A History of Modern Photography
Post-WWII (late 1940s to 1950s): The end of World War II marked a boom in personal photography. The 35mm format became increasingly popular, led by Leica and Kodak, and other companies began producing their own 35mm cameras. Nikon introduced the Nikon I in 1948, and Canon released the Canon IV in 1951.
SLR Revolution (late 1950s to 1960s): Single-Lens Reflex (“SLR”) camera technology transformed photography. (SLR means, very simply, when you look through the back of the camera you are actually seeing through the lens. This sounds basic and assumed today, but it took over a hundred years to get there.) The first SLR cameras were made in Germany in the 1930’s. The Soviets and even their modern descendants claim they invented the SLR at exactly the same time. World War II stopped camera progress, and post war SLR cameras began to trickle out of Europe (mainly Germany and Italy) from the late 1940’s through to the early 1950’s. The first Japanese SLR camera was the Asahiflex of 1952, a copy of the German Praktiflex. The SLR became the new professional standard with Kodak’s Retina of 1957.
Autofocus and Electronic Innovations (1980s): The 1980s saw the introduction of autofocus technology and increased electronic integration. Canon released the T80 in 1985, its first autofocus SLR, while Nikon introduced the F-501 (N2020) in 1986. In 1987, Canon introduced the EOS system, which featured the new EF lens mount with electronic communication between the lens and camera body.
Compact Film Cameras and the Rise of Camcorders (late 1980s to 1990s): Compact point-and-shoot cameras became popular for casual photographers. Canon, Nikon, and other manufacturers produced 35mm compact cameras. Meanwhile, Panasonic and Sony entered the camcorder market, with Panasonic’s VHS-C camcorders and Sony’s Video8/Hi8 camcorders becoming popular for home video recording.
Digital Photography (late 1990s to present): The digital revolution began in the late 1990s with the introduction of affordable consumer digital cameras. Nikon launched the Coolpix series, while Canon introduced the PowerShot line. Sony released the Cyber-shot series, and Panasonic entered the market with the Lumix line.
DSLR Era (2000s): Digital Single-Lens Reflex (DSLR) cameras emerged as the successors to film SLRs. Canon released the EOS D30 in 2000, and Nikon followed with the D1 series. Both companies continued to develop their DSLR lineups, with Canon focusing on the EOS series and Nikon on the D series.
Mirrorless Cameras (late 2000s to present): Mirrorless cameras have gained popularity due to their compact size and advanced features. Panasonic and Sony were early adopters of this technology, with the Panasonic Lumix G1 in 2008 and the Sony NEX series in 2010. Canon and Nikon entered the mirrorless market later, with Canon’s EOS M system in 2012 and Nikon’s 1 series in 2011, followed by the Z series in 2018.
Smartphone Photography: The widespread adoption of smartphones with built-in cameras has greatly impacted the digital photography landscape. The introduction of the iPhone (2007) and subsequent smartphone models has led to significant improvements in mobile camera technology, making it easier for users to capture high-quality images and share them instantly.
Computational Photography: In recent years, computational photography techniques have been increasingly integrated into digital cameras and smartphones. These technologies use software algorithms to enhance image quality and unlock new capabilities, such as HDR (High Dynamic Range) imaging, computational bokeh (“fake shallow focus”), and advanced noise reduction.
“Post War” 1940’s to 1950’s
In the post-World War II era (late 1940s to 1950s), photography experienced significant advancements and growth, both in personal and professional contexts. Several key developments and trends marked this period:
The rise of the 35mm format: The 35mm film format, which had been introduced by Leica in the 1920s, gained wider popularity in the post-war era. Cameras using 35mm film became increasingly common due to their compact size, ease of use, and high-quality images. Well-known 35mm cameras from this period include the Leica M3 (1954), Nikon S2 (1954), and Canon IVSB (1952).
Introduction of SLR cameras: Single-lens reflex (SLR) cameras emerged as a major innovation in the mid to late 1950’s, offering photographers the ability to see the exact image they would capture through the viewfinder (“SLR” means you are actually looking through the lens). This innovation eliminated the parallax error often encountered with rangefinder cameras. Kodak led the world by offering American consumers the Retina Reflex in 1957. With a built-in exposure meter and user friendly exposure controls, the German built Kodak Retina with Schneider optics was nearly a decade ahead of the international competitors.
