Information Communication Technology ICT – 2 Input and output devices | e-Consult

Answer:

Scanner: A scanner captures an image of a physical document or object by shining a light through it and using sensors to convert the light into digital data. It essentially creates a digital representation of the physical world. Scanners are typically connected to a computer via USB.

Camera: A camera captures an image by focusing light onto a sensor (CCD or CMOS). The sensor converts the light into electrical signals, which are then processed to create a digital image. Cameras can be integrated into devices like smartphones, or they can be standalone units.

Comparison:

Image Quality: Cameras generally produce higher quality images than scanners, especially in terms of color accuracy and detail. Scanners can sometimes struggle with curved or textured surfaces.

Ease of Use: Cameras are generally easier to use, requiring minimal setup. Scanners may require software calibration and adjustments to achieve optimal results.

Storage Requirements: Scanned images can be large files, especially at high resolutions. Camera images also require storage, but modern cameras often have built-in storage or can easily transfer to external storage devices.

Appropriate Choices:

• Scanner: Best for digitizing documents, artwork, or photographs. Suitable for archiving physical materials and creating searchable PDFs.
• Camera: Best for capturing images and videos in real-time. Suitable for photography, videography, surveillance, and capturing images for social media.