Editing Digital camera (section)

== Types of digital cameras ==
Digital cameras come in a wide range of sizes, prices, and capabilities. In addition to general-purpose digital cameras, specialized cameras including [[multispectral imaging]] equipment and [[astrograph]]s are used for scientific, military, medical, and other special purposes.

=== [[Point and shoot camera|Compacts]] ===
[[File:Sony DSC-W170.jpg|thumb|left|The Sony DSC-W170 compact camera with lens assembly retracted]]
[[File:Disassembled digital camera.jpg|thumb|left|Disassembled compact digital camera]]
Compact cameras are intended to be portable (pocketable) and are particularly suitable for casual "[[snapshot (photography)|snapshots]]". Point-and-shoot cameras usually fall under this category.

Many incorporate a retractable lens assembly that provides optical zoom. In most models, an auto-actuating lens cover protects the lens from elements. Most ruggedized or [[#Weather-sealing and waterproofing|water-resistant]] models do not retract, and most with [[superzoom]] capability do not retract fully.

Compact cameras are usually designed to be [[Usability|easy to use]]. Almost all include an automatic mode, or "auto mode", which automatically makes all camera settings for the user. Some also have manual controls. Compact digital cameras typically contain a small sensor that trades-off picture quality for compactness and simplicity; images can usually only be stored using lossy compression (JPEG). Most have a built-in [[flash (photography)|flash]] usually of low power, sufficient for nearby subjects. A few high-end compact digital cameras have a [[hotshoe]] for connecting to an external flash. [[Live preview]] is almost always used to frame the photo on an integrated LCD. In addition to being able to take still photographs almost all compact cameras have the ability to record [[motion picture|video]].

Compacts often have [[Macro photography|macro]] capability and [[zoom lens]]es, but the zoom range (up to 30x) is generally enough for [[candid photography]] but less than is available on [[bridge camera]]s (more than 60x), or the interchangeable lenses of DSLR cameras available at a much higher cost.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/18-300mm.htm |title=Nikon 18-300mm VR DX AF-S G ED NIKKOR, $1,000 |author=Ken Rockwell |access-date=January 27, 2014 |archive-date=February 17, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140217014908/http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/18-300mm.htm |url-status=live }}</ref> [[Autofocus]] systems in compact digital cameras generally are based on a contrast-detection methodology using the image data from the live preview feed of the main imager. Some compact digital cameras use a hybrid autofocus system similar to what is commonly available on DSLRs.

Typically, compact digital cameras incorporate a nearly silent [[leaf shutter]] into the lens but play a simulated camera sound for [[skeuomorph]]ic purposes.

For low cost and small size, these cameras typically use [[Image sensor format#Table of sensor formats and sizes|image sensor formats]] with a diagonal between 6 and 11&nbsp;mm, corresponding to a crop factor between 7 and 4. This gives them weaker low-light performance, greater [[depth of field]], generally closer focusing ability, and smaller components than cameras using larger sensors. Some cameras use a larger sensor including, at the high end, a pricey full-frame sensor compact camera, such as [[Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX1]], but have capability near that of a DSLR.

A variety of additional features are available depending on the model of the camera. Such features include [[Geotagging|GPS]], compass, [[barometer]]s and [[altimeter]]s.<ref>[http://www.cameras.co.uk/specs/panasonic-dmc-ft3.cfm Panasonic DMC FT3 Specification] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150102135418/http://www.cameras.co.uk/specs/panasonic-dmc-ft3.cfm |date=2015-01-02 }}. Cameras.co.uk. Retrieved on 2013-08-16.</ref>

Starting in 2010, some compact digital cameras can take 3D still photos.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.cnet.com/reviews/fujifilm-finepix-real-3d-w3-review/ | title=Fujifilm FinePix Real 3D W3 review: Fujifilm FinePix Real 3D W3 }}</ref> These 3D compact [[stereo camera]]s can capture 3D panoramic photos with dual lens or even a single lens for playback on a [[3D TV]].

