2. INPUT DEVICES

2.1. IMAGING DEVICES

Imaging input Devices are devices that input images such as still photos, motion pictures, graphics, video, etc. into the computer for processing. Common Imaging devices include:

  • Image scanner
  • Digital Camera
  • Digital video (DV) camera
  • Camcorder
  • Webcam

1. IMAGE SCANNER

A scanner is a light-sensing input device that converts hardcopy documents, drawings, or pictures to an electronic version (softcopy), which can then be stored on a disk. The electronic version of scanned material is in the form of rows and columns of dots called a bitmap. Each dot on a bitmap consists of one or more bits of data. Common types of scanners include:

  • Flatbed scanner
  • Pen or handheld scanner
  • Sheet bed scanner
  • Drum scanner.

2. WEBCAM

A Webcam also called a PC video camera, is a type of digital video camera that usually sits on top of the monitor. Some laptop computers have built-in Webcams. Webcams enable users to;  

  • capture video and still images,
  • send e-mail messages with video attachments 
  • add live images to instant messages,
  • broadcast live images over the Internet, and
  • make video telephone calls.

3. DIGITAL CAMERA

A digital camera allows users to take pictures and store the photographed images digitally instead of storing them on a traditional film. When you take pictures, the images are electronically stored in the camera. Later, you transfer a copy of the stored pictures to your computer or printer by connecting a cable between the digital camera and your computer.

4. DIGITAL VIDEO (DV) CAMERA

A digital video (DV) camera, by contrast, records video as digital signals instead of analog signals. To transfer recorded images to the computer hard disk, users connect DV cameras directly to a port on the system unit. After saving the video on a storage medium, you can play it or edit it and burn it to a DVD using software programs on the computer.

5. CAMCORDER

This is a lightweight easily portable video camera that records data in digital form onto a storage device such as a hard disk or a videotape.