A recent conversation with a work colleague got me thinking – not about anything new, but it reminded me of an ongoing belief I have…
In summary, my colleague’s daughter will soon be attending college where she will study photography. Because of this, I was asked what (inexpensive) camera and lens combination she should acquire.
Despite the ever-advancing progress of digital photography, the advice that came to mind was for the purchase of a manual film camera – such as a Pentax K1000 or a Nikon F3; and the reasoning for this was simple: it would force my colleague’s daughter to learn about the connection between Aperture, ISO and Shutter Speed.
Even so, it must not be forgotten that photography has undergone a remarkable transformation since its inception, driven by relentless technological advancements. From the early days of bulky, manual equipment used by Roger Fenton in Crimea to the sophisticated digital devices of today, the evolution of camera technology has continually pushed the boundaries of what’s possible in capturing and sharing images.
The story of photography may have begun in the 1820s when Joseph Nicéphore Niépce captured the first permanent photograph using a technique called heliography, it was during the late 19th and early 20th centuries that saw significant advancements in photographic technology. George Eastman, for example, is credited with the introduction of roll film and the Kodak camera in 1888, and the introduction of 35mm film in the 1920s became a standard for both amateur and professional photographers. The 1950s and 1960s witnessed the rise of single-lens reflex (SLR) cameras, featuring a mirror and prism system that allowed photographers to see exactly what the lens would capture. Since then, several camera models have become iconic in their own right, used by students, hobbyists and professionals alike.
Steven Sasson (an engineer at Eastman Kodak), may have developed the first digital camera in 1975, it was a far cry from today’s devices, let alone smartphone photography….
The integration of high-quality cameras into mobile devices has democratized photography, transforming social media and visual communication, and giving rise to platforms like Instagram and Snapchat.
The evolution of camera technology has transformed not only the art of photography but also our everyday lives. From the early days of long exposure times and cumbersome equipment to the instant, high-quality images captured by modern digital devices, each advancement has brought photography closer to the masses. As technology continues to advance, the possibilities for innovation in photography are limitless, promising an exciting future for this ever-evolving art form.
