External communication interface for a digital camera

A system for capturing, storing, and transmitting images, comprising:

• a camera, including:
• a lens;
• a light sensor for receiving light which has passed through the lens;
• a memory for storing images corresponding to the light received by the light sensor;
• a plurality of electrical contacts for communicating electrical signals;
• and
• a receiving mechanism,
• a communication interface, including:
• a housing;
• a mechanical connector, attached to the housing, which detachably connects the housing to the electronic camera using the receiving mechanism;
• a plurality of electrical connectors which communicate electrical signals between the communication interface and the electrical contacts of the electronic camera;
• an electrical interface which communicates electrical signals between the communication interface and the electronic device;
• and
• circuitry, connected between the plurality of electrical connectors and the electrical interface, which changes a level of signals communicating between the electronic camera and the electronic device,
• wherein;
• the electronic camera includes a microprocessor which operates using signals having a low level of approximately zero volts and a high level greater than zero volts and less than or equal to approximately five volts;
• and
• the circuitry which changes the level of signals converts signals having the low level from the electronic camera to a signal between approximately -15 volts and -5 volts, and converts signals from the electronic camera having the high level to a signal between approximately +5 and +15 volts.

A communication interface for use between an electronic camera and an electronic device, the electronic device being separate from the electronic camera, comprising:

• a housing means;
• a mechanical connection means, attached to the housing, for detachably connecting the housing to the electronic camera;
• an electrical connection means for communicating electrical signals between the communication interface and the electronic camera;
• an electrical interface means for communicating electrical signals between the communication interface and the electronic device;
• and
• circuitry means, connected between the electrical connection means and the electrical interface means for changing a level of signals communicating between the electronic camera and the electronic device,
• wherein;
• the electronic camera includes a microprocessor which operates using signals having a low level of approximately zero volts and a high level greater than zero volts and less than or equal to approximately five volts;
• and
• the circuitry means for changing the level of signals converts signals having the low level from the electronic camera to a signal between approximately -15 volts and -5 volts, and converts signals from the electronic camera having the high level to a signal between approximately +5 and +15 volts.