The Digital Camera
Film Photography
In the mid-19th century, film photography was mainly reserved for experts, and the equipment was bulky. George Eastman, founder of Eastman Kodak, invented the Kodak Camera in 1888 to make photography more accessible.
The Kodak Camera
Source: Eastman Museum
Ad for the Kodak Camera approximately in 1890 for around $25
Source: Duke University
"You press the button, we do the rest."
- The Kodak Camera's Slogan
Millions used it for personal documentation which started the integration of photography in everyday lives.
Kodak's Brownie Camera
Source: PhotoBlog
Ad for the Brownie at only $1, December 1900
Source: PBS
The Brownie Camera pictured above was similar to the original Kodak Camera, but sold at a cheaper price of $1 - compared to the $25 of the Kodak Camera - for the children's market. The reduction in price greatly increased the number of cameras sold, thus increasing the number of users.
"This original Kodak Camera, introduced by George Eastman, placed the power of photography in the hands of anyone who could press a button."
- The National Museum of American History