Difference of photos using film (L) and digital playback (R)
Source: Business Innovation Technology Society, New York Times
The contrast created by the calculated light and dark shadows could digitally display photos.
The Digital Camera
The Charge Coupled Device
Willard S. Boyle and George E. Smith in 1974 after the CCD
Source: The New York Times
The Charge Coupled Device (CCD) was created in 1969. This device measured the intensity of the light hitting it, and the brightness of the light could be calculated respective to each portion of the photograph.
How the CCD works in cameras
Source: Panasonic
Where the CCD is located in a digital camera
Source: Fine Art America
Smith and Boyle pioneered this technology which was used later in 1975 in Sasson's digital camera. The CCD is still the heart of every digital and video camera.