point in the integration of technology and art.
By the late '90s, photography had become commonplace as growing numbers of nonprofessionals acquired cameras for practical, everyday use. Today, the widespread availability of cameras and electronic image processing has made tangible film practically obsolete. And, while it is unfortunate that certain aspects of traditional photography have been lost in recent years, the advances in digital technology have been overwhelmingly beneficial. Visit the page, Utilizing Digital Technology in the Real World, in order to learn more about the different fields that have been positively impacted by the availability of digital cameras and computer imaging tools.
Today, the widespread availability of the Internet has made digital photography one of the most popular and important activities for people of all ages and backgrounds. Stories and information take on new meaning as a result of photographic supplements. Vivid depictions of people, places, and objects bring stories to life and increase the significance of written information. Through the creation of rich, interactive experiences, digital photography has truly transformed the way we perceive the world around us.
Further Reading
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Refer to Wikipedia's article on the history of the digital camera to find more details relating to the technology behind digital imaging and the components involved in the production of the devices themselves.
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Visit Kodak's Plugged In blog to read about the first digital camera by Kodak.
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Digital vs. Film: An ellaboration of the differences between film and digital photography from Wikipedia.com.
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Camerapedia provides all sorts of information about cameras and their applications.
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Check out Time magazine's collection of photo essays, featuring images of global events and unique personalities.
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Digital Photography for Dummies provides a great "Digital Photography All-in-One" diagram to help beginners learn the basic anatomy of a compact digital camera (non-SLR), accompanied by a D.P. vocabulary cheat sheet.
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An A-Z glossary of jargon and terminology relating to digital photography from Dummies.com.