In 2013, Sony released two add-on camera models without display, to be used with a smartphone or tablet, controlled by a [[mobile application]] via WiFi.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.engadget.com/2013/09/04/sony-qx100-qx10-lens-cameras/ |title=Sony DSC-QX100 and QX10 lens cameras bring top-notch optics to any smartphone or tablet, we go hands-on (video) |date=September 4, 2013 |access-date=August 26, 2017 |archive-date=November 7, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171107024827/https://www.engadget.com/2013/09/04/sony-qx100-qx10-lens-cameras/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

=== Rugged compacts ===
[[Rugged compact camera]]s typically include protection against submersion, hot and cold conditions, shock, and pressure. Terms used to describe such properties include waterproof, freeze-proof, heatproof, shockproof, and crushproof, respectively. Nearly all major camera manufacturers have at least one product in this category. Some are waterproof to a considerable depth up to 100 feet (30&nbsp;m);<ref>{{Cite web |author1=Jon Stapley |date=2022-05-17 |title=The best waterproof camera in 2022: underwater cameras for fun and action |url=https://www.digitalcameraworld.com/buying-guides/best-waterproof-cameras |access-date=2022-06-09 |website=digitalcameraworld |language=en |archive-date=2022-05-22 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220522125207/https://www.digitalcameraworld.com/buying-guides/best-waterproof-cameras |url-status=live }}</ref> others only 10 feet (3&nbsp;m), but only a few will float. Ruggeds often lack some of the features of ordinary compact camera, but they have video capability and the majority can record sound. Most have image stabilization and built-in flash. Touchscreen LCD and GPS do not work underwater.

=== Action cameras ===
{{further|Action camera}}
[[GoPro]] and other brands offer action cameras that are rugged, small, and can be easily attached to [[helmet cam|helmets]], arms, bicycles, etc. Most have a wide angle and fixed focus and can take still pictures and video, typically with sound.

=== 360-degree cameras ===
{{Main|360-degree camera}}
The 360-degree camera can take picture or video 360 degrees using two lenses back-to-back and shooting at the same time. Some of the cameras are Ricoh Theta S, Nikon Keymission 360 and Samsung Gear 360. Nico360 was launched in 2016 and claimed as the world's smallest 360-degree camera with size 46 x 46 x 28&nbsp;mm (1.8 x 1.8 x 1.1 in) and price less than $200. With [[virtual reality]] mode built-in stitching, Wifi, and Bluetooth, live streaming can be done. Due to it also being water resistant, the Nico360 can be used as action camera.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gizmag.com/nico360-camera-smallest/44421/ |title=Big plans for "world's smallest" 360-degree camera |author=Simon Crisp |date=July 19, 2016 |access-date=July 20, 2016 |archive-date=July 20, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160720170649/http://www.gizmag.com/nico360-camera-smallest/44421/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

=== Bridge cameras ===
[[File:Sony DSC-H2 01.jpg|thumb|Sony DSC-H2]]
{{Main|Bridge camera}}

Bridge cameras physically resemble DSLRs, and are sometimes called DSLR-shape or DSLR-like. They provide some similar features but, like compacts, they use a fixed lens and a small sensor. Some compact cameras have also PSAM mode.{{clarify|PSAM mode|date=September 2021}} Most use live preview to frame the image. Their usual autofocus is by the same contrast-detect mechanism as compacts, but many bridge cameras have a [[manual focus]] mode and some have a separate focus ring for greater control.

The big physical size and small sensor allow superzoom and wide aperture. Bridge cameras generally include an [[image stabilization]] system to enable longer handheld exposures, sometimes better than DSLR for low light conditions.

As of 2014, bridge cameras come in two principal classes in terms of sensor size, firstly the more traditional 1/2.3" sensor (as measured by [[image sensor format]]) which gives more flexibility in lens design and allows for handholdable zoom from 20 to 24&nbsp;mm (35&nbsp;mm equivalent) wide angle all the way up to over 1000&nbsp;mm supertele, and secondly a 1" sensor that allows better image quality particularly in low light (higher ISO) but puts greater constraints on lens design, resulting in zoom lenses that stop at 200&nbsp;mm (constant aperture, e.g. Sony RX10) or 400&nbsp;mm (variable aperture, e.g. Panasonic Lumix FZ1000) equivalent, corresponding to an optical zoom factor of roughly 10 to 15.

