Imaging input technology

Imaging input technology is at its greatest rate of development ever, with CCD technology improving both in terms of image quality and image economy. The current diversity of imager modalities and application specializations allows for elegant matching of device capability to image subject photographic requirements. Both color and low-light imaging technologies continue to evolve, with ever-increasing resolution and dynamic range. The "order of magnitude" cost decreases that so aptly characterized the computer industry of the 1970s and 1980s is now upon the digital imager industry. Although analog cameras, based on video formats, still prevail, the direct digital camera will emerge as the preferred input device within a decade.