Color photography: Although color photography existed before World War II, it became more accessible and widespread during the late 1940s and 1950s. Kodak introduced Kodachrome film in 1935, and Agfacolor Neu was introduced in Germany in 1936. In the post-war era, these color films gained popularity among both amateur and professional photographers, with improved versions being released, such as Ektachrome by Kodak in 1946.
Medium format cameras: Medium format cameras, which used larger film sizes like 120 or 220 film, continued to be popular among professional photographers due to their higher image quality and resolution. Notable medium format cameras from this era include the Rolleiflex TLR (Twin Lens Reflex) cameras and the Hasselblad 1600F (1948), which was the first in a long line of successful medium format cameras from the Swedish company.
Instant photography: In 1947, Dr. Edwin Land introduced the Polaroid Land Model 95. This groundbreaking invention allowed photographers to develop their photos within minutes of taking them, revolutionizing photography and making it more accessible to a wider audience.
Photojournalism: The post-war era saw a surge in photojournalism as photographers documented the aftermath of the war and captured significant events and social changes. Publications like LIFE and LOOK magazine featured the work of prominent photojournalists, such as Robert Capa, Henri Cartier-Bresson, and Margaret Bourke-White.
Rise of the photographic industry: As photography became more popular, companies like Kodak, Agfa, Ilford, and Fujifilm expanded their product lines, offering various films, papers, and chemicals catering to different needs and preferences of photographers.
The SLR revolution of the late 1950’s to 1960’s :
Pentax Asahi: The Asahi Optical Company (now Pentax) released the Pentax (AP), a 35mm SLR camera that offered several innovative features, including a right-handed rapid-wind thumb lever, a microprism focusing aid, and a film rewind crank. The Pentax series significantly contributed to the popularization of SLR cameras.
Kodak Retina Reflex: Kodak offered American consumers the Retina Reflex in 1957. The Reflex featured a built in exposure meter, user-friendly exposure controls, and Schneider interchangeable optics. Built by Kodak’s factory in Germany (“Kodak AG”), the Reflex was nearly a decade ahead of its international competitors.
Nikon F: In 1959, Nikon introduced the Nikon F, a professional-grade 35mm SLR camera with a modular design, interchangeable viewfinders, and a wide range of high-quality lenses. The Nikon F became the standard camera for many professional photographers, particularly photojournalists, and remained in production until 1973.
Canon Canonflex: In 1959, Canon released the Canonflex, their first SLR camera. Although not as successful as the Nikon F, it marked the beginning of Canon’s entry into the SLR market. In 1964, Canon introduced the Canon FX, the first in their successful FL/FD mount series, which featured a breech-lock mount and improved features over the earlier Canonflex models.
Praktica: East German company Pentacon introduced the Praktica IV in 1959, an affordable and reliable 35mm SLR camera with an M42 screw mount. The Praktica series became popular among amateur photographers due to its low cost and wide range of compatible lenses from various manufacturers.
Minolta SR-2: In 1958, Minolta entered the SLR market with the SR-2, which used the popular M42 lens mount. Minolta later developed its own proprietary bayonet mount, the SR mount, in 1962, starting with the Minolta SR-7.
Development of TTL metering: During the 1960s, SLR cameras began incorporating Through-The-Lens (TTL) metering, which provided more accurate exposure readings by measuring light through the camera’s lens. The first camera to feature TTL metering was the Topcon RE Super, introduced in 1962.
Autofocus technology: Although autofocus technology would not become mainstream until the 1980s, the seeds of its development were sown during the 1960s. In 1960, Kodak engineer Jim Maxey created an experimental SLR camera with a rudimentary autofocus system.
