The Camera Obscura Origins
Photography's roots began with the camera obscura, a dark chamber with a pinhole that projects images. Used by artists and scientists, it was the genesis of photographic technology, existing since the 4th century BCE.
First Permanent Photograph
In 1826, Joseph Nicéphore Niépce captured the earliest surviving photograph, 'View from the Window at Le Gras.' It required an eight-hour exposure, pioneering the path to modern photography with his heliography process.
Daguerreotype: A Milestone
Louis Daguerre's invention in 1837, the daguerreotype, revolutionized photography. It produced clearer images within minutes, using a silver-coated copper plate. This popular technique was the first to make photography widely accessible.
Color Photography Breakthrough
The first true color photograph was taken by James Clerk Maxwell in 1861. Using three filters (red, green, blue) and projecting three separate images, he demonstrated the principle of color synthesis.
Film Cameras and Kodak
In 1888, George Eastman introduced the Kodak camera, loaded with a 100-exposure film roll. It simplified photography, making it accessible to amateurs. 'You press the button, we do the rest' became an enduring slogan.
Digital Photography Evolution
The first digital camera was developed by Steven Sasson at Eastman Kodak in 1975. It weighed 8 pounds (3.6 kg) and had a 0.01-megapixel resolution. This innovation led to today's compact, high-resolution digital cameras.
Smartphone Camera Impact
The integration of cameras into smartphones has significantly democratized photography. In 2000, the Sharp J-SH04 became the first cellphone with a built-in camera, leading to the ubiquitous mobile photography culture we know today.
When did camera obscura first exist?
4th century BCE
After 1826 AD
15th century AD
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