Tracing the History of Cameras: The Story of Innovation Capturing Light | Focus #362
Cover photo by fubuki
Cameras have a long history marked by the evolution of technology to capture light. Starting from the principle of the pinhole in ancient times to modern smartphones, many inventions and improvements have been accumulated.
This time, we look back at the history of cameras and trace their evolution through inventions that symbolize each era.
Dawn: The Beginning of Recording Light and Shadow
The history of cameras begins with a device known as the "camera obscura." This mechanism projects light through a small hole into a dark room, displaying the outside scenery, and was known around the 5th century BC.
However, the technology to "record" this image emerged only in the 19th century. In 1827, Frenchman Nicéphore Niépce succeeded in taking the world's first photograph using photosensitive asphalt. The subsequent daguerreotype and Talbot's "calotype," which allowed for reproductions, laid the foundation for the popularization of photographic technology.
The Advent of the Film Era: The Popularization of Photography Culture
From the late 19th to the early 20th century, photographic technology evolved dramatically. Notably, the roll film introduced by Eastman Kodak in 1889 promoted the spread of lightweight and easy-to-use cameras.
Additionally, the Leica camera, released in 1925, adopted 35mm film, balancing portability and image quality. This innovation expanded photography from a niche of professionals to a hobby for the general public. Furthermore, the introduction of color film in the 1930s significantly enhanced the expressive power of photography.
The Digital Revolution and Modern Times: Everyone Becomes a Creator
The wave of digitalization starting in the 1980s fundamentally changed the nature of cameras. The first digital camera, developed in 1975, began to spread in the 1990s, establishing a new style that did not use film.
In the 21st century, with the advent of smartphones, cameras have become an indispensable part of daily life. Recently, film cameras have regained attention among young people, and the culture of photography continues to diversify.