Some bridge cameras have a lens thread to attach accessories such as wide-angle or [[Teleconverter|telephoto converters]] as well as filters such as UV or [[Polarizing filter (photography)|Circular Polarizing]] filter and lens hoods. The scene is composed by viewing the display or the [[electronic viewfinder]] (EVF). Most have a slightly longer [[shutter lag]] than a DSLR. Many of these cameras can store images in a raw format in addition to supporting JPEG.{{efn|JPEG is a lossy compression format with less colour depth than typical of raw formats; however, most raw formats require demosaicing ("raw converter") software to be viewed properly.}} The majority have a built-in flash, but only a few have a hotshoe.

In bright sun, the quality difference between a good compact camera and a digital SLR is minimal but bridge cameras are more portable, cost less and have a greater zoom ability. Thus a bridge camera may better suit outdoor daytime activities, except when seeking professional-quality photos.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Martin |first=Jonny |date=2023-02-13 |title=Which type of digital camera should you choose? |url=https://www.which.co.uk/reviews/digital-cameras/article/which-type-of-digital-camera-should-you-choose-a6X9r1o3K8Nr |access-date=2024-07-13 |website=Which? |language=en}}</ref>

=== Mirrorless interchangeable-lens cameras ===

[[File:Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II D81 8378-2.jpg|thumb|Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II introduced 2016]]
[[File:Nikon Z7 D81 2448 (44253991734).jpg|thumb|Nikon Z7 introduced 2018]]
{{Main|Mirrorless interchangeable-lens camera}}

In late 2008, a new type of camera emerged, called a ''[[mirrorless interchangeable-lens camera]]''. It is technically a [[DSLR camera]] that does not require a reflex mirror, a key component of the former. While a typical DSLR has a mirror that reflects light from the lens up to the optical viewfinder, in a mirrorless camera, there is no optical viewfinder. The image sensor is exposed to light at all times, giving the user a digital preview of the image either on the built-in rear LCD screen or an electronic viewfinder (EVF).<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.digitaltrends.com/photography/what-is-a-mirrorless-camera/ |title=What's a mirrorless camera and what makes it different from a DSLR? |author=Gannon Burgnett |publisher=Digital Trends |access-date=February 16, 2019 |archive-date=February 18, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190218222542/https://www.digitaltrends.com/photography/what-is-a-mirrorless-camera/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

These are simpler and more compact than DSLRs due to not having a lens reflex system. MILCs, or mirrorless cameras for short, come with various sensor sizes depending on the brand and manufacturer, these include: a small 1/2.3&nbsp;inch sensor, as is commonly used in bridge cameras such as the original [[Pentax Q]] (more recent Pentax Q versions have a slightly larger 1/1.7&nbsp;inch sensor); a 1-inch sensor; a [[Micro Four Thirds system|Micro Four Thirds]] sensor; an APS-C sensor found in Sony NEX series and [[Sony Alpha|α]] "DSLR-likes", [[Fujifilm X series]], [[Pentax K-01]], and [[Canon EOS M]]; and some, such as the [[Sony α7]], use a full frame (35&nbsp;mm) sensor, with the [[Hasselblad]] X1D being the first medium format mirrorless camera. Some MILCs have a separate electronic viewfinder to compensate the lack of an optical one. In other cameras, the back display is used as the primary viewfinder in the same way as in compact cameras. One disadvantage of mirrorless cameras compared to a typical DSLR is its battery life due to the energy consumption of the electronic viewfinder, but this can be mitigated by a setting inside the camera in some models.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.amateurphotographer.co.uk/latest/opinion/rise-mirrorless-compact-system-cameras-94896 |title=The rise of mirrorless compact system cameras |author=Andy Westlake |date=September 15, 2016 |access-date=October 29, 2016 |archive-date=October 30, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161030001728/http://www.amateurphotographer.co.uk/latest/opinion/rise-mirrorless-compact-system-cameras-94896 |url-status=live }}</ref> Many mirrorless cameras have a hotshoe.

