The Eye & the Camera (Oxford AQA IGCSE Physics)

Revision Note

Ann Howell

Written by: Ann Howell

Reviewed by: Caroline Carroll

The Eye & The Camera

  • In your exam, you may be asked to compare the function of the human eye and a charge-coupled device (CCD) camera

  • A CCD camera (digital camera) uses a convex lens that focuses light onto a screen to form an image

    • The image can be viewed on the camera screen or transferred to a computer and printed

  • An older model of camera uses a convex lens to focus light onto a photographic plate in the back of the machine this is called a photographic film camera

    • The film can be "developed" using chemicals in a dark room and the photos formed on the film

A CCD camera

A CCD camera also known as a digital camera for IGCSE & GCSE Revision notes
A CCD camera produces an image on a screen which can be sent to a computer for easier viewing or printing

A photographic film camera

A photographic film camera for IGCSE & GCSE revision notes
An example of a photographic film camera

Comparing The Eye and The Camera

The Eye

The Camera

Image formed

Real, inverted and diminished (magnification < 1)

Lens type

Variable focus converging lens

Fixed focus converging lens

Focussing adjustment

The ciliary muscles contract and relax changing the thickness of the lens

The lens on the front of the camera can be adjusted to move closer or farther away from the object

Image detection

Light-sensitive cells on the retina detect the light from an image

Sensors in a CCD (digital) camera or the photographic plate in a film camera

Brightness control

The iris controls the diameter of the pupil

The aperture is the hole in the centre of the lens that allows light to pass into the camera. It contains rotating blades that open to let light in when you press the shutter

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Ann Howell

Author: Ann Howell

Expertise: Physics Content Creator

Ann obtained her Maths and Physics degree from the University of Bath before completing her PGCE in Science and Maths teaching. She spent ten years teaching Maths and Physics to wonderful students from all around the world whilst living in China, Ethiopia and Nepal. Now based in beautiful Devon she is thrilled to be creating awesome Physics resources to make Physics more accessible and understandable for all students, no matter their schooling or background.

Caroline Carroll

Author: Caroline Carroll

Expertise: Physics Subject Lead

Caroline graduated from the University of Nottingham with a degree in Chemistry and Molecular Physics. She spent several years working as an Industrial Chemist in the automotive industry before retraining to teach. Caroline has over 12 years of experience teaching GCSE and A-level chemistry and physics. She is passionate about creating high-quality resources to help students achieve their full potential.