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Cameras basically serve to record and preserve the scenes that are viewed through their lenses. The origin of modern-day cameras is said to date back to the 4th century BC, to the time of Aristotle and an invention known as the "Camera Obscura." Later, the invention of silver halide film cameras meant that images could finally be recorded on film, which in turn gave birth to a wide range of camera types. Today's digital cameras provide the same function by recording images as digital information.

Film cameras and digital cameras share the same basic design.
The main difference is that the images passing through the camera's lens are recorded differently?onto film or as digital data.

[ Film Camera ]

[ Digital Camera ]

Starting with single-lens reflex and rangefinder cameras, cameras now include a wide variety of film types and designs.

[ Single-Lens Reflex Cameras ]	Light from an image passes through the lens and is reflected off the mirror or prism into the viewfinder, providing direct confirmation of the subject and scene. Lenses are interchangeable, allowing a wide variety to be used.
[ Rangefinder Cameras ]	As represented by Leica and other Format Cameras popular brands, these cameras are equipped with a rangefinder or distance meter. The camera's lens uses a separate, window-type optical viewfinder for focus adjustments. Lenses are also interchangeable.
[ Compact Cameras ]	The name for a small, lightweight type of camera. Generally speaking, the lens and camera are a single unit which means that the lens cannot be changed.
[ APS Cameras ]	APS, or Advanced Photo System, is the name for a film system used in small cameras. APS film is extremely easy to load and develop.
[ Fixed Lens Cameras ]	Today, these are primarily disposable and low-price compact cameras, although the term includes any simple camera that does not have a focusable lens.
[ Instant Cameras ]	Pictures taken with these cameras will develop by themselves soon after being taken. The Polaroid company's instant cameras are the best known.
[ Medium Format/ Large Format Cameras ]	Negatives from these cameras are larger than those of 35mm film. A variety of types are used, and are usually described by the size of the negative.
[ Digital Cameras ]	These cameras save an image as digital data. The processing and use of this data are becoming increasingly widespread.