The electrical component used for detecting light levels in digital cameras is the photodiode (implemented in the pixels of the image sensor, such as a CMOS or CCD sensor).

Core idea

  • Digital cameras use an image sensor (typically CMOS or CCD) made of millions of tiny photosites. Each photosite contains a light-sensitive photodiode that converts incoming light into an electrical signal proportional to the light intensity.
  • These photodiodes are a specific type of photodetector designed to sense light and turn it into electrical charge, which is then read out and processed into the digital image.

Why not LDR or others?

  • In simple electronic light/dark circuits (like automatic night lights), a light-dependent resistor (LDR) may be used to detect light levels.
  • In digital cameras, however, precise, fast, and small light detection is required, so integrated semiconductor photodiodes inside the sensor are used instead of LDRs or bulkier light sensors.

Final answer for the question “which electrical component is used for detecting light levels in digital cameras?”:photodiode.

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