How does a digital camera convert an image seen by the lens into digital data?

A digital camera converts an image seen by the lens into digital data through the use of a light-sensitive chip or image sensor, commonly known as a CCD (Charge-Coupled Device) or CMOS (Complementary Metal-Oxide Semiconductors) sensor. When light from the scene enters the camera through the lens, it strikes the image sensor, which captures the light and converts it into electrical signals. These signals are then processed and converted into digital data, allowing for the creation of a digital image file.

This method of capturing images is specific to digital cameras and is fundamental to their operation. The accuracy and quality of the captured image depend on the specifications and capabilities of the image sensor, including its resolution, sensitivity to light, and dynamic range. This is distinctly different from other methods, such as using a film strip or light-sensitive paper, which are utilized in traditional film photography. An optical viewfinder, while helpful for composing images, does not play a role in capturing the image data itself; it only allows the photographer to see what the camera sees through the lens without affecting the image data generation.