A photo finish occurs in a sporting race when multiple
competitors cross the finishing line at nearly the same time. As
the naked eye may not be able to discriminate between which of
the competitors crossed the line first, a photo or video taken
at the finish line may be used for a more accurate check. Finish
line photos are still used in nearly every modern racing sport.
Although some sports use electronic equipment to track the
racers during a race, a photo is considered the most important
evidence in selecting the winner. They are especially important
during close races, but they are also used to assign official
times to each competitor during any race. Method of capture
Photo finish cameras were developed during the 1940s and 1950s
as a means of regulating the racing industry and to reduce
cheating. Betting on races became increasingly popular during
the middle decades of the twentieth century. Authorities were
therefore concerned to improve the probity of racing which was
widely regarded as corrupt. Typi