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Today, practically everybody uses digital technology to make and store photographic images. Others are made indirectly by scanning existing photographs or transparencies that were made in the old-fashioned way, using film. One doesn't need to buy film or have it processed by a lab. The type of film selected by a photographer certainly affects the sharpness of a photograph, as does the physical size of the film. Almost any mention of slides will bring up one application where digital photography has been quite successful in superceding film, and that is when they are used with presentation software like Microsoft Corp.'s PowerPoint and Apple Corp.'s new Keynote.

The article deals with the technologies being developed for digital still cameras as it competes with video cameras and camera phones. According to the article, the slowing rate of increase in image-sensor resolution brings down camera prices and makes manufacturers come up with additional features to diversify their products. Camera manufacturers are looking towards new technologies, such as lenses that decrease if not eliminate power consumption associated with zoom and focus functions, telescope-derived optics that allows for compact focal length and range, and connectivity options, to gain advantage over competitors.

The article explores the technologies involved in the field of machine-vision systems. A camera, considered as a key element in establishing a machine-vision system's capabilities, sets the level of detail or resolution that a system can distinguish. Frame rate of a camera dictates how quickly the control system can obtain updates, while shutter speed affects how quickly objects can be moving through the field of view. The core of a digital camera is called a charge-coupled device (CCD). Vision-equipped machines are used to inspect products for flaws, identify and sort objects or measure dimensions. INSET: LIGHTING FOR MACHINE VISION.

Discusses key concepts of digital cameras, optics, and associated software to illustrate scientific and economic differences between consumer and scientific digital cameras for the life scientist. Characteristics of consumer digital cameras; Element of an image; Function of the optical coupler.

Presents insights on how an image information solution can help to archive, manage, retrieve, query, report, and communicate information derived from images. Management in the processing of image information; Accumulation of image data; Selection of best digital camera for life science applications.

The article offers information on the rapid progress in the technology. Topics discussed include very first frame grabber Road Runner CL for Camera Link applications; Road Runner could be used in virtually any imaging application requiring a digital camera or data source along with a desktop computer for processing; and advanced Aon-CXP single-link CoaXPress frame grabber.

The article discusses what's important in a fundus camera system and where megapixel rating fits in the mix. It is said that the actual size of the sensor and the quality control involved with the sensor's construction play a part in getting a good image in addition to the megapixel capacity of a camera's light sensor. Experts say that the size of the sensor also plays a part in image quality.

The article focuses on the solution made by Tessera Technologies in lowering imager chip cost and sizes of cell phone and digital cameras. The most modern solution according to Tessera is through separate image capture from image processing by using affordable CMOS (complementary metal oxide semiconductor). The firm also discusses the advantages and disadvantages of using backside illumination in improving image performance.