How do Digital Cameras work?

Digital cameras consist of 3 CCD (Charge Coupled Devices) that measure the amount of light that is in the image. This allows the camera to alter the light resolution to produce the best possible effect. The image is then saved into Flash memory, a special type of memory that does not loose its contents when switched off. This is still relatively expensive and so even top-of-range cameras only come with a limited amount. Space is saved through a custom compression algorithm similar to the JPEG standard. This allows more images to be stored, most low-end cameras can save about 15 pictures. These can be deleted at any time to make way for new ones. Unfortunately, resolution is still very low and does not compare to their analogue opposite. The Kodak DC20, for example, can only save images at a maximum of 495x373 pixels.

Interfacing

Digital cameras were designed from the beginning to be used with computers and so support a number of interfaces to send the images to your computer. The basic interface is a serial connection. This is relatively slow and very unpopular, but for the Amiga digital enthusiast it is the only way of connecting them at the moment. Other options include a PC card, which allows the card with the flash memory on, to be directly plugged into suitable computer. There is also a SCSI connection for high-end cameras. However, due to the expense of such products it is difficult for drivers to be written to take advantage of the cameras on the Amiga.

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