Olympus and Panasonic released many Micro Four Thirds cameras with interchangeable lenses that are fully compatible with each other without any adapter, while others have proprietary mounts. In 2014, Kodak released its first Micro Four Third system camera.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.dpreview.com/previews/kodak-pixpro-s-1/ |title=Kodak Pixpro S-1 First Impressions Review |author=Andy Westlake |access-date=September 30, 2014 |archive-date=October 6, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141006124405/http://www.dpreview.com/previews/kodak-pixpro-s-1/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

{{as of|2014|3}}, mirrorless cameras are fast becoming appealing to both amateurs and professionals alike due to their simplicity, compatibility with some DSLR lenses, and features that match most DSLRs today.<ref name="Engadget-930976">{{cite web|url=https://www.engadget.com/2014/03/13/nikon-1-v3/ |title=Nikon 1 V3 camera unveiled: $1,200, 120fps slow motion, 20fps continuous shooting |work=[[Engadget]] |date=March 13, 2014 |publisher=[[AOL]] |access-date=March 19, 2014 |first=Richard |last=Lawler |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140320035108/http://www.engadget.com/2014/03/13/nikon-1-v3/ |archive-date=March 20, 2014 |url-status=live }}</ref>

=== Modular cameras{{anchor|Smart Lens}} ===
[[File:Sony Alpha ILCE-QX1 APS-C-frame camera with lens.jpeg|thumb|Sony Alpha ILCE-QX1, an example of a modular, lens-style camera, introduced in 2014]]

While most digital cameras with interchangeable lenses feature a lens-mount of some kind, there are also a number of modular cameras, where the shutter and sensor are incorporated into the lens module.

The first such modular camera was the Minolta Dimâge V in 1996, followed by the [[Minolta Dimâge EX 1500]] in 1998 and the [[Minolta MetaFlash 3D 1500]] in 1999. In 2009, Ricoh released the [[Ricoh GXR]] modular camera.

At CES 2013, Sakar International announced the Polaroid iM1836, an 18MP camera with 1"-sensor with interchangeable sensor-lens. An adapter for [[Micro Four Thirds]], Nikon and K-mount lenses was planned to ship with the camera.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://connect.dpreview.com/post/3952862814/polaroid-announces-android-camera-with-interchangeable-lenses |title=Polaroid offers first Android camera with interchangeable lenses |work=Connect |date=January 8, 2013 |access-date=January 30, 2014 |archive-date=February 22, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140222121516/http://connect.dpreview.com/post/3952862814/polaroid-announces-android-camera-with-interchangeable-lenses |url-status=live }}</ref>

There are also a number of add-on camera modules for smartphones, they are called ''lens-style'' cameras (lens camera or smart lens). They contain all the essential components of a digital camera inside a [[DSLR]] lens-shaped module, hence the name, but lack any sort of viewfinder and most controls of a regular camera. Instead, they are connected wirelessly and/or mounted to a smartphone to be used as its display output and operate the camera's various controls.

