TECHNOLOGY: Caught on camera: The art of video recording

A video camera is a device used to capture electronic motion picture. Though initially developed for television broadcasting as early as 1930s, the device is now common in other applications while undergoing massive technological changes. According to the www.amazon.com, an online one-shop centre, video cameras are used primarily in two modes:Live broadcast: Just like its initial purpose, the first characteristic of much early television, is what might be called a live broadcast. The camera feeds real time images directly to a screen for immediate observation. In addition to live television production, such usage is characteristic of security, tactical, and industrial operations. Recordings: Images are recorded to a storage device for archiving or further processing. The storage devices here vary with different storage capacities and technologies. The videotape is traditional for this purpose, but optical disc media, hard disk, and flash memory are all used as well. Evolution of camerasUnlike the early television cameras that required a wheel to be moved, there are modern video cameras with numerous designs and uses depending on the usage. Professional video cameras, such as those used in television or film production. They maybe may be studio-based or mobile because of their size. These cameras normally offer extremely fine manual control for the camera operator with a few automated operations. Camcorders: These combine a camera and a Video Cassette Recording (VCR). These are mobile and are widely used for television production, home movies, electronic news gathering, weddings and similar applications that require simple recording. They are the widely used camera in modern days due to their portability. Closed-circuit television cameras (CCTV) are those usually used for security, surveillance, or monitoring purposes. Like those used in industries or scientific research which environment is normally inaccessible or uncomfortable for humans, the cameras are designed to be small, easily hidden, and able to operate unattended. There are hardened for such hostile environments like radiation, high heat, or toxic chemical exposure. The best example can be the Webcams. Digital cameras. These are perhaps the most used in today’s generation. They convert the signal directly to a digital output. Such cameras are often extremely small and used as webcams or optimised for still-camera use. Sometimes, they can be incorporated directly into computer or communications hardware. Other electronic devices like mobile phones, personal digital assistant (PDAs), and some models of laptop even provide software for installation before usage. eddiemukaaya@yahoo.com