noun
- Plural of photofinisher; businesses or services that develop, print, and process photographic film and digital images.
- Devices or systems used in sports (especially horse racing and track events) to determine the winner of a very close race by analyzing a photograph taken at the finish line.
Usage: Common in the era of film photography; less common since the rise of digital photography and online image sharing.
Usage: Also called 'photo finish' systems; used when competitors cross the finish line simultaneously or nearly so.
Examples
- Before digital cameras became widespread, most people relied on local photofinishers to develop their vacation photos.
- The photofinishers at the mall offered one-hour printing services for film rolls.
- The race officials consulted the photofinishers' images to determine which runner had crossed the line first.
- Modern photofinishers use high-speed cameras and computer analysis to settle disputed finishes.
- Several photofinishers in the downtown area have closed as fewer people use film photography.
- The Olympic Games employ advanced photofinishers to ensure fair results in sprint events.