What will be the next camera technology to go away?
If there has ever been an invention that has impacted the human race, besides the light bulb, of course, it would be the camera. The introduction of still photography gave humans the ability to freeze any moment and share it with others. Photography has become a part of everyday life and has been taken for granted. The technology that generates photography, that is, the camera, is perfected forever. Over the years, many types of cameras have been labeled the best of the best, only to be overtaken by new technology that somehow turns out to be a little better. The evolution of the camera has generated an interesting conversation over the years. The innovations of early photography mainly include the achievement of permanent images for posterity.
Modern cameras, those produced during the last sixty years, have evolved in three main ways. Camera size, image quality, and image storage. Numerous design innovations have led to the obsolescence of previous technology considered cutting edge. Kodak, the pioneer in portable film cartridges, introduced roll film in 1914. The invention of easy-to-load film would be one of the most durable photographic innovations and is still in use today. Other wonderful achievements were the flash, which allowed photographs to be well lit even in less than perfect natural lighting. Since their invention in 1930, flashes lasted for nearly five decades before electronic flashes eliminated them entirely. The 35mm film was wonderful, but how about the 110 film cartridge? A child could load and unload the 110 film cartridge, without rolling it, without getting it dirty, without required instructions, and without accidental exposure to sunlight. It seemed like a great idea at the time, but it also fell by the wayside probably due to image quality. Kodak also thought they were revolutionizing the industry with the launch of the disc camera. The film was conveniently attached to an easy-to-change circular disc. Once again the advantages were easy loading and unloading, however the number of exhibits was limited due to their overall size. And how can we forget about the Polaroid? Polaroid invented self-developed photography in 1947. This popular form of photography was well used for an unlimited number of applications. Although the image quality could never compete with other types of film and traditional development, it was the perfect solution when a photograph was required to be instantaneous. Polaroid’s demise came nearly sixty years after its inception to the chagrin of many Polaroid fans. There have been many of these seemingly priceless innovations in cameras and photography over the years.
The real revolution, however, was the computer age. Converting a photographic image to a computer file and then having the ability to display the image on computer screens or transfer the image to another part of the world is simply amazing. The digital camera gives us the ability to capture digital images without the need for film or film development. Computer data images can be stored within the camera, moved to portable storage devices, or printed from virtually any computer printer. This was, in the opinion of many in the industry, the biggest change in the world of photography. Obsolescence knocked on the door of many movie makers. A lighter workload and falling sales have also affected film development companies. Will the movie camera become the next victim? Experts say it can never happen, but I guess we’ll have to wait and see what the future of photo technology and consumer trends are in store for.