Lens-style cameras include:
* [[Cyber-shot|Sony Cyber-shot]] QX series "Smart Lens" or "SmartShot" cameras, announced and released in mid 2013 with the Cyber-shot DSC-QX10. In January 2014, a firmware update was announced for the [[DSC-QX10]] and [[DSC-QX100]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.engadget.com/2014/01/31/sony-qx10-qx100-firmware-update/ |title=Sony upgrades smartphone-pairing QX10 and QX100 lens cameras with higher ISO and 1080p video capture |author=Mariella Moon |date=January 31, 2014 |access-date=August 26, 2017 |archive-date=September 9, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170909004932/https://www.engadget.com/2014/01/31/sony-qx10-qx100-firmware-update/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In September 2014, Sony announced the Cyber-shot [[Sony DSC-QX30|DSC-QX30]] as well as the [[Sony ILCE-QX1|Alpha ILCE-QX1]],<ref>{{Cite news|title=Sony introduces QX1 with APS-C sensor and E-mount for smartphones|url=http://www.dpreview.com/articles/1313222874/sony-introduces-qx1-with-aps-c-sensor-and-e-mount-for-smartphones|date=September 3, 2014|access-date=September 6, 2014|archive-date=April 17, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210417123612/https://www.dpreview.com/articles/1313222874/sony-introduces-qx1-with-aps-c-sensor-and-e-mount-for-smartphones|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.photoscala.de/Artikel/Smartphone-Kameramodule-QX1-und-QX30-von-Sony|title=Smartphone-Kameramodule QX1 und QX30 von Sony (aktualisiert)|date=30 November 2001|access-date=6 September 2014|archive-date=4 August 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160804113229/http://photoscala.de/Artikel/Smartphone-Kameramodule-QX1-und-QX30-von-Sony|url-status=live}}</ref> the former an ultrazoom with a built-in 30x optical zoom lens, the latter opting for an interchangeable [[Sony E-mount]] instead of a built-in lens.
* Kodak PixPro smart lens camera series, announced in 2014. These include: the 5X optical zoom SL5, 10X optical zoom SL10, and the 25X optical zoom SL25; all featuring 16MP sensors and 1080p video recording, except for the SL5 which caps at 720p.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gizmag.com/kodak-smart-lens-sl10-sl25/30509/ |title=Kodak smart lens cameras try to take on Sony |author=Simon Crisp |date=January 18, 2014 |access-date=January 30, 2014 |archive-date=October 6, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141006092816/http://www.gizmag.com/kodak-smart-lens-sl10-sl25/30509/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
* [[ViviCam]] IU680 smart lens camera from Sakar-owned brand, [[Vivitar]], announced in 2014.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.dpreview.com/news/2014/01/14/vivitar?ref=title_9 |title=Sakar shows QX-style, Vivitar-branded modular smart camera |date=January 14, 2014 |access-date=June 7, 2017 |archive-date=December 12, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191212231049/http://www.dpreview.com/news/2014/01/14/vivitar?ref=title_9 |url-status=live }}</ref>
* Olympus Air A01 lens camera, announced in 2014 and released in 2015, the lens camera is an open platform with an [[Android (operating system)|Android]] [[operating system]] and can detach into 2 parts (sensor module and lens), just like the Sony QX1, and all compatible [[Micro Four Thirds System|Micro Four Thirds]] lenses can then be attached to the built-in lens mount of the camera's sensor module.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.engadget.com/2015/02/05/olympus-air-lens-camera/ |title=Olympus Air is a lens camera that pairs with your smartphone |author=Edgar Alvarez |date=February 5, 2015 |access-date=August 26, 2017 |archive-date=November 7, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171107003022/https://www.engadget.com/2015/02/05/olympus-air-lens-camera/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://petapixel.com/2014/12/15/olympus-showing-off-new-lens-camera-prototypes-rounded-design/ |title=Olympus Showing Off New 'Lens Camera' Prototypes with a Rounded Design |author=Michael Zhang |date=15 December 2014 |access-date=February 9, 2015 |archive-date=6 February 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150206213434/http://petapixel.com/2014/12/15/olympus-showing-off-new-lens-camera-prototypes-rounded-design/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

=== Digital single-lens reflex cameras (DSLR) ===
{{Unreferenced section|date=December 2019}}[[File:Olympus E-30-Cutmodel.jpg|thumb|Cutaway of an [[Olympus E-30]] DSLR]]
{{Main|Digital single-lens reflex camera}}

