AbstractThe “first look” phase of planetary imaging has been completed, with many spectacular discoveries made by a wide variety of cameras and spacecraft. Now that planetary scientists have a better idea about what is out there, new cameras can be developed to address specific questions in greater depth. Ideally, these cameras would be fully optimized to carry out their scientific objectives. In reality, however, the numerous constraints and severe environments of a planetary spacecraft often influence the camera design as strongly as the science. New developments in optics, detectors, microcomputers, and structural materials have greatly expanded the capabilities that can be built into a small, lightweight, low‐power instrument, and further progress is expected in the coming decade. The new camera designs will be used on a variety of flyby, orbiter, lander, and rover missions now in preparation by NASA and other space agencies throughout the world.