The 1980’s — Autofocus:
Autofocus cameras: The first mass-market autofocus SLR camera, the Polaroid SX-70 Sonar OneStep, was introduced in 1978. In 1981, the Pentax ME-F became the first 35mm SLR camera with a built-in autofocus system. However, it was the introduction of the Minolta Maxxum 7000 (also known as Minolta Alpha 7000 or Dynax 7000) in 1985 that truly popularized autofocus technology in SLR cameras. The Maxxum 7000 featured an integrated motor in the camera body, which allowed autofocus lenses to be smaller and lighter.
Canon EOS system: In 1987, Canon introduced the EOS (Electro-Optical System) series, which revolutionized camera-lens communication through the introduction of an entirely electronic lens mount. The first model, the Canon EOS 650, utilized the new EF (Electro-Focus) lens mount, which allowed for faster and more accurate autofocus, as well as electronic aperture control.
Nikon F3AF: Nikon introduced the F3AF in 1983, which was a modification of their existing Nikon F3 professional SLR camera. The F3AF was Nikon’s first autofocus camera and featured a small set of dedicated autofocus lenses. However, it was not as successful as the later Nikon F4 (1988), which incorporated an improved autofocus system compatible with a broader range of lenses. The Nikon N2020 (F501), pictured below, represented the launch of the AF line in 1986.
Autofocus point-and-shoot cameras: The 1980s also saw the introduction of autofocus point-and-shoot cameras, making it easier for casual photographers to capture sharp images. Notable examples include the Canon AF35M (1979), the Nikon L35AF (1983), and the Olympus Infinity (1986).
Digital technology: The 1980s marked the beginning of digital imaging, with the introduction of the first commercially available digital cameras. In 1986, the Canon RC-701 was introduced, followed by the Nikon QV-1000C in 1988. These early digital cameras were primarily used by professionals in fields such as journalism and were not yet accessible to the average consumer.
Liquid crystal displays (LCDs): The 1980s saw the incorporation of LCD technology in cameras, providing photographers with an easier way to review and adjust settings. The Canon EOS 650, for example, featured an LCD on the top panel of the camera, displaying essential information such as shutter speed, aperture, and frame count.
The late 1980’s to 1990’s — Compact Cameras and Camcorders:
Advanced Photo System (APS) cameras: In 1996, the Advanced Photo System (APS) was introduced as a joint venture between Kodak, Fujifilm, and Canon. APS cameras used a smaller film format than 35mm and featured innovations such as drop-in film loading, three different aspect ratios, and magnetic information exchange (IX) technology for automatic image settings. Notable APS cameras include the Canon IXUS (1996) and Nikon Pronea series (1996). However, APS cameras eventually declined in popularity due to the rise of digital cameras.
Point-and-shoot cameras with zoom lenses: The 1990s saw the introduction of compact point-and-shoot cameras with built-in zoom lenses, providing greater versatility and convenience for casual photographers. Examples include the Canon Sure Shot Zoom XL (1991) and the Nikon Zoom-Touch 500 (1992).
Weather-resistant and rugged cameras: The late 1980s and 1990s saw the development of weather-resistant and rugged cameras designed for outdoor and adventure photography. The Olympus Infinity Twin (1988) was a weather-resistant point-and-shoot camera, while the Nikon Action Touch (1986) was an underwater camera that could be submerged up to 10 feet.
Rise of camcorders: The late 1980s to 1990s marked the rise of camcorders, which combined a video camera and a video recorder in one device. Sony introduced the Video8 format in 1985, followed by the Hi8 format in 1989, offering improved image quality and smaller tape sizes. The first digital camcorders emerged in the mid-1990s, with Sony’s Digital Video (DV) format (1995) and Canon’s GL1 (1999) leading the way.
Professional camcorders: In the professional realm, the late 1980s and 1990s saw the introduction of high-quality camcorders, such as the Sony Betacam SP (1986), which became the industry standard for broadcast television. The Panasonic AG-DVX100 (2002) was a groundbreaking professional camcorder that offered 24 frames per second recording, closely resembling the look of film.
Digital still cameras in camcorders: The 1990s also saw the introduction of digital still cameras integrated into camcorders, allowing users to capture both video and still images. Examples include the Sony MVC-FD5 (1997), which used a 3.5-inch floppy disk to store images, and the Canon Optura (1997), which recorded still images on MiniDV tapes.
