What is a camera and how does it capture images?

A camera is a device that captures still or moving images by focusing and exposing an image sensor or photographic film. There are various types of cameras available in the market today, ranging from basic point-and-shoot cameras to more advanced digital single-lens reflex (DSLR) and mirrorless cameras.

The basic components of a camera include the lens, the aperture, the shutter, and the image sensor or film. The lens collects light and focuses it onto the image sensor or film, while the aperture controls the amount of light that enters the camera. The shutter determines the duration of the exposure, or the amount of time that light is allowed to enter the camera and strike the sensor or film.

When the shutter button is pressed, the shutter opens for a specific amount of time, and light is allowed to enter the camera through the lens and aperture. The light then strikes the image sensor or film, which records the image. In a digital camera, the image sensor converts the light into electrical signals, which are then processed by the camera's electronics to create the final image.