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Explore the hidden technical foundations of digital photography through a hands-on media archaeology project that dismantles the black box nature of modern cameras. Learn how to reverse engineer a Canon EOS 5D Mark II DSLR camera by extracting and analyzing its image sensor, understanding the semiconductor technology that converts light into electrical signals. Discover the interface protocols and technical specifications needed to build custom camera apparatus around commercial image sensors, gaining unprecedented control over the photographic process. Examine the political and creative implications of automated imaging systems while developing practical skills in hardware hacking and sensor interfacing. Understand how image sensors function as the material basis of digital photography and why opening these black boxes enables greater artistic freedom and technical discussion. Gain insights into building custom digital imagers for research, artistic, and hobbyist applications, moving beyond the limitations imposed by commercial camera manufacturers who hide critical image-making decisions from users.
