What are the structures of the camera?

Digital camera

It is a digital video input device that uses photoelectric technology to collect images and converts these "point currents" representing pixels into 0 and 1 of digital signals that can be processed by the computer, unlike video capture cards that first use analog capture tools to capture images, and then complete the image input through a dedicated analog-to-digital conversion component.

The sensor

is an important part of the digital camera and is divided into CCD and CMOS according to different components. CCD (Charge Coupled Device) is a high-end technical component used in photography, while CMOS (Complementary Metal-Oxide Semiconductor) is used in products with lower image quality. Its advantages are The manufacturing cost is lower than that of CCD, and the power consumption is also much lower. Although there are major differences in technology, the performance gap between CCD and CMOS is not very big. It is just that CMOS cameras have higher requirements for light sources, but now this problem has been basically solved. At present, the size of CCD components is mostly 1/3 inch or 1/4 inch. Under the same resolution, it is better to choose a larger component size.

Sensor pixels

is one of the important indicators for measuring cameras. Some products will be marked with 300,000 pixels or 350,000 pixels on the packaging box. Generally speaking, products with higher pixels have better image quality. But on the other hand, it is not that the higher the pixels, the better. For the same picture, a product with higher pixels has a stronger ability to analyze images. In order to obtain a high-resolution image or picture, the amount of data it records must also be large. The requirements for network transmission bandwidth and storage devices are much higher.

The highest resolution is the maximum resolution that can be achieved for static images and dynamic images captured by the camera, but generally the image file generated at the highest resolution has a large amount of data.

Interface type

There are basically three ways to connect the camera: interface card, parallel port and USB port. The interface card type is generally implemented through a camera-specific card. Many manufacturers will optimize or add video capture functions for the camera, which has greater advantages in image quality and video stream capture. However, since the interface cards of various manufacturers have different designs, the products cannot be used universally, and the prices are not cheap. This type of product is worthy of choice for users who pursue higher image quality. The advantage of the parallel port method is that it is highly adaptable. Every machine has a parallel port. However, the data transmission rate is slow and the practicality is greatly reduced. For ordinary users, it is still acceptable. USB interface is the current mainstream trend. All existing motherboards support USB connection. Moreover, current cameras consume less power and can work on the power provided by USB, which saves the need for external power supply.

Color digits

Also known as color depth, the color depth index of a digital camera reflects how many tones the camera can correctly record. The higher the color digits value, the more likely it is that the color depth will be better. Really restore the details of highlights and shadows. At present, almost all digital cameras have 24 color bits and can generate true color images.

Video capture speed

Video capture capability is one of the functions that users are most concerned about. Many manufacturers claim a maximum video capture capability of 30 frames/second, but it cannot be fully utilized in actual use. As expected. At present, the video capture of cameras is realized through software, so the requirements for computers are very high, that is, the processing power of the CPU must be fast enough. Secondly, the capture capabilities are also different depending on the different picture requirements. The maximum resolution of the current camera captured image is 640×480. At this resolution, no digital camera can achieve a capture effect of 30 frames per second, so the image will jump. What is more realistic is that at 320×240 resolution, it is possible to achieve the standard rate capture index by relying on the combination of hardware and software, so the complete video capture speed is only a theoretical index. Users should choose appropriate products based on their actual needs to achieve the desired results.

The Prospects of Cameras

According to the "Moore's Law" of hardware development in the IT industry, digital cameras also follow its development rules, and I believe they will develop rapidly in the next few years. . Judging from the current market situation, the factors restricting the development of cameras mainly include the following reasons:

1. The camera market started late, and consumer awareness and acceptance are low, so the penetration rate Lower, the market capacity is not increasing fast enough, and certain guidance is needed to promote market consumption.

2. The actual application of the camera is not extensive enough and has certain limitations. It is still sold as a consumer product. Consumers only use it for video chatting, making simple personal image collections, and simple tools for monitoring systems, etc.

3. Current computer hardware limitations, such as computer graphics card, monitor resolution, and USB1.1 interface speed, affect the true popularity of high-pixel photography.

From a personal point of view, the future development trend of digital cameras is:

1. High pixels (500,000, 800,000), high-quality image sensor (CCD), high transmission Cameras with high speed (USB2.0 or other interfaces) will be the future development trend;

2. Professional (only used as a professional video input device), multi-functional (included with other functions, such as Comes with a flash drive, which is developing in the direction of digital cameras. It is also conceivable that future cameras can have the function of scanners), etc. are also future development trends;

3. More user-friendly, easier to use, and more Practical application functions are the real needs of customers.