The familiar “click” sound when taking a photo comes from **traditional film and DSLR cameras**, where it was a true mechanical sound. The shutter—a curtain or blade—opens and closes rapidly to expose light to the film or sensor, while in SLRs/DSLRs, a mirror moves up and down, producing this characteristic sound.
Many modern **mirrorless cameras** have mechanical shutters for accuracy (e.g., flash sync), which produce a slight clicking sound, although electronic shutters allow silent shooting.
**Smartphones** use a silent electronic shutter (the sensor readout controls the exposure), so the click sound is artificial—added through software. The reasons for this are:
– **Audio Feedback** — Confirms capture, especially if the screen is covered.
– **Skeuomorphism** — Mimics familiar mechanical cameras for a smoother experience.
– **Psychological satisfaction** — provides reassurance, like a keyboard click.
This volume is required under **privacy laws** in **Japan** (industry self-regulation to prevent voyeurism since the early 2000s) and **South Korea** (government guidelines requiring audible volume). In phones sold there, it cannot be turned off completely, even in silent mode—it is often region-locked via SIM or GPS.
Elsewhere, users can mute it through Settings or silent mode. This sound is a mixture of physics (mechanical age), technology (digital imitation), and culture (norms of privacy).
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