A pinhole camera is a simple type of camera that uses a small hole instead of a lens to capture images. Light passes through the tiny opening and projects an inverted image of the outside scene onto a surface inside the camera, such as film or photographic paper. This design allows for a basic understanding of how cameras work without the complexity of lenses. Pinhole cameras can be made from various materials, including cardboard or metal, and are often used in educational settings to demonstrate the principles of optics and photography. They are known for producing soft images with a wide depth of field, making them unique compared to traditional cameras.