Is a Camera a Computer?
Nov 14, 2014 16:15:22 #
This thread started on another post but was off topic so I am reposting it here for continued debate.
Dsmelth wrote:
"The camera USES SOFTWARE TO PRINT!!!! The camera is a computer. <snip>"
JD750 wrote:
"I beg to differ that the camera is a computer. Modern digital cameras utilize a processor in operation but so does your microwave oven. Is your microwave oven a computer? A printer uses a processor. Is a printer a computer? Some of the newer fishing reels utilize a micro-processor. Are those fishing reels computers? No. Neither is a camera a computer. A camera is a device for recording images."
Mikeroetex wrote"
Actually, by definition, a computer is any electronic device that stores or processes data in a binary form based on variable instruction... so actually, yes, that microwave is a computer... just a very limited one with very small storage and no mouse!"
Let the debate continue.....
Dsmelth wrote:
"The camera USES SOFTWARE TO PRINT!!!! The camera is a computer. <snip>"
JD750 wrote:
"I beg to differ that the camera is a computer. Modern digital cameras utilize a processor in operation but so does your microwave oven. Is your microwave oven a computer? A printer uses a processor. Is a printer a computer? Some of the newer fishing reels utilize a micro-processor. Are those fishing reels computers? No. Neither is a camera a computer. A camera is a device for recording images."
Mikeroetex wrote"
Actually, by definition, a computer is any electronic device that stores or processes data in a binary form based on variable instruction... so actually, yes, that microwave is a computer... just a very limited one with very small storage and no mouse!"
Let the debate continue.....
Nov 14, 2014 16:23:01 #
Nov 14, 2014 16:26:47 #
St3v3M wrote:
First, you need to define a computer.
Well that's part of the fun, some will define a computer as a u-wave oven.
Nov 14, 2014 16:30:00 #
I recall from a CS class a hundred years ago, a computer has (1) a means of input (2) a means of output (3) an ALU (4) a means of storing data.
Nov 14, 2014 17:36:47 #
JD750 wrote:
I recall from a CS class a hundred years ago, a computer has (1) a means of input (2) a means of output (3) an ALU (4) a means of storing data.
Agreed, but my CS class taught that because "to compute" means to arrive at a conclusion when presented a set of variables... any electronic device used to "compute" or arrive at a desired or unknown result would be known as a computer. While a processor is a necessary part of a motherboard, a computer could be as simple as loading in punch cards using a binary language and rifling them thru a machine that then printed out a set of equations and answers. (yes, I'm that old)!
Nov 14, 2014 17:45:45 #
JD750 wrote:
This thread started on another post but was off topic so I am reposting it here for continued debate.
Not all cameras are computers.
All DSLR's are computers.
Nov 14, 2014 17:54:46 #
JD750 wrote:
This thread started on another post but was off topic so I am reposting it here for continued debate.
YES. I wonder how many will actually answer the title question of your post? :-)
Nov 14, 2014 17:55:17 #
Apaflo wrote:
Not all cameras are computers.
All DSLR's are computers.
All DSLR's are computers.
Good point.
Nov 14, 2014 20:24:39 #
Nov 14, 2014 21:10:57 #
My Nikon D3200 that I bought five months ago is a computer...in my opinion and I love it. So are my two Canon point-and-shoots that I bought 5-10 years ago.
My Minolta SR-1 that I bought in 1967 is not a computer (and it still takes pictures today). It is totally mechanical, uses no batteries, cranks film like it was meant to. The film exposure is chemical, but depends on mechanics to complete the roll.
All of these make pictures. At some point I actually like to get prints to prove it.
And to answer David Pine, with respect, it does not matter. There are probably some people still making Daguerrotypes. Yay. More power.
My Minolta SR-1 that I bought in 1967 is not a computer (and it still takes pictures today). It is totally mechanical, uses no batteries, cranks film like it was meant to. The film exposure is chemical, but depends on mechanics to complete the roll.
All of these make pictures. At some point I actually like to get prints to prove it.
And to answer David Pine, with respect, it does not matter. There are probably some people still making Daguerrotypes. Yay. More power.
Nov 14, 2014 21:49:35 #
mikeroetex wrote:
Agreed, but my CS class taught that because "... (show quote)
Ha ha me too. The card reader was the means of input. The Printer the means of output.
Nov 14, 2014 22:25:14 #
The Samsung android camera IS a computer. The smartphone camera IS a computer. The camera with it's own operating system is a calculator.
Nov 15, 2014 06:03:27 #
JD750 wrote:
I recall from a CS class a hundred years ago, a computer has (1) a means of input (2) a means of output (3) an ALU (4) a means of storing data.
A computer does not need a means of storing the answer to a calculation. It only needs to resolve an answer through some form of manipulation or programmed input sequence.
An abacus is a form of computer as is a cryptex puzzle device that requires specific parts moved, shifted or aligned, or a sequence to be entered for solution to be achieved or the device opened.
A slide rule is a simple computer. For any device to be classified a computer or computing device, it needs not be complex or electronic. A simple lock is a mechanical computing device requiring a key or code to be unlocked.
With the advent of digital photography, and it's implementation of optical image conversion to digital code, this too can be considered to be a computing device. The formats for storage or conversion and compression of that image can also be considered computing since this implements a mathematical algorithm.
Nov 15, 2014 06:21:08 #
Nov 15, 2014 06:59:00 #
JD750 wrote:
This thread started on another post but was off to... (show quote)
A modern camera, TV, Radio, microwave oven, (heck most new stoves and ovens) are computerized devices. Any device that has a microprocessor installed for command and/or control is, in essence, a type of computer.
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