caméra

Caméra is the device used to record visual content. In French usage, caméra typically denotes a video camera or camcorder, while still photographs are usually captured with an appareil photo. In English, camera is used for both still and motion-image capture.

Historically, cameras evolved from simple pinhole devices to mechanical film cameras in the 19th century, recording images on light-sensitive film. The late 20th century brought digital imaging, with sensors such as CCD and CMOS replacing film and enabling compact consumer models. Cinema cameras are specialized for high image quality, color science, and compatibility with professional lenses and formats. The rise of compact video cameras and, later, smartphones, broadened accessibility and integration with networks.

Core components generally include a lens, an image sensor, and a recording system. The lens controls light, focus, and field of view; the sensor converts light into electrical signals; the recording system stores data and applies processing such as exposure, white balance, and noise reduction. Many cameras offer interchangeable lenses, autofocus, optical or electronic image stabilization, and various recording formats and frame rates.

Applications span photography, filmmaking, news gathering, science, security, and consumer media. Modern devices often combine still and video capture, wireless transfer, and computational imaging techniques that improve quality in challenging lighting.