Are digital cameras considered input or output devices?

Digital cameras are classified as input devices because they capture and convert images or videos into digital data that can be processed and stored on a computer or another digital medium. The primary function of a digital camera is to take photographs, which entails sensing and collecting light that reflects off objects. This data is then digitally encoded and can later be transferred for editing, storage, or display.

By capturing visual information, digital cameras serve as a means for users to input images into various digital systems, such as computers or mobile devices, where further processing or manipulation can take place.

In contrast, output devices are responsible for presenting data processed by a computer, such as monitors or printers. While digital cameras may play a role in viewing photographs on a screen, their main function lies in the input-centric aspect of capturing images, rather than outputting them. Thus, they are fundamentally categorized as input devices.