fototester

Fototester is a term used in photography and imaging to describe either a device or a person involved in testing and validating image quality. The term appears in various languages and contexts to denote systematic evaluation of cameras, lenses, sensors, and imaging pipelines.

As a device, a fototester refers to hardware and software used to conduct controlled image measurements. These systems typically include standardized illumination, test targets, and data-collection software to evaluate sensor response, color reproduction, tonal range, resolution, and optical performance of lenses and camera bodies. They may incorporate spectroradiometers, color targets such as color checker cards, and calibrated light sources to produce repeatable results.

As a human role, a fototester is a quality assurance professional who performs formal image-quality tests, records results, and generates reports. Their work supports camera development, product QA, calibration, and compliance with technical standards. The role may exist in equipment manufacturers, testing labs, or imaging-services providers, and it often requires knowledge of color science, optics, and measurement methodologies.

Typical test areas include color accuracy and white balance, tonal response and dynamic range, resolution and aliasing, optical distortion and vignetting, autofocus reliability, and sensor noise at different ISO levels. In practice, the specifics of a fototester program vary by manufacturer and region, but the overarching aim is to ensure consistent, predictable imaging performance across devices and workflows.