1. Basic Camera Function
The camera converts an optical image into electrical signals that are reconverted by a television receiver into visible screen images.

2. To do this, the camera needs:
Lens
Camera body
Viewfinder

3. The Basics A typical analog camcorder contains two basic parts:
A camera section, consisting of a CCD, lens and motors to handle the zoom, focus and aperture
A VCR section, in which a typical TV VCR is shrunk down to fit in a much smaller space.

4. The Basics
The camera component's function is to receive visual information and interpret it as an electronic video signal.
The VCR component is exactly like the VCR connected to your television: It receives an electronic video signal and records it on video tape as magnetic patterns

6. LENS
Selects portion of scene at which you point the camera & produces a sharp optical image of it.

7. Camera
Camera contains a beam splitter (imaging device) which converts optical image from lens into electrical signals.

8. Viewfinder
Reconverts electrical signals into video pictures of the lens generated scene.

9. Light is reflected off object
Camera Function
Light is reflected off object

10. Camera Function
Light is gathered & transmitted by lens to imaging device (beam splitter)

11. Beam splitter splits white light into red, green & blue light beams.
Camera Function
Beam splitter splits white light into red, green & blue light beams.

12. 

13. Camera Function
Beams are transformed by CCD’s (charge coupled devices) into electrical energy.

14. Camera Function
Electrical energy is amplified, processed & reconverted into video pictures by the viewfinder.