Steven Sasson’s invention of the first digital camera in 1975 revolutionized photography and laid the groundwork for the digital age. His lifelong fascination with electronics and his unwavering determination led him to develop a technology that transformed how we capture and share memories.

Early Life and Education

Sasson’s passion for electronics began in his childhood in Brooklyn, New York. He was an avid tinkerer, building an amateur radio at the age of 13. His interest in technology continued to grow, leading him to attend Brooklyn Technical High School and later Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, where he earned both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in electrical engineering.

Career at Kodak

In 1973, fresh out of graduate school, Sasson joined Eastman Kodak Company as a research engineer. He was assigned to a project that would change the course of his career and the history of photography. His supervisor, Gareth A. Lloyd, tasked him with exploring the potential of a new device called a charge-coupled device (CCD) for electronic imaging.

Sasson took on the challenge and, in December 1975, created the first self-contained digital camera. This groundbreaking invention, about the size of a toaster, captured black-and-white images with a resolution of 0.01 megapixels. Although it was rudimentary by today’s standards, it was a remarkable achievement that demonstrated the feasibility of digital photography.

Beyond the Digital Camera

Sasson continued to work at Kodak for over three decades, contributing to various projects and innovations. He retired in 2009, but his legacy as the inventor of the digital camera lives on. His invention paved the way for countless advancements in digital imaging, from smartphones to professional cameras, and profoundly impacted how we capture and share visual information.

Career Timeline of Steven Sasson

Year	Milestone
1950	Born in Brooklyn, New York
1968	Graduated from Brooklyn Technical High School
1972	Earned a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
1973	Earned a master’s degree in electrical engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
1973	Joined Eastman Kodak Company as a research engineer
1975	Invented the first digital camera
2009	Retired from Eastman Kodak Company
2012	Inducted into the National Inventors Hall of Fame

Legacy

Steven Sasson’s groundbreaking invention of the digital camera marked a turning point in the history of photography. His work paved the way for the digital age, transforming how we capture, store, and share visual information. Sasson’s legacy as a visionary inventor continues to inspire future generations of engineers and innovators.