Say Cheese! It's National Camera Day!
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Now we're living in an Instagram world (of course I use Instagram on my iPhone!), but Amanda wonders, on this National Camera Day, about the history of that little picture-taking device, the camera. Yes, before there were iPhones and Instagram apps, there were actual cameras, folks! Lights, action, camera!
Point. Click. Repeat. Ever find yourself, snap, snap, snapping pictures that you almost get lost in the moments of photography?Sometimes it's the moment that you see a good shot. Sometimes it's the candid picture of friends laughing. Sometimes it's the beautiful butterfly that pauses just long enough for you to get it on camera. So what's the history behind that little device we use so often? Let's find out!
I must admit that when I set out to research and write about the camera, I didn’t realize how many events there were before cameras became what they are today. So instead of going into the nitty gritty of the evolution, since a lot of the terms go way over my head, I thought I’d pull out some key events that piqued my interest.
1826 - Joseph Nicéphore Niépce took the first permanent photograph.
1861 - James Maxwell produces the first color photograph.
1888 - Kodak begins selling the first mass marketed camera.
1913 - Kinemacolor gives natural color to movies.
1927 - General Electric invents the first modern flash bulb.
1932 - Disney comes out with their first full-color Technicolor film.
1959 - AGFA introduces the first fully automatic camera.
1963 - Polaroid introduces instant color film.
1975 - Steven Sasson invents the first digital camera.
1994 - The first digital cameras for consumers are on the market.
2008 - Polaroid discontinues instant film.
2010 - Polaroid re-introduces instant film.
It’s amazing how far technology has come in almost 200 years. But I also find it a little sad that most people don’t use film anymore. We’re living in a digital world, which is great because of the advancement. Out with the old, in with the new! What was most surprising to you about the progress of the camera? Let me know in the comments below!
