How Does a Camera Take Pictures?

How Does a Camera Take Pictures? A camera uses light to record a picture on film where light rays acts on a specially prepared sensitive surface of the film. If light didn’t have any effect on certain chemically prepared substances, photography would be impossible.

When the shutter of a camera snaps, light rays get reflected from the scene, and enter the camera through the lens.

The lens focuses the light rays to form a picture on the film inside the camera. Photographic film is a thin strip of plastic, coated with special light-sensitive chemicals. Chemical changes occur where light rays hit the film. When the film is developed, still other chemicals change the color of the exposed chemicals on the film in such a way that a picture forms.

Some cameras work by mechanical and chemical means. Others use electronic equipment to replace the chemical process. One type of camera that uses chemicals to develop its pictures is the single lens reflex, or SLR, camera. Cameras that produce their pictures electronically are known as digital cameras.

What’s more important camera or lens? Camera lenses are more important than the camera they’re attached to, at least in most situations. An entry-level DSLR with a great lens will take great photos while a $10,000 professional camera with a terrible lens will take terrible pictures.

Do more expensive cameras take better pictures? Expensive DSLR often have better weather proofing, more durable body material, better exposure metering, better sensors. More pixels or better low light performance, or higher image quality (lower noise, more dynamic range), faster and more auto focus points, longer shutter life, and so on.

Content for this question contributed by Jay Smith, resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA