World Photography Day: Evolution of cameras through history

From darkened rooms to smartphones in our pockets, the history of cameras reflects humanity’s quest to capture moments. Each era brought ground breaking inventions that changed how we see and preserve the world. Let's look at the evolution of cameras till the present. (Freepik) (Source: Photo by Wikipedia )

The Camera Obscura (5th Century BCE – 16th Century CE): The Camera Obscura, a simple box or room with a pinhole, projected inverted images onto a surface. Though it couldn’t record photos, it served as a vital tool for artists and scientists, laying the foundation for photography. (Source: Photo by Wikipedia )

Daguerreotype Cameras (1839): Louis Daguerre’s invention was the first successful photographic process. Using silver plated copper sheets, it produced highly detailed, one of a kind images. However, exposures could take minutes, requiring subjects to sit perfectly still. (Source: Photo by Wikipedia )

Box and Folding Cameras (Late 19th to Early 20th Century): Kodak transformed photography with its slogan, “You press the button, we do the rest.” Box and folding cameras made photography accessible to the masses, turning it into a popular hobby. (Source: Photo by Wikipedia )

35mm Film Cameras (1920s – 1980s): The compact and reliable 35mm film camera became the industry standard. Leica pioneered the format, while Nikon and Canon popularized it worldwide, revolutionizing professional and everyday photography alike. (Source: Photo by Wikipedia )

Instant Cameras (1947 onwards): Polaroid changed the game with instant cameras, delivering fully developed prints in minutes. Their nostalgic appeal and ease of use made them a cultural icon, especially popular in family and social settings. (Source: Photo by Wikipedia )

Digital Cameras & Smartphones (1990s – Present): Digital cameras freed photography from film, allowing instant review and editing. Today, smartphones with multiple lenses and AI capabilities have put professional level photography in everyone’s hands. (Source: Photo by Wikipedia )