Digital [[single-lens reflex camera]]s (DSLR) is a camera with a digital sensor that utilizes a reflex mirror to split or direct light into the viewfinder to produce an image.<ref name=":02">{{Cite book|last=Freeman|first=Michael|title=The DSLR field guide: the essential handbook to getting the most from your camera|publisher=Burlington, Mass. : Focal Press|year=2011|isbn=978-0-240-81720-0|pages=3–15}}</ref> The reflex mirror finds the image by blocking light to the camera's sensor and then reflecting it into the camera's pentaprism which allows it to be seen through the viewfinder.<ref name=":02"/> When the shutter release is fully pressed the reflex mirror pulls out horizontally below the pentaprism briefly darkening the viewfinder and then opening up the sensor for exposure which creates the photo.<ref name=":02"/> The digital image is produced by the sensor which is an array of photoreceptors on a microchip capable of recording light values. Many modern DSLRs offer the ability for "live view" or the framing of the subject emitted from the sensor onto a digital screen, and many have a hotshoe.

The sensor also known as a '''full-frame sensor''' is much larger than the other types, typically 18mm to 36mm on the diagonal (crop factor 2, 1.6, or 1).<ref name=":02"/> The larger sensor permits more light to be received by each pixel; this, combined with the relatively large lenses provides superior low-light performance. For the same field of view and the same aperture, a larger sensor gives shallower focus. DSLRs can equip [[interchangeable lens]]es for versatility by removing it from the lens mount of the camera, typically a silver ring on the front side of DSLRs.<ref>{{Cite web|title=[Lesson 2] Knowing the Different Parts of the Camera|url=https://snapshot.canon-asia.com/article/en/lesson-2-knowing-the-different-parts-of-the-camera|access-date=2021-11-01|website=SNAPSHOT - Canon Singapore Pte. Ltd.|language=en|archive-date=2021-11-01|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211101061204/https://snapshot.canon-asia.com/article/en/lesson-2-knowing-the-different-parts-of-the-camera|url-status=live}}</ref> These lenses work in tandem with the mechanics of the DSLR to adjust aperture and focus. Autofocus is accomplished using sensors in the mirror box and on most modern lenses can be activated from the lens itself which will trigger upon shutter release.<ref name=":02" />

=== Digital Still Cameras (DSC) ===
{{Unreferenced section|date=December 2019}}

Digital Still Camera (DSC), such as the Sony DSC cameras, is a type of camera that does not use a reflex mirror. DSCs are like [[point-and-shoot camera]]s and are the most common type of cameras, due to their comfortable price and its quality.{{Citation needed|date=September 2022}}

Here are a list of DSCs: [[List of Sony Cyber-shot cameras]]

=== Fixed-mirror DSLT cameras ===
{{Unreferenced section|date=December 2019}}
Cameras with fixed semi-transparent mirrors, also known as DSLT cameras, such as the [[Sony SLT camera]]s, are single-lens without a moving reflex mirror as in a conventional DSLR. A semi-transparent mirror transmits some of the light to the image sensor and reflects some of the light along the path to an autofocus sensor.  The total amount of light is not changed, just some of the light travels one path and some of it travels the other. The consequences are that DSLT cameras should shoot a half stop differently from DSLR. One advantage of using a DSLT camera is the blind moments a DSLR user experiences while the reflecting mirror is moved to send the light to the sensor instead of the viewfinder.  These "blackouts" do not exist for DSLT cameras since they use an EVF (electronic viewfinder). Since there is no time at which light is not traveling along both paths, DSLT cameras get the benefit of continuous [[auto-focus]] tracking. This is especially beneficial for burst-mode shooting in low-light conditions and also for tracking when taking video.{{citation needed|date=March 2014}}

=== Digital rangefinders ===
{{Unreferenced section|date=December 2019}}{{Main|Rangefinder camera#Digital rangefinder}}

A rangefinder is a device to measure subject distance, with the intent to adjust the focus of a camera's objective lens accordingly ([[open-loop controller]]). The rangefinder and lens focusing mechanism may or may not be coupled. In common parlance, the term "rangefinder camera" is interpreted very narrowly to denote manual-focus cameras with a visually-read out optical rangefinder based on [[parallax]]. Most digital cameras achieve focus through analysis of the image captured by the objective lens and distance estimation, if it is provided at all, is only a byproduct of the focusing process ([[closed-loop controller]]).<ref>{{Cite book|last=Wing|first=Michael|title=Comparing Digital Range Finders for Forestry Applications|publisher=2004}}</ref>

