A manual camera is a device that captures an image by focusing light on a photo-sensitive material. Manual cameras are generally portable and may be reused (unlike a disposable camera), but use film (unlike a digital camera). Manual cameras range in size and cost, depending on its specific capabilities. While manual cameras are considered outdated technology, they are still widely used today. However, manual cameras are usually reserved for professional photography, crime scene investigations, and similar industry-specific applications.

How Manual Cameras Work
Unlike digital cameras that convert light into pixel values, manual cameras capture images by flashing light on an object and focusing the returning beams of light through a lens. The beams of light are then focused onto a film that is covered in a photo sensitive emulsion to produce a negative or black and white copy of the image. The emulsion is then washed away and the image is exposed to ultraviolet light in order to transfer the negative image onto a separate film. The second film is then coated with a curing chemical to produce a permanent copy of the image.

Applications
Like other types of cameras, manual cameras have many uses. Manual cameras record personal or public events, although mostly digital cameras are now used for this application. Manual cameras can also be used in crime scene investigations in order to produce permanent images of a crime scene that cannot be manipulated by digital photo editing software. Also, professional photographers often use manual cameras to produce a higher quality image than digital cameras.

Advantages
Manual cameras reload film and replaceable AA batteries power them, allowing manual cameras to last much longer than disposable cameras. Manual cameras also record true colors rather than pixel values, ultimately allowing them to produce better pictures than digital cameras.

Disadvantages
Manual cameras have film that must be developed in order to obtain an actual picture. Manual cameras tend to be bulkier and heavier than digital or disposable cameras. Additionally, manual cameras cannot save digital copies of an image or allow the user to edit them.