You knew it was going to happen one day didn't you? Somebody was going to invent a cellular phone that takes pictures too. Well, the Japanese company Sharp produced the first model in November, 2000. It works just the way it sounds. It's a mobile phone that has the capability of taking digital photo images that you can save to a memory card and download to a computer. Some models will also allow you to instantly email your photos to somebody else.
The cameras use image sensors with low power consumption. The resolution of the photos differ with various models. Videophones are also available which can record and transmit videos. Camera phones are becoming so popular that 60 percent of mobile phones in Japan have cameras in them.
These phones have good points and bad points. They are often used by voyeurs and for spying purposes, but they are also useful tools for journalists, businesses and for preventing crime. Because of the security risk they possess, some places have banned camera and video phones or have made them emit a loud noise while they are in use.
Camera phones generally range in price from about $200 to $500.
