Skip to main content

Illuminating photography: From camera obscura to camera phone - Eva Timothy

463,094 Views

32,931 Questions Answered

TEDEd Animation

Let’s Begin…

The origins of the cameras we use today were invented in the 19th century. Or were they? A millenia before, Arab scientist Alhazen was using the camera obscura to duplicate images, with Leonardo da Vinci following suit 500 years later and major innovations beginning in the 19th century. Eva Timothy tracks the trajectory from the most rudimentary cameras to the ubiquity of them today.

About TED-Ed Animations

TED-Ed Animations feature the words and ideas of educators brought to life by professional animators. Are you an educator or animator interested in creating a TED-Ed Animation? Nominate yourself here »

Meet The Creators

  • Director Andy London
  • Educator Eva Timothy
  • Narrator Eva Timothy

More from Inventions that Shape History