view camera
Quick Summary
A camera is a device used in photography to record an image on a light-sensitive surface. It functions as a light-tight box with an aperture to let in light, which is then focused by a lens onto a recording medium like film or a digital sensor.1
Key components of a camera include:
* The camera box, protecting the recording medium.
* The recording medium itself, where the image is captured.
* A light control system, typically a diaphragm and shutter.
* A lens to focus light and create the image.
* A viewing system to compose the shot.1
A specific type, the "view camera" or "technical camera," is used for studio and commercial work. It allows for precise control over image sharpness, subject distance, and perspective through adjustable front and rear standards connected by bellows. These cameras typically use sheet film and are mounted on a tripod. The earliest form of camera was the camera obscura.21
Ask Britannica AI about this topic
Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.
