kamery

Kamery is the Polish term for devices that capture visual information, typically referred to in English as cameras. In general usage, cameras are classified by their purpose, format, and the technology they use to convert light into electrical signals.

Common types include still cameras, which photograph stationary scenes and can be film-based or digital; video cameras, designed to record moving images; professional cinema cameras used in film production; action cameras for compact, rugged use; webcams for online communication; and surveillance cameras intended for monitoring. Within these categories, cameras differ by sensor type, image resolution, lens system, and whether lenses are interchangeable.

A camera’s core components are the lens, the image sensor (such as CCD or CMOS), and the image processor. The lens focuses light onto the sensor, while the shutter controls exposure and timing. Most cameras feature autofocus, exposure metering, and built-in storage or removable memory. Interchangeable-lens systems are common in higher-end cameras, enabling different focal lengths and image characteristics. In digital models, additional features include image stabilization, high dynamic range, and various codec options for stills and video.

The rise of digital photography in the late 20th and early 21st centuries transformed output, workflow, and access. Smartphones now integrate advanced camera systems, altering usage patterns and reducing the need for separate devices. Cameras continue to evolve with higher resolutions, improved low-light performance, computational photography, and connectivity for sharing and remote control.

Applications span journalism, filmmaking, science, education, security, and personal documentation. Privacy, data security, and regulatory considerations remain important in contexts such as surveillance and facial-recognition-enabled devices.