digital camera

Definition: Electronic imaging system using an array of light-detectors to record an image, coupled with a device to store the digital record. * The typical arrangement is to have a lens of fixed or zooming focal length projecting onto a CCD or CMOS type of detector or sensor. This is commonly a wide array of sensors (single-shot camera) but may be a line of sensors (scanning camera). * The sensors convert or transduce light energy into electrical energy which is measured to provide image data. * For colour discrimination, the sensors are covered in a grid of red, green and blue (sometimes a fourth, such as cyan) filters so each sensor's reading is related to the colour of the filter that lies over it. * The image data is stored in devices such as PCMIA hard-disks or memory cards or can be transferred to a computer via cables or infra-red link.

Related Terms: 35mm equivalent focal length

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