The late 1990’s to the present — Film To Digital:
In the mid-to-late 1990s, digital cameras became more accessible to consumers. Notable early models include the Apple QuickTake 100 (1994), Kodak DC25 (1996), and the Nikon Coolpix series (1997). These cameras had low megapixel counts, limited storage, and slow processing speeds compared to modern cameras.
Professional digital cameras began to emerge in the late 1990’s. Kodak led the early development of digital imaging sensors, building the first pro digital cameras. The Nikon D1 (1999) marked Nikon’s entry into the professional digital market. The EOS D30 marked Canon’s entry in May of 2000.
Digital SLR (DSLR) cameras: The early 2000’s saw the introduction of affordable DSLR cameras for consumers and enthusiasts. The Canon EOS 300D (2003) and Nikon D70 (2004) were among the first DSLRs aimed at a broader market.
Full-frame digital cameras: In 2002, the Contax N Digital became the first full-frame digital camera, followed by the Kodak DCS Pro 14n, and Canon EOS-1Ds. Full-frame cameras have sensors equivalent in size to a 35mm film frame, generally resulting in better image quality, especially in low-light conditions.
Mirrorless cameras: In 2008, the first mirrorless interchangeable lens camera, the Panasonic Lumix G1, was introduced. Mirrorless cameras offer many of the benefits of DSLRs but with smaller and lighter bodies. Micro Four Thirds, the Sony Alpha series (2010), Fujifilm X series (2011), and Canon R series (2018) are notable examples of mirrorless camera systems.
Smartphone photography: The widespread adoption of smartphones with built-in cameras has greatly impacted the digital photography landscape. The introduction of the iPhone (2007) and subsequent smartphone models has led to significant improvements in mobile camera technology, making it easier for users to capture high-quality images and share them instantly.
Computational photography: In recent years, computational photography techniques have been increasingly integrated into digital cameras and smartphones. These technologies use software algorithms to enhance image quality and unlock new capabilities, such as HDR (High Dynamic Range) imaging, computational bokeh (“fake shallow focus”), and advanced noise reduction.
2010’s to Present — Still and Video Cameras Begin To Merge
Introduction of video capabilities in DSLRs: The first major step in merging photo and video cameras was the introduction of high-definition (HD) video capabilities in DSLRs. The Nikon D90, released in 2008, was the first DSLR to feature video recording. However, the Canon EOS 5D Mark II, launched the same year, truly revolutionized the industry with its full-frame sensor and ability to record 1080p HD video. These DSLRs offered filmmakers an affordable option for achieving shallow depth of field and cinematic image quality.
Advancements in video features: As DSLRs and mirrorless cameras with video capabilities gained popularity, manufacturers began to include more advanced video features in their camera models. For example, the Panasonic Lumix GH series, starting with the GH1 in 2009, was designed with video production in mind, offering features such as manual exposure controls, high bit rates, and support for different frame rates.
Improved video codecs and color depth: Camera manufacturers started to incorporate higher-quality video codecs and greater color depth in their cameras to cater to professional film production needs. For instance, the Canon EOS-1D C (2012) featured 4K video recording and the ability to record in a high-quality 4:2:2 color space.
Log profiles and color grading: To provide filmmakers with greater flexibility in post-production, camera manufacturers introduced log profiles, which allow for more dynamic range and color grading options. Cameras such as the Sony A7S (2014) and Panasonic GH4 (2014) were among the first to offer these features, making them popular choices for professional film production.
External recording options: To meet the demand for higher quality and more flexible recording options, manufacturers started to support external video recorders through HDMI or SDI outputs. Cameras like the Sony A7S II (2015) and Panasonic GH5 (2017) can output video signals to external recorders, enabling higher bit rates, ProRes or RAW recording, and additional monitoring tools.
Full-frame mirrorless cameras for video: As the mirrorless camera market matured, manufacturers began to release full-frame models with advanced video capabilities. In 2023, the Sony A7s III (2020) is a notable example of a professional still and motion camera that caters to the needs of filmmakers.