Fotocameras

Fotocameras are devices for capturing still images by recording light onto a photosensitive medium. Traditionally they used photographic film; today most are digital. They are categorized by format and mechanism into analog film cameras and digital cameras. Film cameras use a shutter and a lens to control exposure on film, with development required to produce prints. Digital cameras replace film with sensors (CCD or CMOS) that convert light into electrical signals, storing images on memory cards. Removable lenses and adjustable settings are common.

The main form factors include compact cameras with fixed lenses, and interchangeable-lens cameras such as DSLRs and mirrorless systems. DSLRs use a mirror and an optical viewfinder; mirrorless models rely on electronic viewfinders or LCD screens and generally offer smaller bodies. Rangefinder cameras are another tradition with a separate viewfinder offset from the lens axis.

Key technical concepts include exposure, defined by aperture, shutter speed, and ISO; autofocus and metering systems; white balance; and image stabilization. Sensor size and lens quality influence image appearance, resolution, and low-light performance. Digital cameras commonly save in JPEG or RAW formats; RAW preserves more image data for post-processing.

The history of fotocameras traces early 19th-century experiments to present-day models with high-resolution sensors and computational photography. Major brands include Nikon, Canon, Sony, Fujifilm, and Leica, among others. While smartphones have decreased demand for basic cameras, dedicated cameras remain popular for professionals and enthusiasts seeking higher quality, control, and flexibility.