Certified Professional Photographer (CPP) Practice Exam

A digital camera focuses light onto a what made of silicon?

1. Lens

2. Sensor

3. Shutter

4. Viewfinder

The correct answer is: Sensor

The correct answer is the sensor, which is a critical component of a digital camera. The sensor, typically made of silicon, is responsible for capturing the light that the lens focuses onto it. When light hits the sensor, it generates an electrical signal that is then converted into a digital image. This process is fundamental to digital photography because it directly affects the image quality, including factors such as exposure, color accuracy, and noise levels. The sensor's sensitivity to light and its ability to resolve detail play a significant role in the overall performance of the camera. In contrast, the lens focuses the light onto the sensor, but it is the sensor that actually captures the image. The shutter controls the duration of light exposure on the sensor, and the viewfinder allows the photographer to frame the shot but does not contribute to the capturing of the image itself. Each component serves a unique role, but the sensor's function is essential in the transformation of light into a digital photograph.