This book explains, in an accessible way, how digital cameras work. Aimed at amateur and professional photographers and using only high-school-level science, it explains each step of the process and each key component of the camera, from the camera operator's visual system through to image processing and editing. Along the way, the author clarifies common misconceptions and offers reader-friendly explanations of tricky concepts that are often glossed over. This is the first book to offer an authoritative yet highly readable explanation of modern digital photography that is accessible to those without a deep technical background—learning how your camera works will help you get the most out of it. The book includes chapters on both AI and mobile phone cameras and looks at developments expected over the next decade.

David Wisely received his first camera at 13. He shot a wedding at 19 and always wanted to be a photographer. After studying physics at Southampton University, he completed a master’s in Modern and Applied Optics at Reading University. He then worked at BT’s research laboratories on fibre optics and had a long career in mobile communications at BT and, later, at Surrey University. During this time, he published 3 books, 100 papers, and 20 patents, and earned doctorates from both King’s College and Surrey University. Finally, after decades as a keen amateur photographer, he can dedicate his time to photographic projects.