People used various tools and materials to take photos throughout history: early photography began with the camera obscura and light-sensitive substances like silver nitrate, which could capture but not permanently fix images. The first permanent photographs were made in the 1820s using bitumen-coated metal plates, followed by silver-coated copper plates and calotype (paper negatives) processes in the 1830s and 1840s. Later advancements included glass plate negatives, roll film, and eventually digital sensors, making photography more accessible. Now in the past decade or 2 we have transitioned from DSLR cameras to Mirrorless (both digital)
Camera Obscura
Cameras used to look like this: