The human eye is a marvel of nature, capable of adjusting and adapting to its surroundings. It would seem then, that the human eye and the camera are identical in function. However, this is not entirely true. The human eye and the camera function in two fundamentally different ways. These differences can be summarized as:
Also Read: Diagram of Eye
Here are some of the key differences between the human eye and a physical camera.
| Human Eyes | Camera |
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Focusing on an Image |
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| The human eye has tiny muscles that change shape and focus depending on the object in view. This allows us to focus on moving objects and change the lens thickness according to the image we are viewing. | In contrast, a camera is not capable of such dynamic adjustments. It relies on different types of lenses to focus on objects at various distances. Cameras use mechanical parts to maintain focus on moving objects. |
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Processing Colour |
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| Our eyes have special cells known as photoreceptors, which come in two types – rods and cones. Rods are used for vision in low-light, while cones are used for colour vision. We see different colours when our brain activates various combinations of these cones. | Cameras, on the other hand, use photosites to gather light. These photosites hold the light and convert it into signals that can be interpreted by electronic devices. Cameras also use filters to separate light into its primary colours – red, blue, and green. These colours are then combined to reproduce the full-spectrum image. |
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Blind Spots |
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| Humans have a blind spot in their vision, located where the optic nerve connects to the retina. We usually don't notice this blind spot because our brain uses information from the other eye to fill in the missing part of the image. | Unlike the human eye, cameras do not have a blind spot. |
Also Read: Structure of Eye
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What are the main differences between a human eye and a camera?
The main differences lie in the way they focus on an image and process colour. Human eyes use muscles to change lens shape and focus, while cameras use lenses and mechanical parts. For colour processing, human eyes use photoreceptors, while cameras use photosites and filters.
Do human eyes and cameras have blind spots?
Human eyes have a blind spot at the point where the optic nerve joins the retina. Cameras do not have such blind spots.