=== Line-scan camera systems ===
{{main|line-scan camera}}
{{Unreferenced section|date=December 2019}}
[[File:Strip photo of San Francisco Cable Car 10.jpg|thumb|A San Francisco cable car, imaged using an [https://www.alkeria.com/ Alkeria] [https://www.alkeria.com/products/necta-series Necta] N4K2-7C line scan camera with a shutter speed of 250 microseconds, or 4000 frames per second.]]
A line-scan camera traditionally has a single row of [[pixel sensor]]s, instead of a matrix of them. The lines are continuously fed to a computer that joins them to each other and makes an image.<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=tppFDwAAQBAJ|title=Machine Vision Algorithms and Applications|author=Steger|first=Carsten|author2=Markus Ulrich|author3=Christian Wiedemann|date=2018|publisher=[[Wiley-VCH]]|edition=2nd|isbn=978-3-527-41365-2|location=Weinheim|page=41|access-date=2021-04-19|archive-date=2023-03-15|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230315180825/https://books.google.com/books?id=tppFDwAAQBAJ|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal | title = A Camera Model for Line-Scan Cameras with Telecentric Lenses | author = Carsten Steger, Markus Ulrich | journal = International Journal of Computer Vision | volume = 129 | pages = 80–99 | date = 2021 | doi = 10.1007/s11263-020-01358-3 | doi-access = free }}</ref> This is most commonly done by connecting the camera output to a [[frame grabber]] which resides in a [[PCI slot]] of an industrial computer. The frame grabber acts to buffer the image and sometimes provide some processing before delivering to the computer software for processing. Industrial processes often require height and width measurements performed by digital line-scan systems.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Boyes |first1=Walt |title=Instrumentation reference book. |date=2 December 2002 |publisher=Butterworth-Heinemann-Elsevier Science |isbn=0-08-047853-0 |page=891 |edition=3rd. |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=sarHIbCVOUAC |access-date=31 January 2020}}</ref>

Multiple rows of sensors may be used to make colored images, or to increase sensitivity by TDI ([[time delay and integration]]).

Many industrial applications require a wide field of view. Traditionally maintaining consistent light over large [[Plane (mathematics)|2D]] areas is quite difficult. With a line scan camera all that is necessary is to provide even illumination across the "line" currently being viewed by the camera. This makes sharp pictures of objects that pass the camera at high speed.

Such cameras are also commonly used to make [[photo finish]]es, to determine the winner when multiple competitors cross the finishing line at nearly the same time. They can also be used as industrial instruments for analyzing fast processes.

Line-scan cameras are also extensively used in imaging from [[satellite]]s (see [[push broom scanner]]). In this case the row of sensors is perpendicular to the direction of satellite motion. Line-scan cameras are widely used in scanners. In this case, the camera moves horizontally.

{{further|Rotating line camera|Strip photography}}

=== Superzoom cameras ===
{{Unreferenced section|date=December 2019}}
{{See also|Superzoom#Large sensor superzoom cameras|l1=List of superzoom cameras}}
Digital [[superzoom]] cameras are digital cameras that can zoom in very far. These superzoom cameras are suitable for people who have [[Near-sightedness|nearsightedness]].

The HX series is a series containing Sony's superzoom cameras like [[Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX20V|HX20V]], [[Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX90V|HX90V]] and the newest HX99. HX stands for HyperXoom.

=== [[Light-field camera]] ===
This type of digital camera captures information about the light field emanating from a scene; that is, the intensity of light in a scene, and also the direction that the light rays are traveling in space. This contrasts with a conventional digital camera, which records only light intensity.

=== [[Event camera]] ===
Instead of measuring the intensity of light over some predetermined time interval (the exposure time), event cameras detect when the intensity of light changes by some threshold for each pixel independently, usually with microsecond precision.